Topic Overview
Experts do not agree on whether adults who don't have symptoms should have a thyroid test. The American Thyroid Association and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommend that testing be considered for those older than age 60.footnote 1 The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force makes no recommendation for or against screening for people who do not have symptoms of thyroid problems. The USPSTF states that there is not enough evidence to support screening.footnote 2
Talk to your doctor about whether testing is right for you.
People who have a family history of medullary
thyroid cancer (MTC) may want to have a
genetic test. Before having the test, it is a good
idea to talk with a
genetic counselor. He or she can help you understand
what your test results may mean.
References
Citations
- Garber JR, et al; American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American Thyroid Association Taskforce on Hypothyroidism in Adults (2012). Clinical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults: Cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association.
Endocrinology Practice, 18(6): 988-1028.
- LeFevre ML (2015). Screening for thyroid dysfunction: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
recommendation statement. Annals of Internal Medicine, published online Mar 24, 2015. DOI: 10.7326/M15-0483. Accessed April 10, 2015.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Current as of:
May 3, 2017
Garber JR, et al; American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American Thyroid Association Taskforce on Hypothyroidism in Adults (2012). Clinical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults: Cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association.
Endocrinology Practice, 18(6): 988-1028.
LeFevre ML (2015). Screening for thyroid dysfunction: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
recommendation statement. Annals of Internal Medicine, published online Mar 24, 2015. DOI: 10.7326/M15-0483. Accessed April 10, 2015.