How often should a healthy person get tested for hyperthyroidism?
Disease description:
Hello, I am going to have a medical check-up recently. I would like to know, how often should a normal person generally get tested for hyperthyroidism?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Chuanjia
The frequency of hyperthyroidism screening for the general population should be determined according to factors such as age and family history. Generally, it is recommended that healthy adults undergo thyroid function tests every 2–3 years, including indicators such as serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3), to facilitate early detection of abnormalities.
For high-risk individuals, the screening frequency should be increased: those with a family history of hyperthyroidism, patients with autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus), individuals experiencing prolonged mental stress or significant emotional fluctuations, and those who have previously received neck radiation therapy are advised to have annual thyroid function tests to detect thyroid dysfunction promptly. Additionally, due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, pregnant women face increased risk of thyroid disorders and should undergo at least 2–3 thyroid function tests during gestation to ensure maternal and fetal health.
Regular hyperthyroidism screening aids in early diagnosis and helps prevent disease progression that could lead to symptoms such as palpitations, weight loss, and exophthalmos (bulging eyes). If symptoms suggestive of hyperthyroidism, such as unexplained palpitations, excessive sweating, or weight loss occur, individuals should seek timely medical evaluation and testing regardless of their scheduled screening cycle, to enable prompt intervention and treatment.
