Other Tests
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Tests for the Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

If you test positive for thyroid antibodies then a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be
made. These antibodies may also be positive in people with Graves’ disease. However 10-20 %
of patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis don’t have high levels of antibodies. If in doubt, an
ultrasound may help confirm the diagnosis. An ultrasound will show inflammation associated
with auto-immune thyroid disease. TPO antibodies are more sensitive than anti-thyroglobulin
antibodies. The antibodies attacking the thyroid gland are as follows;
  • TPOAb          thyroperoxidase antibodies
  • TgAb             anti-thyroglobulin antibodies

Your TSH may be high or normal and your free T4 may be low.


Tests for the Diagnosis of Graves’ Disease

Positive thyroid stimulating antibodies (TSAb) are seen in most people with Graves’ disease.
Alternative names that are used for TSAb are TSH receptor auto-antibodies (TRAb) or thyroid
stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI). Your TSH may be low or undetectable and your thyroid
hormone levels may be raised.


Iodine Deficiency/Excess

Hypothyroidism can also be caused by a lack of dietary iodine. Iodine is the raw material for the
production of thyroid hormone. A urine test can be ordered by the doctor to check your iodine
level. The test result will depend on how much iodine you consumed the day before the test.
However too much iodine can cause an underactive thyroid too! According to research an
excess of iodine can aggravate existing autoimmune disease. You need to avoid both iodine
deficiency and iodine excess.  


Reverse T3

Reverse T3 (an inactive hormone) may increase in the following situations;
  • Chronic stress
  • Chronic dieting and or starvation
  • Chronic illness

High levels of reverse T3 and lower levels of T3 (active thyroid hormone) can cause
hypothyroidism at tissue level (within the cells). Reverse T3 has the ability to block the cell so
the active hormone (T3) cannot enter the cell, resulting in hypothyroidism. This test is not
covered by Medicare.


Silent Thyroiditis and Postpartum Thyroiditis

A radioactive iodine uptake test (RAIU) can help you with the correct diagnosis. A high count is
indicative of Graves’ disease and a low count is indicative of silent thyroiditis or postpartum
thyroiditis. Silent thyroiditis is believed to be a silent and temporary attack on the thyroid gland
by the immune system. Researchers believe that silent thyroiditis is a variation of Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis. It commonly occurs in the postpartum period (within the year after childbirth) and
may be misdiagnosed as postpartum depression.


Tests you can do at home

Taking you Temperature
You can take your temperature first thing in the morning. For women this must be done in the
first half of the menstrual cycle before ovulation, because after ovulation your body
temperature can increase by as much as half a degree. A mercury thermometer is most
accurate. When you first wake up you put the thermometer (place next to your bed) under your
arm pit for 10 minutes. If you start moving around before you take your temperature then you
may not get an accurate reading. The temperature should be between 36.5°C and 36.9°C.
Having temperatures below 36.5°C may indicate that you have an underactive thyroid and this
should be further investigated.

Taking your Pulse
You can take your pulse first thing in the morning before you get up. If your resting pulse is
slow (60-65 beats per minute or lower for example) and you are not taking any medication
which could slow down your heart rate, then this may be indicative that you have an
underactive thyroid.

The Thyroid Neck Check – Self Monitoring
  1. The best way to check for lumps, is to sit in front of the mirror with a glass of water.
  2. Look into the mirror and make sure you can clearly see your neck. Your thyroid gland (a
    butterfly shaped gland) is located just above the collarbone and just below your Adam’s
    apple.
  3. Tip your head back and keep looking at your thyroid gland.
  4. Take a sip of water and swallow. While you swallow the water, focus on the area below
    the Adam’s apple and watch for any lumps, bulges, enlargements or unusual
    appearances. A thyroid nodule is likely to move while you swallow.
  5. If you find anything unusual report it to your doctor right away.

Disclaimer  The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical
advice. The contents must not be relied upon in place of advice and treatment from a qualified medical
practitioner. Thyroid WA Support Group Inc. and the author disclaim any liability whatsoever. Copyright ©
Monique Atkinson 2011

Thyroid WA Support Group Inc.  -  ABN  84 263 220 330