Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a condition in which the body cannot break down one of the amino acids found in proteins. PKU is considered an amino acid condition because people with PKU cannot break down the amino acid called phenylalanine. If left untreated, PKU can cause brain damage or even death.our baby will need to be on a restricted diet to avoid phenylalanine, a building block of proteins that individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot break down. Phenylalanine is found in all foods that contain protein and also in artificial sweeteners.
In diagnosing hypothyroidism, your doctor will take into account both your symptoms and the results of a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test. In essence, hypothyroidism is the result of diminished levels of thyroid hormonesâknown as T3 and T4.
Talking with your doctor about TSH. A TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test is used to check the level of TSH in your blood. A TSH test is not the only way to evaluate how well youâre doing. The doctor will also ask you if youâre experiencing any hypothyroidism symptoms. Here are some important questions you might want to ask the doctor about TSH.