Understanding Thyroid Diagnostic Testing
Do you know about 60% of people with thyroid disorders are unaware of their condition!
Excessive fatigue, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, depression, these are some of the telltale symptoms of poorly-functioning thyroid gland. And these are not all the possible symptoms of a malfunctioning thyroid gland. In fact, when there is something wrong with your thyroid gland, there can be many possible symptoms due to the vital role it plays in your body.
Undiagnosed thyroid conditions may put patients at risk for other serious health complications such as heart disease, osteoporosis, infertility, weight gain or loss. Additional common thyroid-associated issues include poor fat digestion, fatigue, constipation, gallstones, diarrhea, and joint pain.
Your body has multiple glands to perform varied bodily functions. The thyroid is one of the vital glands that is located at the front of the neck where it secretes two types of hormones-triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid gland helps your body maintain its metabolic rate & perform numerous other functions, including getting energy from food, growing & going through sexual development.
So how to check thyroid health?
Answer: consider the thyroid profile test at a diagnostic center in Hyderabad, which helps in diagnosing the thyroid health this thyroid blood test at home. Matrix thyroid profile test in Hyderabad is not only very convenient (sample home collection), but it can also measure 4 key markers related to thyroid function, not just one (like some thyroid tests do).
Of course, the question is, “Which markers does the thyroid test measure?” The thyroid test is designed to measure the following four markers found in the blood: free T3, free T4, TSH, and TPOab.
If this series of acronyms left a huge question mark in your head, don’t worry – here’s a breakdown of what these different indicators are (and why you should track them). Let’s check out:
Thyroid tests
A thyroid blood test (also called a thyroid test) is a simple laboratory test to check whether the thyroid gland is functioning normally. In people who have been diagnosed with thyroid problems, the test is used to monitor and manage treatment.
Types of Thyroid blood tests
T4 Test
This can be done in one or both of the following ways: Total T4, which measures the total amount of thyroxine in the blood. This includes the amount of T4 attached to blood proteins that help the hormone move through the bloodstream; and free T4, which measures only the amount of free thyroxine not bound to blood proteins.
T3 Test
This test is used to measure the levels of another major thyroid hormone. Also in this case, it can be of two types: common T3 and free T3.
TSH Test
A TSH-Thyroid Stimulating Hormone test is one of the most significant tools, in a way to tell how well your thyroid gland is working.
If you have any thyroid gland issues, then it prevents the gland from producing enough thyroid hormone, another gland called the pituitary will release more TSH into the blood. If the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, the TSH released by the pituitary gland will decrease, which means that the TSH in the blood will decrease. This means that the body’s immune system will attack the thyroid.
Matrix offers comprehensive diagnostic services in Hyderabad along with thyroid profile testing, full-body health checkup packages in Hyderabad at very affordable prices.
Thyroid Antibodies Test
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the body’s own immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
A test that checks for high antibody levels can help detect this condition. Antibodies are a sign that the immune system is not working properly and is attacking the thyroid gland. Two types of thyroid antibodies are commonly measured: antibodies to thyroglobulin (TgAb) and antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (TPO).
Signs & Diagnosis
- High TSH levels most often means there are low thyroid hormone levels in the blood condition is called underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism
This means that your thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones. As a result, the pituitary gland must produce and release additional TSH into the blood to stimulate the thyroid gland.
- Low levels of TSH generally means you have high thyroid hormone levels in your blood which is called hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid. This means that your thyroid gland is producing an excess of hormones, so the pituitary gland has decreased or stopped producing and secreting TSH into the blood.
- Low T4 levels may mean you have hypothyroidism. High T4 levels might imply you have hyperthyroidism.
- If your T4 levels are normal to low, TSH levels are elevated, and T3 levels are normal, this may indicate early hypothyroidism.
In some cases, high or low T4 levels may not mean you have a thyroid problem, as factors such as pregnancy, certain medications (oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, etc.), serious illness, and others may affect levels. Health problems.
Essentially, these conditions and drugs alter the amount of proteins in the blood that “bind” or bind to T4. Note that your doctor is the best guide for interpreting the results of your thyroid tests and suggesting a diagnosis.
What is Hypothyroidism?
If your thyroid is not active enough, it will produce too little thyroid hormone, which can lead to hypothyroidism. Your body’s metabolic rate drops and energy consumption is slower. Symptoms include fatigue, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin, few or no menstrual periods in women, and slow growth in children.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
If your thyroid is overactive, it releases too much thyroid hormone, which can lead to hyperthyroidism. Your body’s basal metabolic rate is increasing, and your energy consumption is faster than it should be. Symptoms include sweating, tremors, weight loss, diarrhea, irregular bleeding, or (possibly increased bleeding) in women, and heart palpitations.
Why would you need a thyroid test?
It is not uncommon to have thyroid issues and still be unaware of it. It may take some time for symptoms to become noticeable.
Regular examination of the thyroid gland helps to make a diagnosis in time and seek medical attention early. If your family has thyroid disease, it is more important to get proper diagnosis or complete thyroid profile test in Hyderabad. The greater the number of family members suffering from thyroid disease, the greater the likelihood of a person suffering from thyroid disease.
In addition, women of any age are more likely to have low thyroid hormone levels than men. If you are older, it is recommended that you see your doctor to see if your medical history shows you can benefit from thyroid testing.
If you have any symptoms of low or high thyroid levels, talk to your doctor and get tested as recommended. Don’t ignore any health symptoms. Proper treatment can help you fully control thyroid-related symptoms.
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