hypothyroidism diagnosis and prognosis

Prognosis of hypothyroidism in most cases is good as the symptoms progress slowly and response to treatment is good. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to complications such as myxedema coma, heart failure etc. In children, untreated hypothyroidism can cause mental retardation.

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed based on the signs and symptoms, findings of physical exam and blood tests. Blood tests are done to confirm a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. The two blood tests that are used to diagnose hypothyroidism are TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test and T4 tests.