Digging Deeper to Diagnose Thyroid Issues

Thyroid conditions can often fly under the radar, escaping detection by conventional testing. When the symptoms we're seeing tell us that thyroid issues may be involved, we go deeper. While others diagnose based on one or two lab tests, we base our diagnosis on a more extensive panel of tests and your symptoms.

For example, a traditional lab test may indicate that your thyroid levels are on the low end of normal. Though that may be true, those same levels may have been much higher a few years-or months-ago. When the symptoms indicate thyroid issues, we employ advanced thyroid testing that will detect subclinical problems. We have established our own protocol, and you will not find a more thorough approach in the region.

A root cause
As you can see by the list of possible symptoms, the thyroid is a critical player in the regulation of many body systems. For example, studies have shown that 20% of allergy sufferers have a thyroid condition contributing to the problem.

The thyroid is also the target of Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder and the most common cause of hypothyroidism. An accurate diagnosis here is critical, not only because of the complications caused by low thyroid levels, but because finding one autoimmune disorder means the odds of developing a second are 50%.

As is always the case at Denton Combs, we begin our diagnostic process by listening carefully. Then, we'll look at the total picture, taking into account any factor that could impact the thyroid.

If you suspect that you may be dealing with thyroid issues, but testing and treatment haven't indicated hypothyroidism or satisfactorily treated your symptoms, schedule an appointment with Denton Combs Center for Excellence in Care in Sioux Falls, SD.

Hypothyroidism

Symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Dry skin
  • Headaches
  • Joint/muscle pain (fibromyalgia)
  • Depression/mood swings
  • Cold intolerance/cold extremities
  • Hair loss
  • Miscarriages/infertility
  • Recurrent yeast infections
  • Allergic disorders
  • Hoarseness
  • Brain fog
  • Constipation
  • Recurrent infections
  • Hives

Risk factors for hypothyroidism:

  • Family history of hypothyroid
  • Women
  • Having an autoimmune disorder such as diabetes type 1 or rheumatoid arthritis

Hashimoto / Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Increased sensitivity to cold
  • Constipation
  • Pale, dry skin
  • A puffy face
  • Brittle nails
  • Hair loss
  • Enlargement of the tongue
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness

Fourteen million people in the United States are affected by Hashimoto's. At Denton Combs Center, we check several thyroid labs including thyroid antibodies to determine if you have Hashimoto's.