Thyroid test
If you have thyroid disease and are being treated, thyroid testing is one of the necessary and necessary steps to be done and it is important that this test is accurate. There are many things that can interfere with your test results. Knowing what things might affect your test and what you can do to prevent them from affecting your test is important because your health is the most important thing.
What is the treatment process for thyroid disease?
Your doctor will prescribe you medicines that replace the thyroid hormone that your body does not produce enough in case of hypothyroidism. The purpose of taking this drug, which is a synthetic hormone, is to keep your thyroid functioning within the desired range. To monitor your condition and determine if your medication dosage needs to be adjusted, your doctor will do regular blood tests to check your TSH level. Results may vary from test to test. Slight changes in test results are normal and nothing to worry about, but more significant changes can indicate the need for a dose change. Here’s what you need to know to make sure you get the most accurate results.
What can affect the thyroid test result?
Here are some factors that can affect your thyroid levels:
Testing at different times of the day
According to research, the level of thyroid hormone increases at night and decreases during the day, but these changes may be very small, but you will be tested at different times of the day to check this issue.
Refer to different laboratories
Results may vary from lab to lab, and even if you go to the same lab, your results can vary from test to test. The laboratory may take a reading once and record a certain value and receive a higher or lower value the next time the test is performed.
Changing the brand of the drug
There are different companies that manufacture thyroid hormone and their products are slightly different from each other. Your body can react differently to different brands. To avoid fluctuations in TSH levels, researchers recommend using a brand you know works for you.
Remove pills
It is important to take your thyroid medication as prescribed for your treatment to work best. The main hormone medication you take stays in your blood for a long time and can affect your test results.
Taking the wrong dose
Let’s say you’re supposed to take 700 mcg per week (100 mcg per day), but you forget two pills and end up only taking 500 mcg. Your body will respond to a lower dose. The same is true if you consume too much. Doctors say taking even half an extra pill for a few weeks can affect your thyroid levels.
Irregular consumption
For example, one day you take your pill on an empty stomach and the next day you take it with food. According to research, the best time of day to take thyroid medication is usually when you wake up in the morning and you can take it on an empty stomach. Because food can affect how the hormone is absorbed. But the most important thing is to be consistent and regular and take your medicine at the same time and in the same way every day. If you always take your pill with meals, you may need a higher dose than if you always take it without food.
pregnancy
You should still take your thyroid medication when you become pregnant. In fact, you may even need more because both you and your growing baby need it. Like pregnancy, menopause can affect your hormone levels. Some women need less thyroid medication during menopause.
Taking other medications
Some medications can interfere with your body’s ability to process and absorb thyroid hormone. For example, starting or stopping oral contraceptives can make a difference in the thyroid hormone dose you need. Also, drugs that contain iron or calcium can affect its absorption. Antidepressants, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and corticosteroids can also affect your thyroid levels. So are certain herbs and supplements, so let your doctor know if you add any of these to your daily regimen. For example, biotin supplements can interfere with thyroid function tests by showing falsely low TSH levels. It is recommended that you stop taking biotin at least two days before your thyroid test to avoid misleading results.
Sickness
Doctors say that if you get very sick, your TSH can be suppressed. Being sick can stress your endocrine system, so your doctor may need to review your medications while you’re sick.
Diet change
Certain foods, such as walnuts, soy, and high-fiber foods, can interfere with the absorption of your thyroid medication. Cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale may interfere with thyroid hormone production in iodine-deficient individuals. Cooking these vegetables and limiting consumption can help reduce their effects. Talk to your doctor about your diet and how it affects your thyroid levels.
Important note about thyroid testing
If your doctor decides to adjust your medication dose based on your symptoms and test results, you should be tested every six to eight weeks to make sure you’re getting your thyroid levels where they should be, the researchers say. If you’ve been on a consistent dose for a year or two, testing every six months to a year is fine.
Talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in symptoms. Depending on what your test results show, your medication may need to be adjusted.
References
! https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/healthy-living-with-hypothyroidism/factors-affect-thyroid-levels/
