Thyroid function test, Internal Medicine FAQ

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Understanding the Implications of Thyroid Disorders in Medical Diagnoses

The diagnosis of "thyroid disorders" signifies a range of medical conditions that affect the thyroid gland, which is responsible for regulating metabolism, growth, and development through the production of hormones. These disorders can include hypothyroidism, hyperthyro...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. "Thyroid disorders" were hypothesized based on the symptoms you presented during your initial consultation, which is why a thyroid function test was arranged. If the thyroid function is normal, there will be no diagnosis of hyperthyroi...

[Read More] Understanding the Implications of Thyroid Disorders in Medical Diagnoses


Understanding Thyroid Health: Key Questions and Concerns

Thyroid-related issues Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you some questions. Here are my questions: I recently had a thyroid ultrasound, and the thickness was measured at 1.9 cm on the right and 1.4 cm on the left. I was told that a thickness of 2.0 cm is the limit. (Thyroid fun...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid function is normal, and the ultrasound did not reveal any tumors or nodules. The cough is likely unrelated to the thyroid, and there is currently no need for regular monitoring.

[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Health: Key Questions and Concerns


Thyroid Issues: Dietary Considerations for TPO Antibody Positivity

Thyroid issues, dietary considerations? The free T4, TSH, and T3 levels are within normal ranges, while Anti-Thyroglobulin (Tg) is negative and Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) is positive. This indicates the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis, but thyroid function appears to be nor...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid function is normal, so there is no need to restrict iodine intake; however, it is recommended to monitor thyroid function annually. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Thyroid Issues: Dietary Considerations for TPO Antibody Positivity


Understanding Thyroid Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results

Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello, doctor. Last week, my blood test results came back as follows: Ant-TPO: greater than 600, Ant-Tg: 351.6, Thyroglobulin: 0.34, TSH: 4.18, T4: 0.69. I would like to inquire what these values indicate regarding whether the medication is effectively con...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The normal ranges for thyroid function tests may vary slightly among different testing laboratories, so it is necessary to return to the original healthcare facility to confirm the interpretation.

[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results


Which Specialist to See for Thyroid Disease: Rheumatology or Metabolism?

Thyroid diseases are typically managed by an endocrinologist? Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited the rheumatology department, and the blood test results showed abnormalities in thyroid peroxidase antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) immunoassay,...


Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Thyroid issues can be addressed by an endocrinologist. However, from your message, it is unclear what the underlying cause is. You mentioned seeing an immunologist, but it is also unclear why thyroid function tests were performed. Therefore, it may be difficult to determin...

[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Thyroid Disease: Rheumatology or Metabolism?


Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Causes and Solutions for Men

Abdominal obesity I have been overweight since I was 23, often having a large belly that looks like I am pregnant, but I am a man. I am currently 41 years old, with my highest weight being 114 kg and my lowest being 93 kg, but that was two years ago. Could this be related to meta...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello: If you suspect a metabolic issue, you can have your thyroid function tested at the hospital. In daily life, you can practice the 16:8 intermittent fasting method to help burn fat. If you wish to lose weight through medication, you can seek assistance at a metabolic clinic.

[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Causes and Solutions for Men


Understanding Thyroid Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention

Thyroid issues Hello Doctor, I recently noticed something moving up and down under my Adam's apple when I swallow while looking in the mirror. After some research, I found out that it is the thyroid gland. I have only seen examinations done while tilting the head back. I can...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can visit a hospital to see an endocrinologist for thyroid function tests and a thyroid ultrasound examination to determine if there are any abnormalities.

[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention


Managing Significant Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice?

Please consult the outpatient clinic for significant weight loss evaluation? Hello, doctor. In February of this year, I weighed 116 kg, and I currently weigh 87 kg (I have lost 30 kg over 8 months). My current BMI is 25.9. During my weight loss journey, I have made the following ...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
1. It is better to reduce the BMI to below 24 and the waist circumference to below 90 centimeters. 2. Rapid weight loss may lead to decreased thyroid function.

[Read More] Managing Significant Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice?


Understanding Variations in Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Test Results

Could you please clarify your question regarding thyroid indices? Dear Doctor, I had a thyroid function test at the first medical center, and one of the tests was for Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (Anti-TPO). My result was <1.0, with a reference value of <5.6 IU/mL, ...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello, since this is a question regarding laboratory indices and not within Dr. Lee's area of expertise, your inquiry will be addressed by Dr. Lin Wei-Tang from the Department of Laboratory Medicine. If you have related questions in the future, it is recommended that you con...

[Read More] Understanding Variations in Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Test Results


Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Questions about thyroid nodules? Hello, doctor. Recently, my company conducted a health check and found an abnormal low-density nodule in the right lobe of my thyroid (1.4 cm). I would like to ask, what is a low-density nodule? Is there a high probability of it being malignant? I...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the term "low-density nodule" should be translated as "hypoechoic." This means that on ultrasound, there is a region that reflects sound waves differently, appearing darker. However, based solely on this ultrasound description...

[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options


Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Thyroid issues What is hypothyroidism? I have upper abdominal and chest pain and consulted a gastroenterologist who performed some tests revealing a gastric ulcer and pulmonary infiltration. The blood report indicated low thyroid hormone levels. The doctor keeps saying there are ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a general thyroid function test typically checks three values: TSH, T3, and free T4. Among these, free T4 is the most representative of thyroid function, while the other two values serve as supplementary indicators. However, all three values can fluctuate due to an individ...

[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options


Understanding Thyroid Test Results: Should You Wait or Seek Specialist Care?

Health check issues Hello doctor, I recently had a health check-up and my thyroid function tests showed a T4 (thyroxine) level of 5.14 and a TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) level of <0.005. Is this indicative of hypothyroidism? The physician at the health check-up clinic onl...


Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
It is recommended to first consult with an endocrinologist for an evaluation.

[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Test Results: Should You Wait or Seek Specialist Care?


Understanding Low T4 Levels During Pregnancy: Impacts on Thyroid Health and Fetal Development

At 12 weeks of pregnancy, the T3 levels are normal, but the T4 levels are very low (0.4)? Hello Doctor, prior to the IVF procedure, I had a thyroid function test which showed normal values, but I tested positive for Anti-TPO. I started taking half a tablet of Antithyroid medicati...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the commonly used indices for thyroid function tests are TSH, T3, and T4, with T4 preferably measured as free T4. If TSH is very high and both T3 and free T4 are low, it indicates hypothyroidism. However, your values seem to be one normal and one low, which may not necessa...

[Read More] Understanding Low T4 Levels During Pregnancy: Impacts on Thyroid Health and Fetal Development


Is Your Hunger Before Meals a Sign of Blood Sugar Issues?

Is having frequent hunger pangs related to blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a persistent sensation of muscle hunger, which typically occurs before lunch or dinner. I do not experience symptoms associated with hypoglycemia, such as cold sweats, trembling,...


Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
There are many reasons for feelings of hunger, such as having an overly efficient digestive system, which can lead to rapid gastric emptying and increased hunger. Is your diet balanced across three meals? Consuming overly refined foods that lack fiber, protein, and healthy fats c...

[Read More] Is Your Hunger Before Meals a Sign of Blood Sugar Issues?


Understanding Intermittent Numbness and Weakness in Feet: Causes and Solutions

Intermittent numbness in both feet? Hello Doctor: I am 24 years old and have been working for some time. I have hyperthyroidism, which I have been treating for six months. I have been going to the hospital for follow-ups, and my condition is currently stable and normal. However, ...


Dr. Chen Shunfu Reply:
Based on the brief medical history you provided, it is recommended that hyperthyroidism be managed according to medical advice and that regular follow-ups are conducted. You should first rule out the possibility of having Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis (TPP). Statistics indicate t...

[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Numbness and Weakness in Feet: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Thyroid Function Changes During Pregnancy: Key Concerns

Is there a trend for hypothyroidism to progress to hyperthyroidism? Hello Doctor: I am currently 34 weeks pregnant. At the end of May this year, I had my thyroid function tested at the hospital, and the blood test results were as follows: Free T4: 0.79 (normal range: 0.89-1.76), ...


Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
There are many factors to consider regarding thyroid diseases, and the complexities increase during pregnancy. It is recommended that you schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss this with your attending physician without delay. This is the most timely and effective way to add...

[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function Changes During Pregnancy: Key Concerns


Understanding Thyroid Function Tests: Are Your Levels Normal?

Thyroid issues The thyroid function indices are as follows: T3 0.71, T4 5.60, and TSH 0.7579. Are these values considered normal? I have been advised by nurses and school health staff since childhood to get my thyroid function tested because my neck appears more swollen than aver...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, each laboratory test reagent may produce slightly different values, so these values should be interpreted in conjunction with the normal reference range for that specific reagent. However, they should generally fall within the normal range. Visual inspection alone may not ...

[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function Tests: Are Your Levels Normal?


Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatments, and Dietary Guidelines

Thyroid issues Hello, doctor! Over the past one to two years, my thyroid function tests have been normal. However, six months ago, I started feeling hot all the time, not sensitive to cold, and my heart rate increased from 70-80 to around 100. I also noticed slight swelling in my...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Due to the complex composition of traditional Chinese medicine, it is difficult to generalize whether it will have an effect. 2. Corticosteroids can help with exophthalmos caused by hyperthyroidism, but they are not very effective for neck swelling. 3. If thyroid fu...

[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatments, and Dietary Guidelines


Understanding Hyperthyroidism Treatment: Concerns About Medication Effects

Thyroid medication issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my recent diagnosis. I was referred to an endocrinologist for thyroid function tests due to keratitis. My blood test results showed TSH: 0.011 and Free T4: 1.47 (at the normal borderline), leading the doctor to be...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Amy, thank you for your message. I am not an endocrinologist, so I only have knowledge of some medication side effects and monitoring methods. For more detailed monitoring strategies or when to discontinue medication, it might be helpful to compile your questions and discus...

[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism Treatment: Concerns About Medication Effects


Understanding Thyroid Function in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke

Thyroid-related issues? Hello, Director Hsiao. My mother is 64 years old and experienced a mild stroke in early March 2014. She is currently showing stable and improving recovery. Due to her atrial fibrillation, her attending physician prescribed Dronedarone for treatment, and sh...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Amiodarone is a commonly used medication for the treatment of arrhythmias, and it is quite effective. However, it can affect iodine metabolism, leading to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism; therefore, regular monitoring of thyroid function is necessary. If such conditio...

[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke


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