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Thyroid disorders

Diagnose, manage, and lower the risk of complications for thyroid disorders

An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and up to 60% of them are unaware of their condition.1

Accurate testing from Quest Diagnostics can give you the insights you need to diagnose, treat, monitor, and prevent complications related to every type and etiology of thyroid disease, including Graves’ disease and Hashimoto disease.

Know the signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders

The multiple causes and manifestations of thyroid disorders make it challenging to diagnose thyroid disease and manage its complications. Some of the most common symptoms of thyroid dysfunction can be easily overlooked, or may initially be attributed to other causes.

Symptoms vary according to the type of dysfunction. Certain clinical symptoms and signs or abnormal lab tests are compatible with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism

  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Dry skin
  • Weight gain

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism2

  • Increased heart rate
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Heat intolerance
  • Weight loss

Key facts about Graves’ disease and Hashimoto diseasea

  • Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the US3
  • Hashimoto disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the US4
a These 2 common autoimmune diseases affect the thyroid gland.

Identifying and diagnosing thyroid disorders in patients

Individuals suitable for testing include any patients with a clinical presentation consistent with thyroid disorders as outlined in the list of symptoms above.

Other high-risk individuals suitable for testing include those with3-9

  • A strong family or personal history of thyroid disorders
  • Conditions such as anemia, cardiovascular disease, hypercalcemia, hyperprolactinemia, hyponatremia, osteoporosis, psychiatric disorders, pulmonary hypertension, or autoimmune disease
    • A history of treatments including neck irradiation, Iodine-131 treatment, thyroid surgery, and/or use of certain medications (amiodarone, lithium, interferon-alpha, interleukin-2, or tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors)

Diagnostic algorithm for thyroid disorders

Use these diagnostic algorithms for a step-by-step method to help make a thyroid disorder diagnosis based on patient symptoms and test results.

Testing algorithms for thyroid dysfunction in nonpregnant adults

Laboratory testing for thyroid disorders

Laboratory tests enable detection of both clinical and overt disease.

In patients with subclinical disease, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is either elevated (hypothyroidism) or suppressed (hyperthyroidism) in the presence of normal free thyroxine (T4). Routine treatment may not be necessary for these patients.8


View thyroid test codes

In patients with overt disease, the decision to treat or closely monitor hypo- or hyperthyroidism is made based on clinician experience and risk for complications.

The testing options you need, at your fingertips

Quest offers a comprehensive range of tests and panels for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders, giving you actionable, precise results so you can do more for your patients.
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Guidelines are a simplification provided as a convenience and should not be used as a substitute for the healthcare provider’s professional judgment. The source materials and other information should be consulted when appropriate. For more clinical information on thyroid testing, please visit the Quest Diagnostics Test Directory.

The power of Quest

Count on actionable results to help you do your best for your patients.

Comprehensive thyroid tests
across disease areas

 

Endocrinology interpretation
guides and algorithms

 

Reliable and accurate
result reporting

Medical and scientific
expertise from Quest

References:

  1. American Thyroid Association. Prevalence and impact of thyroid disease. Accessed May 29, 2023. https://www.thyroid.org/media-main/press-room/
  2. Kravets I. Hyperthyroidism: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2016;93(5):363-370
  3. Bahn RS, Burch HB, Cooper DS, et al. Hyperthyroidism and other causes of thyrotoxicosis: management guidelines of the American Thyroid Association and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Endocr Pract. 2011;17(3):456-520. doi:10.4158/EP.17.3.456
  4. Akram S, Elfenbein DM, Chen H, Schneider DF, Sippel RS. Assessing American Thyroid Association Guidelines for total thyroidectomy in Graves’ disease. J Surg Res. 2020;245:64-71. doi:10.1016/j.jss.2019.07.029
  5. DeGroot LJ Graves’ disease and the manifestations of thyrotoxicosis. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al, eds. Endotext [Internet]. MDText.com, Inc.; July 11, 2015.
  6. Hennessey JV, Garber JR, Woeber KA, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology Position Statement on thyroid dysfunction case finding. Endocr Pract. 2016;22(2):262-270. doi:10.4158/EP151038.PS
  7. Dolan K, Finley H, Gasta, M, et al. Managing Hashimoto thyroiditis through personalized care: a case report. Altern Ther Health Med. 2018;24(3):56-61.
  8. LeFevre ML, US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for thyroid dysfunction: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2015;162(9):641-650. doi:10.7326/M15-0483
  9. Chaker L, Razvi S, Bensenor IM, et al. Hypothyroidism. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2022;8(1):30. doi:10.1038/s41572-022-00357-7

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