How do you test for hypothyroidism in Australia?
How do you test for hypothyroidism in Australia?
The Australian Thyroid Foundation recommend diagnosis using biochemical pathology testing (serum TSH, T4, T3 and Thyroid Antibodies). A thyroid ultrasound is essential to determine the structure of the gland and define any physical abnormalities within the gland.
Can I ask my GP for a thyroid test?
A GP may arrange for you to have a blood test to check your thyroid hormone levels. This is known as a thyroid function test. The test checks the levels of: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) – a hormone produced by the pituitary gland (a gland at the base of the brain) which controls the production of thyroid hormones.
What is the target site for TSH?
| Endocrine gland/ source of hormone | Hormone | Target organ or tissue |
|---|---|---|
| Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) | FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) | Ovaries / testes (tubules) |
| LH (luteinizing hormone) | Ovaries / testes (Leydig cells) | |
| GH (growth hormone) | All tissues | |
| TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) | Thyroid gland |
Is TSH covered by Medicare?
Thyroid Tests Covered by Medicare Doctors or health care providers may order a variety of tests to determine the status of a patient’s condition. Below are some thyroid tests Medicare will cover: Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels (TSH) Free thyroxine (fT-4)
What is a normal TSH level in Australia?
TSH testing is the most sensitive means of detecting thyroid dysfunction. Debate surrounding the laboratory reference interval for TSH has largely resolved, and a range of about 0.4–4.0 mU/L is generally accepted.
What does it mean if your TSH is low but your T3 and T4 are normal?
A low TSH with normal free T4 and T3 levels is consistent with subclinical hyperthyroidism. Some patients with nodular goiter and Graves’ disease, particularly early in the disease course, will have predominant elevations in T3 due to increased conversion of T4 to T3 and a disproportionate increase in T3 secretion.
What organs are affected by hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body’s needs. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism in Australia?
Symptoms are varied but can include fatigue, weight gain, heavy periods or sensitivity to the cold. The most common cause of hypothyroidism in Australia is the autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s disease.
How do you test for autoimmune thyroid disease in Australia?
Autoimmune Thyroid Testing in Australia. To test for an autoimmune thyroid condition you need to test thyroid antibodies, but this is not routinely done. Even if someone has a thyroid condition the antibodies are not normally tested as it does not change the doctor’s treatment plan, which is to give Thyroxine.
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed in Australian newborns?
For this reason, all Australian newborns are screened for hypothyroidism with a TSH test using a drop of blood taken from a heel prick. No preparation is usually needed for this test.
Does iodine cause low thyroid in Australia?
While low Iodine can be the cause of low thyroid in Australia, I would not recommend supplementing Iodine until you have a urine test to determine your Iodine levels, and whether you are deficient or not.
