How Thyroid Doctors Diagnose Thyroid Disease that Others Miss
How Thyroid Doctors Use Blood Tests for Diagnosis
The thyroid affects almost every function of the body – from energy, to cognition, to sexual health. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s metabolic rate, influencing all cellular processes. Yet, despite its importance, thyroid dysfunction often goes undiagnosed by many doctors.
Tragically, because of thyroid disease’s wide-ranging symptoms, it is often missed or misdiagnosed by doctors who do not specialize in thyroid disorders. Thyroid disease affects one in five women and one in ten men – yet many people are unaware they have a thyroid problem. Many conventional doctors do not utilize extensive thyroid hormone blood work. But functional medicine doctors like Dr. Hakim in Royal Oak, consider the patient’s “complete picture”, ensuring a thorough evaluation for thyroid disorders through advanced diagnostics including extensive bloodwork.
At Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, functional medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD specializes in diagnosing thyroid disease through comprehensive blood testing. In this article she shares how experienced thyroid doctors use extensive blood testing to accurately identify thyroid disease – so it can be properly and promptly treated.
Symptoms of Hypo (Low) Thyroid
Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, can manifest through a variety of symptoms, many of which can be mistaken for other conditions. This is why skilled thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak believes it is essential to monitor thyroid hormone levels regularly through blood testing.
Common signs of hypothyroidism include weight gain or difficulty losing weight, cold hands and feet, depression, memory issues, low libido, hair loss, and fatigue. Other symptoms may include brittle hair and nails, dry skin, constipation, persistent tiredness, trouble waking up in the morning, and brain fog. These symptoms suggest the need for a thyroid panel to assess if the thyroid gland is not producing adequate hormones.
Early detection and treatment by a knowledgeable thyroid doctor like Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected with hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone blood testing is a crucial step in identifying the existence, as well as the type and underlying cause, of a hypoactive thyroid.
Symptoms of Hyper (High) Thyroid
Conversely, hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can cause symptoms such as rapid weight loss, increased appetite, anxiety, irritability, tremors, heat intolerance, and excessive sweating. Patients may also experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, and muscle weakness.
These symptoms indicate that the thyroid is producing too much hormone, accelerating the body’s metabolism. Many physicians who aren’t specialized thyroid doctors misdiagnose the cause of these varied symptoms. Proper diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent complications associated with hyperthyroidism.
Skilled thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak offers comprehensive thyroid hormone blood testing to identify and treat the underlying cause(s) of a hyperactive thyroid.
The Blood Tests Thyroid Doctors Use
Most conventional doctors only perform basic thyroid function tests, but a specialized thyroid doctor like Dr. Nishath Hakim will order a complete set of blood tests for a comprehensive thyroid evaluation. These include the following.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
This is the most commonly run test to check for thyroid disease. It measures the level of TSH in the blood, which signals the thyroid gland to produce hormones. The optimal range is typically 1.0-2.0 μIU/mL.
Free T3 (FT3)
FT3 is the active thyroid hormone that exerts its effects on the body’s cells, influencing energy production, hormone regulation, and bowel movements. The optimal range is 3.2-4.4 pg/mL.
Free T4 (FT4)
T4 is the predominant hormone produced by the thyroid gland and must be converted to FT3 to be active. If FT4 is normal but FT3 is low, it indicates a conversion issue that might require thyroid hormone supplementation. The optimal range is 1-1.5 ng/dL.
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO antibodies)
TPO antibodies are markers for autoimmune hypothyroidism, also known as Hashimoto’s disease. It is important to distinguish between autoimmune and non-autoimmune hypothyroidism for appropriate treatment. The optimal range is 0 IU/mL.
Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies
This is another marker for autoimmune thyroid disorders, particularly Hashimoto’s disease. The optimal range is 0 IU/mL.
Reverse T3
Reverse T3 acts as a braking system, inhibiting thyroid hormone production. High levels can indicate issues such as toxins, stress, or inflammation, affecting thyroid efficiency. The normal range is 9.2-24.1 ng/dL.
How Thyroid Doctors Treat Thyroid Problems
Treatment for thyroid disorders is highly individualized. Experienced thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak may recommend compounded thyroid hormone replacement, tailored to each patient’s specific needs. This involves customizing the amount of T3 and T4 based on bloodwork results, often using sustained-release formulations for long-acting support throughout the day.
This personalized approach by thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak ensures optimal thyroid hormone levels – which not only alleviates symptoms effectively but also helps reduce the risk of dangerous or even deadly complications of thyroid disease.
Top Thyroid Doctor | Royal Oak
Functional medicine doctors like Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak look at the patient’s health as a whole to find and treat the root cause of disease – rather than simply treating symptoms. This includes accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of thyroid disease through the use of comprehensive blood testing. At Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, skilled thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim, MD offers expert evaluation and management of thyroid conditions, helping patients achieve optimal health and well-being.
If you are suffering from unexplained symptoms, or you suspect thyroid issues, and you want a thorough evaluation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hakim Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak. She will get to the root of your health problems, so you can explore the best treatment options tailored to your needs. Call us today and take the first step to restoring your vitality and well-being now and for decades to come.
