If you have a Thyroid problem there are certain test you will want performed so you can hopefully obtain a proper diagnosis.  For whatever reason, a lot of doctors today either do not know which tests to perform or just don't care enough to request them.

Initially, a Thyroid problem is usually diagnosed with a simple blood test, called a TSH test.  TSH stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.  Many doctors unfortunately use this test as definitive proof of problems associated with Thyroid Disease but that's just not the case.  Although the test usually tells you there is some sort of problem, it does not tell you why or how or much else for that matter.

Most lab ranges for TSH are .40 - 5.5.  Nearly every doctor you visit will tell you that you are fine if your TSH comes back within that range, even at 4 or 5.  I will say form experience quite the opposite is true.  For most individuals to feel their best and for most "normal" healthy individuals, a TSH around .8 - 1.2 is about right.  Anything higher and you can experience symptoms of HypOthyroid.  Anything lower and you could experience HypERthyroid symptoms.  Symptoms of Hypo include dizziness, tired, cold, abnormally low body temperature (mine is almost always 97.2, never 98.6 as it should be).  Symptoms of Hyper, which is the exact opposite of Hypo is heat intolerance, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, tremors, higher-than-normal body temp.  During Hyper periods, my body temp will rise and stay around the 99.4 range instead of the 98.6 degree range where its supposed to be.

If you are fortunate enough to find yourself a good Endo or PCP (Primary Care Physician) that knows how to deal with Thyroid trouble, they will order additional tests based on the initial TSH test.

Without doubt, the Holy Grail of tests for Thyroid Function and to determine what is going on is the following: