Thyroid facts |
Statistics show that well over 1 million Australians are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder. | Women are 10 times more likely to be diagnosed with a thyroid disorder. | 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. |
Thyroid Disorders can be difficult to diagnose, due to many symptoms being like those of other medical conditions. Thyroid symptoms are also insidious and can gradually increase or affect you.
If you have a family history of thyroid disease, thyroid cancer or if other members of your family have any autoimmune diseases, ensure you follow up with testing to ensure any symptoms or change to your thyroid health are not overlooked.
To ensure you receive a correct diagnosis, the Australian Thyroid Foundation recommend diagnosis using the following biochemical pathology serum tests (blood tests):
TSH – Thyroid Stimulating Hormone – a rise in the level of TSH indicates your pituitary gland is trying to stimulate your thyroid to produce more hormone.
T4 – This test indicates the amount of thyroid hormone your thyroid gland is producing. If you have been prescribed Thyroid Replacement Hormone (Levothyroxine), this test would indicate if the amount prescribed is adequate.
T3 - This test indicates how the hormone your thyroid gland is producing is absorbed or how you are absorbing the dose of Levothyroxine you are prescribed.
Thyroid Antibodies – TPO & TGO – This test indicates if you have a genetic predisposition to a thyroid autoimmune disease – either Hashimoto’s Disease – underactive or hypothyroid, or Graves’ Disease – overactive or hyperthyroid.
Thyroid Ultrasound - A thyroid ultrasound is essential to determine the structure of the gland and define any physical abnormalities within the gland. If further testing is required, your treating doctor may order additional screening with radionuclide scans or CT to determine an accurate diagnosis and/or refer you to an Endocrinologist who specialises in thyroid disorders.
Remember not to ignore symptoms or changes and speak to your GP if you are concerned.
If you have any questions or would like information, please email: info@thyroidfoundation.org.au
ATF MEDICATION TRAVEL PACKThe ATF Medication Travel Pack is available to ATF Members at a reduced price! Essential for those traveling overseas, overnight stays, the ATF Travel Pack is designed for transportation and cool storage of Levothyroxine Replacement Hormone, (Oroxine and Eutroxsig). |