Karen - thyroid test

Hi Spunky!

The thyroid tests are done by drawing a sample of blood from your arm. They test to see if your thyroid is making the correct amount of hormones. If the thyroid is overactive or underactive it can cause many problems, some of which can be life-threatening. The underactive thyroid is most common and easily treated with a pill taken daily. I`m most familiar with the pill called Synthroid. It simply replinishes your body with the hormones needed to supplement what your thyroid can`t produce. It`s a rather common problem for women. On the other hand, the overactive thyroid can be a real problem and may require surgery to correct, but I believe there are drugs used to correct that problem too. I urge you to take the test your doctor orders. It should be covered by insurance. The whole thyroid profile I took recently included the thyroid tests called: T-3, T-4 and TSH and the total cost was about $160.00 of which my Blue Cross Blue Shield paid all but 10 percent. Sounds like your GP is wise too. Good Luck, Anaclaire (PS I am a registered nurse so I know a little bit about thyroids.... not a lot, but enough to know what I`ve mentioned here.) Good luck!

Yes, definately get a thyroid test if you suspect anything but, make sure you ask your Dr. for a THYROID ANTIBODY TEST not just a general "T" reading. I found out last year I had thyroid problems and finally someone had the sense to do the right test. Most Dr. will do a general "T" reading because it`s cheaper but, 9 times out of 10 they don`t tell you anything unless you are seeing a Endocrinologist. My "T" reading seemed normal to my GP. When I had the THYROID ANTIBODY test done normal is 0-34, my reading was 971! I have underactive thyroid. Especially if it`s in your family you must look into it. So, many Dr.`s blow it off as "you just need to eat better and exercise more"! Be your own best advocate and fight untill you get someone to listen to you! I went almost four years undiagnost! Both my parents have thyroid disease and left untreated may eventually lead to heart failure. Check out websites on the internet for info on your symptoms and tell your Dr. after you research so, you are better informed and can question them on it. Hair loss and slow growth of hair is one symptom of thyroid disease. I wonder if you had other things going on like irregular periods or other things that tipped your gyn to a test. I am a hairdresser and I had a client lossing her hair and I suggested to asked her Dr. because everything goes thru your skin and hair when there is something internally wrong. Come to find out she had an overactive thyroid and when her levels normalized her hair stopped falling out! DO IT! WHat have you got to lose?