What Can Mess Up Your Thyroid Results?

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that plays a critical role in regulating numerous metabolic processes throughout the body. If this gland produces too much or too little thyroid hormone, it can impact the body’s digestive system, temperature, energy levels and weight.

Unfortunately, thyroid disorders (hypothyroid or hyperthyroid) are very common. If your thyroid is underactive, however, there is treatment to supplement this important gland. Your thyroid medication and dosage will depend on your thyroid test results. And those test results can be quite sensitive to things like what you eat and how you are taking your thyroid medication.

If you physician has ordered a thyroid blood test, you should be aware of what can throw off your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels and make the test inaccurate. After all, a successful treatment and dosage depends on these lab results.

Factors That Impact Thyroid Hormone Levels

You may notice slight variations in your TSH levels depending on the time of day you are getting tested or the lab location. Some patients also find that switching from brands of thyroid medication can also alter the results. Again, these are usually minor.

The most notable factors to be aware of when testing your TSH, however, include the following:

• Biotin
• Antibiotics
• Steroids (injection or oral)

Always tell your physician if you are scheduled for lab work and you’ve been sick or had an antibiotic or taken a form of Biotin in the weeks or days leading up to your TSH labs.

Another major influencer to your TSH levels is how you’ve been taking your medication. If you have skipped a pill or been inconsistent with the time of day you’ve taken your thyroid medication, your TSH can be skewed. Most doctors recommend taking thyroid medication on an empty stomach first thing in the morning and not eating for an hour afterwards.

If you have thyroid disorder and become pregnant or start taking another medication, always consult your doctor and have your TSH levels taken. Many patients find that they need a higher dosage of thyroid medication during pregnancy. Other common prescriptions like birth control and antidepressants can also impact your thyroid treatment plan.

Regulating the thyroid can be tricky, primarily because there are many factors that can easily alter the way the body processes or absorbs thyroid hormone. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing a change in your thyroid symptoms, such as dry skin, fatigue, weight gain or cold intolerance. You will likely be asked to have your thyroid levels drawn. When you do, make sure you keep in mind the many factors that can distort accurate results.

Call Dr. Daniel Benhuri today to schedule your thyroid lab testing and treatment.