As our readers now know, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause digestive health changes. This week, we are sharing about diagnosis and treatment for hypothyroidism. Our office’s Orlando gastroenterologists like to inform readers of solutions to patients problems as we understand it is upsetting finding a diagnosis.

Diagnosis for hypothyroidism:

Once patients understand the method of treatment, they often times feel much better immediately knowing there is something that can be done. Like many other conditions, hypothyroidism can be treated. The hard part is convincing patients to avoid putting off medical attention.

Seeking medical attention for hypothyroidism may seem awkward or embarrassing. In many cases, patients feel uncomfortable going to a doctor for weight gain or fatigue as these two symptoms can be associated with thousands of condiments, including mental health conditions.

Depression can lead to lack of activity and overeating. But if patients have no apparent reason for weight gain and fatigue, do not be embarrassed to make an appointment to discuss this. Moving forward during this worrisome time, our office is still following through with appointments as long as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allows for it.

As of right now, we are seeing patients during the COVID-19 outbreak, but continuing careful sanitation and minimal touching procedures. If you have had shortness of breath, fever, or a cough, be sure to mention this to our office while making an appointment. For those that already have appointments, do not hesitate to call and mention these symptoms.

Blood test for diagnosis:

There is a blood test your doctor can use to diagnose hypothyroidism. The blood tests measure the level of TSH and other times the level of the thyroid hormone called thryoxine, which we spoke of in the previous blog. When the blood test shows a low level of thyroxine and a high level of TSH, this indicates an underactive thyroid.

The pituitary gland produces more TSH in efforts to stimulate the thyroid gland into producing more of the thyroid hormone. Doctors may diagnose thyroid disorders earlier than in the past even before you experience all symptoms. The TSH test is the best screening test, so your doctor is likely to use it first to check the TSH level.

They may follow up with a thyroid test after. This TSH test also plays a large role in managing hypothyroidism. The test results help doctors determine the correct dosage of medication. The dosage will change over time depending on the test results, initially and over time.

Thank you for stopping by. Next time, we are going into the treatment of hypothyroidism. Again, if you are experiencing any changes in bowel movements, urination, or digestive health issues in general, give our office a call.

COVID-19:

We are taking necessary precautions for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Inform our office if you need to cancel an appointment due to any possible COVID-19 symptoms. Stay at least six feet away from others at all times, and avoid going out into public if possible.

Avoid touching your face and anyone coughing. Wash your hands as frequent as possible, eat healthy, and stay positive.

Thank you to all those on the forefront!

Staff Writer