Thyroid Lab Tests 101

Ever have a “fight” with your endocrinologist or primary care doctor trying to order lab work for your thyroid symptoms you are experiencing?  If so, you know that it can be an uphill battle.  Most doctors order the minimal testing for thyroid lab work.  In all fairness, it’s really not their fault.  They are governed by the insurance companies.  Two common thyroid lab tests are TSH and free T4.  Unfortunately, that only gives you a sneak peak into what is really going on.  I like to describe it as looking through a keyhole.

When you look through the keyhole, you are only getting part of the picture.  So when you start to try and figure out what is going on with your thyroid make sure you are being an advocate for yourself by knowing what tests you should be getting.

Thyroid Lab Testing 101

To help you out and save you time, I put together a free PDF that will give you the tests that you should initially have when you suspect a thyroid problem.  Yes, I want the Thyroid PDF.  On another post, I will share with you why blood work often misses the boat when trying to figure out your thyroid symptoms.  However, for now it’s a good place to start.