Lesson 4: Getting Your Diagnosis
Hypothyroidism, as you may have noticed from the previous lesson, is often a difficult condition to diagnosis. This lesson will discuss the steps you may need to take to get a proper diagnosis. By the end of this lesson, you'll understand what T3, T4, TSH and a full thyroid panel are. You'll also have taken a major step in becoming your own best patient advocate.
Introduction to Lesson 4
Now that we know what hypothyroidism is, who is at risk for it, and what its direct and indirect symptoms are, we are ready to discuss how you go from suspecting you or someone you love has hypothyroidism to being diagnosed with it. This process is not always easy.
You may think your case is an ‘open and shut’ one; but, your tests indicate otherwise or your doctor doesn’t feel that there is enough information to warrant further testing. You don’t even know how to proceed.
We’ll get around that hurdle by revisiting what hormones the thyroid produces, namely T3, triiodothyronine, and T4, thyroxine. We’ll also discuss what the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, (TSH) can tell you diagnostically as well as TRH (thyrotrophin-releasing hormone). If that fails, I’ll let you know why you may need a full thyroid panel, an antibody test or a thyroid scan. I’ll also tell you briefly what to expect and what to look for, regarding results.
I’m also going to teach you when to ask for these tests, why you may need them and how to know your rights and benefits so that you feel empowered to take control of your health care management.
A thyroid condition such as hypothyroidism requires lifelong management. It is poorly misunderstood and often goes undetected or misdiagnosed. We’ve seen how thyroid symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. That’s just one problem in getting to a diagnosis.
You may be wondering why getting a diagnosis is important in the first place. One reason is that the thyroid affects virtually every cell and system in the body. I know I’ve mentioned that before, but it bears repeating here. You can feel pretty crummy all over if you have hypothyroidism that is left untreated.
You may also feel as if you are defective in some way or are going crazy. I’ve been there. It’s no fun to feel sick without knowing why. It’s worse to feel sick and not know how to feel better.
As a patient, you have rights and responsibilities. I want to educate you on your role and how you can keep yourself from being one of the statistics of people who don’t feel well and don’t get the treatment they deserve.
The point is that although it’s hard to get a diagnosis of this condition, it can be even harder to get the proper treatment and to feel well while living with this condition. You need to know what to ask for, how to ask for it and be the best patient advocate for yourself that you can be.
I’ll also discuss what kinds of specialists are available to the thyroid patient. We’ll learn a bit about what Thyroidologists and Endocrinologists do so that you can make an educated decision as to when and if you may need their services.
Much of the information in this lesson can benefit anyone dealing with a chronic condition. Maintaining good health and good quality of life with a chronic condition may depend on how you approach your relationship with your doctor and other medical professionals as well as the attitudes you hold about yourself, your health and your rights and responsibilities as a patient. I want you to feel more empowered by the end of this lesson.
I also want to discuss subclinical hypothyroidism, a condition where thyroid function feels low, but appears normal in blood tests. This condition affects millions worldwide and is even harder to diagnose and treat. My hope is that if you or someone you love suspects a thyroid condition, that, by the end of this lesson, you’ll feel knowledgeable to take action. I want y’all to become CEOs of your health care. Let’s get started.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional. The contents in this lesson are meant as suggestions and recommendations. You are urged to discuss your concerns with your doctor, or another medical professional. As you will see, nothing can be of greater help to you than your own intuition and willingness to learn. Thank you.
Now, before we move onto section 2, I would recommend that you read or re-read the following:
Rubin, Alan L. Thyroid for Dummies. Chapters 4, 5 and 15.
Siegal, Sanford. Is Your Thyroid Making You Fat? Chapters 1, 3 and 7.
Shomon, Mary J. Living Well With Hypothyroidism. Chapters 6 & 8.
