Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body's needs. It is caused by insufficient production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones, often due to autoimmune disease, iodine deficiency, or thyroid gland dysfunction. The Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test is the most important test for diagnosis because elevated TSH levels indicate the body is trying to compensate for low thyroid hormone production.
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Hypothyroidism is caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) by the thyroid gland. The most common cause is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Other causes include iodine deficiency, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy to the neck, certain medications like lithium, and pituitary gland problems that affect thyroid-stimulating hormone production. In some cases, people are born with an underactive thyroid gland or no thyroid gland at all, a condition called congenital hypothyroidism.
The Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test is the most important test for hypothyroidism because it detects the earliest changes in thyroid function. When your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, your pituitary gland releases more TSH to try to stimulate hormone production, so elevated TSH levels are the hallmark of hypothyroidism. For a complete evaluation, the Thyroid Profile with TSH is the best comprehensive option because it measures TSH, total T4, T3 uptake, and Free T4 Index together, giving a complete picture of your thyroid function. Your doctor may also order a Free T4 test to measure the actual amount of unbound, active thyroid hormone in your blood, which confirms the diagnosis when TSH is elevated.
You should get tested if you experience persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, unexplained weight gain despite no changes in diet or exercise, feeling unusually cold when others are comfortable, or noticeable thinning hair and dry skin. Other warning signs include constipation, depression or mood changes, brain fog or difficulty concentrating, heavy or irregular menstrual periods, and muscle weakness or joint pain. Testing is especially important if you have a family history of thyroid disease, are pregnant or planning pregnancy, have had thyroid surgery or radiation treatment, or take medications that can affect thyroid function like lithium or amiodarone.
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What this means
Your TSH is slightly elevated, which may indicate your thyroid is working harder than ideal to produce enough thyroid hormone. This can contribute to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, or difficulty concentrating, and may benefit from closer monitoring.
Recommended actions
Ensure adequate iodine intake through seafood, dairy, or iodized salt
Consider selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts, eggs, and sunflower seeds
Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or regular exercise
Retest in 8-12 weeks to monitor trends and track improvements
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