Importance of Thyroid Test in Diagnosis
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland which is located in the front part of your neck. If it is not working properly, it could cause severe problems in your body. The gland could secretes numerous hormones which can be known as thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are responsible for multiple functions in your body which includes: your body’s metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, weight and energy. Thus, checking the function of gland is essential if some of the symptoms are discovered.
One of the most crucial thyroid tests is a ‘Thyroid Function Test’. There are more than a couple of blood tests to measure thyroid function by measuring the levels of T3, T4 and TSH hormones. If the level of each of these hormones are lower or higher than normal, it indicates a thyroid malfunction (Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism).
What is Hyperthyroidism?
As its name suggest, hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid produces more thyroid hormones than your body normally require and thereby becoming overactive. Hyperthyroidism speeds up your body’s metabolism that can cause insomnia, anxiety, and weight loss, puffiness around the eyes, rapid heartbeat and other symptoms.
What is Hypothyroidism?
In short, your thyroid can’t make enough hormones to function well and thereby becoming underactive. Hypothyroidism slows down your body’s metabolism that can cause fatigue, weight gain, menstrual irregularity, dry and puffy skin and other symtoms.
Importance of thyroid test in diagnosis:
Thyroid tests checks how well your thyroid gland is functioning. If left untreated, it can cause widespread harm like heart disease, kidney problems, fertility issues, skin problems, eye problems, emotional and mental issues, muscle weakness and many more.
Tests may include T3, T4, and TSH.
T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine) Tests: Often, T3 tests helps to diagnose hyperthyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid makes too many thyroid hormone, or to determine the severity of hyperthyroidism. A T4 test measures the amount of T4 hormone in the blood. T4 is produced by the thyroid gland. T4 levels are important because T4 increases numerous enzymes that produces energy for the body. T3 and T4 affects almost all the organs and every cell of your body by regulating the rate at which your body uses calories. This affect weight gain or weight loss which is also called metabolic rate. It may also speed up or slow down your heart rate.
TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone): Thyroid stimulating hormone test is an initial test for measuring TSH level. If TSH level is high, it means hypothyroidism. If TSH is low, it means hyperthyroidism. The TSH hormone is produced by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland to assist regulation of T3 and T4 balance. If T3 and T4 levels in the blood are low, more TSH is set free to produce more T3 and T4 hormones. But, if hormone levels are high, less TSH is set free and the production of the hormones is slowed down.
A thyroid disease is a long life medical condition that you will need to manage constantly. This may include a regular and daily medications. However, people diagnosed with thyroid can lead a usual life without m any restrictions if you continually monitor your treatments and control your hormone level as and by suggested by your healthcare provider. Regular exercising can become a healthy lifestyle and a good fit for you.