To diagnose primary hypothyroidism,
many doctors simply measure the amount
of Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
being produced.
High levels of TSH indicate that the
thyroid is not producing sufficient
levels of Thyroid hormone. However,
measuring just TSH fails to diagnose
secondary and tertiary forms of
hypothyroidism, thus leading to a more
comprehensive blood testing if the TSH
is normal and hypothyroidism is still
suspected.
Additionally, the following
measurements may be needed:
• antithyroid
antibodies - for evidence of autoimmune
diseases that may be damaging the
thyroid gland
• serum cholesterol -
which may be elevated in
hypothyroidism
• prolactin - as a
widely available test of pituitary
function
