Thyroid Test (TSH, T3, T4) & Treatment, Walk-In

Tiredness that sleep does not fix, pounds going up or down for no reason, hair loss, feeling cold when everyone else is warm, palpitations or nervousness: very often the answer is in the thyroid. At Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud La Porte we run the thyroid panel in our own lab, with no appointment or doctor's order, and the physician starts or adjusts your treatment in the same clinic, in Spanish or English.

The tests: TSH, T3 and T4

TSH is the hormone the pituitary sends to tell the thyroid to work; it is the most sensitive test and the one we start with. If it is abnormal, we measure free T4 and T3 to confirm the diagnosis and gauge severity. When we suspect an autoimmune cause, we add antibodies (anti-TPO). No fasting is needed for these tests. If you already take levothyroxine, have your blood drawn before that day's dose. Results in 24 to 48 hours.

Hypothyroidism: a slow thyroid

It is the most common problem, especially in women from age 30 on and after pregnancy. High TSH with low T4. Symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, cold intolerance, heavy periods, low mood and trouble concentrating. Treatment is levothyroxine once a day, on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast and apart from calcium, iron and antacids. We repeat TSH 6 to 8 weeks after each adjustment until we reach the right dose, and then once or twice a year. Levothyroxine is available at our pharmacy at a generic price.

Hyperthyroidism: an overactive thyroid

Low TSH with high T4. Symptoms: weight loss while eating the same or more, palpitations, hand tremor, sweating, feeling hot, anxiety, insomnia, diarrhea and sometimes bulging eyes. We start antithyroid medication and, if there are palpitations, a beta-blocker to control them while it takes effect, and coordinate with endocrinology to define the definitive treatment. An electrocardiogram helps assess heart rhythm when there is tachycardia.

Nodules and goiter

If you notice a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing or a wider neck, in addition to lab work we do a thyroid ultrasound to measure the gland and describe the nodules. The vast majority are benign; based on their features we tell you whether they only need monitoring or a biopsy with the specialist.

Thyroid and other situations

• Pregnant or trying: a poorly controlled thyroid affects fertility and the baby's development; we check it as part of the pregnancy workup when there is a history
• High cholesterol that will not come down: hypothyroidism raises cholesterol; we check it together with your lipid panel
• Depression or anxiety: before attributing everything to mood, it is worth ruling out the thyroid
• Family history: if your mother or sisters have thyroid problems, a check every 1 or 2 years makes sense

Thyroid testing in La Porte, no appointment needed

We look forward to seeing you at our medical center, at 9606 Spencer Hwy Ste D, La Porte, TX 77571, on Spencer Hwy, open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM. No health insurance needed; the thyroid panel and visit have a flat price we tell you beforehand. The complete women's checkup promotion for $179 includes the thyroid. We serve patients from La Porte, Deer Park, Pasadena, Shoreacres, Morgan's Point and the greater Houston area.