What abnormal laboratory tests can an underactive thyroid cause?
Because thyroid hormone affects so many of the body’s functions, a large number of blood test results can be abnormally HIGH when the thyroid is underactive, including the following: • CK (Creatine Kinase – a muscle test) • Liver function blood tests including AST (Aspartate aminotransferase); LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase); SGOT; and SGPT • Cholesterol (total cholesterol) • LDL (“bad” cholesterol) • Triglycerides (a type of blood “lipid” or fat) • Calcium (slightly elevated) • Uric acid • Magnesium • Prolactin • And an increase in protein in the urineIt can also cause LOW levels of: • HDL (“good”) cholesterol • Hematocrit/red blood count/hemoglobin (anemia) • Folate • Alkaline phosphatase • Vitamin B12 • Salt (“hyponatremia”)These tests should return to normal after the thyroid condition has been treated.
