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.
A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test is a blood test that is one of the go-to tests for diagnosing hypothyroidism. Remember, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Thyroid-stimulating hormone is not produced by your thyroidâit's produced by your pituitary gland in your brain.