Which laboratory pattern is common in hypothyroidism?

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Multiple Choice

Which laboratory pattern is common in hypothyroidism?

Explanation:
In hypothyroidism the thyroid can’t produce enough hormone, so the body’s feedback system ramps up TSH to stimulate the thyroid. The typical pattern you’ll see is low free T4 (and often low T3) with a high TSH, reflecting primary thyroid failure with an intact pituitary response trying to compensate. The alternative pattern of low T4/T3 with low TSH would indicate a problem with the pituitary or hypothalamus (central hypothyroidism), which is much less common. Normal T3/T4 and normal TSH means euthyroidism.

In hypothyroidism the thyroid can’t produce enough hormone, so the body’s feedback system ramps up TSH to stimulate the thyroid. The typical pattern you’ll see is low free T4 (and often low T3) with a high TSH, reflecting primary thyroid failure with an intact pituitary response trying to compensate. The alternative pattern of low T4/T3 with low TSH would indicate a problem with the pituitary or hypothalamus (central hypothyroidism), which is much less common. Normal T3/T4 and normal TSH means euthyroidism.

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