if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism your doctor will order blood tests to check hormone levels. these may include: thyroid-stimulating hormone (tsh) t4 (thyroxine) lower-than-normal t4 levels usually mean you have hypothyroidism. however some people may have increased tsh levels while having normal t4 levels. this is called subclinical (mild) hypothyroidism. it is believed to be an early stage of hypothyroidism. if your test results or physical exam of the thyroid are abnormal your doctor may order a thyroid ultrasound or thyroid scan to check for nodules or inflammation.
how is hypothyroidism diagnosed?