Some people check their thyroid every three months “just to be safe”. Others have never checked, even with symptoms. Let me explain who really needs a test and when.
People who should be tested
- Anyone with symptoms: unexplained tiredness, weight change, hair fall, constipation, cold or heat intolerance, palpitations or a swelling in the neck.
- Women planning a pregnancy, or in early pregnancy.
- Women with irregular periods or difficulty conceiving.
- People with a family history of thyroid disease.
- Those with other autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes or vitiligo.
- People who have had neck radiation or thyroid surgery.
- People taking medicines such as amiodarone or lithium.
- People with high cholesterol that does not fall as expected.
Should everyone be screened?
Most guidelines do not recommend testing every healthy adult. But many Indian doctors check TSH in women over 35 and in pregnancy, because thyroid problems are common. You can ask your doctor what is right for you.
How often?
- If you are on thyroid medicine: TSH after 6 to 8 weeks of any dose change, then every 6 to 12 months once stable.
- If you have antibodies but normal TSH: once a year.
- If your first test was normal and you have no new symptoms: no need for repeated testing every few months.
Avoid over-testing
Repeated tests every few weeks can show small natural changes in TSH, which cause anxiety without any need for a change. Illness and some supplements can also change results. Let your doctor decide when to repeat the test.
Before the test
Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements, especially biotin. Take your thyroid tablet after the blood draw on the test day if asked.
If you live in Gopanpally, Gowlidoddi, Nallagandla or Tellapur, or work in the Financial District or Nanakramguda, our clinic in Gachibowli is easy to reach for a thyroid check. Contact us to book a visit.
Keep reading
Your family doctor,
Akhila Reddy
MBBS, DNB (Family Medicine) | TSMC Reg. No. APMC/FMR/74261
AMC Hospital, Gopanpally, Gachibowli, Hyderabad
This article is for general health education and does not replace a check-up. Every person is different, so please speak to your doctor before changing any medicine. In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital.
References
- Garber JR et al. Clinical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults (ATA/AACE). Thyroid 2012;22(12):1200-1235.
- US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for thyroid dysfunction: recommendation statement. JAMA 2015;313(8):809-815.
- Alexander EK et al. 2017 ATA guidelines for thyroid disease during pregnancy and the postpartum. Thyroid 2017;27(3):315-389.