Is there another test besides a blood test to check for thyroid problems?

Answer 1

Nothing good or accurate. You need blood tests, and you need to have them often if you have a thyroid problem.

If you have problems with blood draws, techs can be beaten into submission and trained to do their jobs properly. I have to do things like sit on my left arm so they won't try to get blood out of it. (Blood has never come out of my left arm.) I get out the needle for them so they use the correct one. A normal one won't work on me because it is bigger than my vein. I draw the path my vein takes on my arm.

Answer 2

Yes....Sleep through the night. The test does not work if you get up during the night or go to the bathroom.
When you wake up and are still in bed, take your temperature under the arm for ten minutes. Try to lay still and do not move your arm.
Do this for 3 days in a row. Record the temperatures.
A normal reading would be between 97.8 and 98.2 Fahrenheit. A reading below 97.8 would indicate hypothyroid activity. Above 98.2 would indicate hyperthyroid activity.

Other factors which can influence the thyroid are malnourishment, and thyroid and pituitary exhaustion due to too much caffeine, sugar, alcohol and other stimulants.


Another thyroid test: Test your ankle (Achilles tendon) reflex.

Does your foot bounce when somebody taps the back of your ankle on your Achilles tendon? When you improve your thyroid the Achilles tendon should bounce when tapped on, and this bouncing will become stronger as you strengthen your thyroid function.

For Thyroid health.

Twice a week eat fish or shell fish (if you are not allergic to them), sea weed and/or kelp. Both contain iodine
Take kelp.
Avoid stress and overexertion.
Use a natural Progesterone cream like Prosperin.

Answer 3

Yes, absolutely. However don't expect the typical traditional MD to either be aware of it or to believe it is valid.

A MUCH MORE ACCURATE test for hormones in general, including thyroid hormones is done via the saliva. Blood tests only show hormone levels that are circulating within the bloodstream. Saliva tests (mostly performed by research labs and generally not covered under insurance--they are usually reasonably priced) demonstrate what is actually getting into your cells/tissues.

It's best to find a holistically-oriented MD, naturopathic physician or clinical nutritionist who deals in alternative modalities for this type of testing.

Saliva testing for hormone levels has been in use for approximately 30 years and has helped many people. Often blood levels will fall within the "normal" range and a saliva sample taken concurrently with the blood test will show very different results--results that match the person's physical/emotional symptoms of either hypothyroidism (which is a hidden epidemic in this country) or hyperthyroidism.

When testing for thyroid problems, it is also very beneficial to test the adrenal glands, and possibly, the reproductive hormones--the 3 estrogens, testosterone and progesterone. This gives a more thorough picture of vital, but not complete, endocrine system functioning. The thyroid and adrenal glands (which are tiny glands, sitting on top of each kidney, produce 50 different hormones), act like brother/sister organs--when one is off, it will eventually have an impact on the other.

Below is a good lab for saliva testing. Have your doc call the lab and order the kit (s) for you. It's easy.

In addition, if your thyroid is not functioning correctly, your doc should check your iodine levels. Inadequate iodine levels will prevent the thyroid from performing all of its vital functions correctly. Often, if the thyroid is slightly off, the addition of the correct type of iodine supplementation can correct the problem. Your iodine level can be checked via a 24-hour urine collection test. Info below.

If your doc advises that you require thyroid medication, see if it's possible to get either Nature Thyroid (a glandular) or Armour Thyroid.

Also, T4 gets converted into T3 in the liver. Your liver must be funtioning well to get the most out of this conversion. Again, a nutrionally-oriented physician will understand this.

AND, when you finally get it all together--do regular testing of the gland(s)--perhaps every 3-4 months--this will enable you to keep on top of the situation with any medication or supplementation. Sometimes the dosage may need to be adjusted or you may require a different medication or supplementation--nothing in the body is static. Find a good doc/health care practitioner who really understands this.

Remember to eat very healthy food--organic when possible. Avoid like the plague: sugar, all white flour products, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, all processed foods, caffeine, carbonated beverages, fruit juice and fruit drinks (eat a whole piece of fruit AFTER a meal--to maintain healthy insulin/blood sugar levels). Drink excellent quality spring water/herbal teas. All of this will help your thyroid to recover optimal functioning.

Good luck and best of health to you.

Been there.... 25+ years of using natural health care modalities via superior professional guidance.

Answer 4

Not that I know of...there are various symptoms that might indicate a thyroid disorder, but checking the blood levels is the only diagnostic tool.

Answer 5

None that I know of. Good luck with that. My grandmother died from her thyroid problem. So be sure to get it checked out and keep on your meds!! Did not mean to scare you. Hell I have a thyroid problem and Im still living. :oD