The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck and produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, development, and other important functions. The phrase “thyroid disease” refers to a broad category of medical conditions that prevent your thyroid from producing the appropriate amount of hormones. Thyroid disorders affect millions of Indians every year.
Thyroid disease is categorised into two types: hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). You may experience frequent feelings of fatigue or agitation, or you may lose or gain weight, depending on how much or how little hormone your thyroid produces.
What are the five tests for thyroid?
1. TSH Test
The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level in your blood is determined by a TSH test. It is the pituitary gland that makes TSH. The thyroid gland produces and releases thyroid hormones into the blood as a result. In addition, a high level of thyroid hormone causes hyperthyroidism, which results from the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include anxiety, palpitations, heartburn, insomnia, irritability, tremors, diarrhoea, excessive sweating, and increased appetite.
2. Free T4 Test
Free thyroxine (T4) is the active form of thyroid hormone. A free T4 test measures the amount of free T4 in the blood. If the levels of free T4 are normal, then the patient does not have any problems with their thyroid function. However, if the levels of free T4 are low, then the patient may have an underactive thyroid gland.
3. Total T4 Test
Total T4 tests measure both free T4 and total T4 in the blood serum. When the levels of free T-4 are normal, the levels of total T4 should also be normal. If the levels of total T-4 are low, then the levels of free T -4 are also low. Therefore, the patient may have an overactive thyroid gland.
4. TPO Antibody Test
Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO Ab) is a protein produced by the body’s immune system that attacks the thyroid gland. An elevated level of TPO Ab indicates autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland.
5. Anti-TG Ab Test
Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG Ab) are produced by the body’s own immune system to attack the thyroid gland. An increase in anti-TG Ab levels suggests Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is characterized by inflammation of the thyroid gland, resulting in swelling, tenderness, and enlargement of the gland.
What Are the Causes of the Thyroid Problems?
We have mentioned below the common causes of this disorder,
- Stress – Stress is a major cause of thyroid problems. If you have been under a lot of stress lately, then chances are your thyroid gland is already working overtime to keep you going. When you feel stressed out, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol, both of which are known to suppress the production of thyroid hormones.
- Hormone Imbalance – Another major cause of thyroid problems is hormone imbalance. Many people suffer from low levels of thyroid hormones due to their diet. A lack of iodine in the diet can lead to hypothyroidism, while excessive consumption of sugar can lead to hyperthyroidism.
- Autoimmune Disease – Autoimmune disease is caused by the immune system attacking its own cells. In some cases, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism. Other autoimmune conditions include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, and Addison’s disease.
- Radiation Exposure – Radiation exposure can damage the thyroid gland and cause thyroid cancer. People who live near nuclear power plants or uranium mines are at risk of developing thyroid cancer.
FAQ For Thyroid Test
The best and most accurate test for thyroid is TSH along with T3 and T4. You must check your blood TSH and T3 and T4 value to confirm Thyroid or Not.
TSH and T4 is the common test for Thyroid. TSH test determined the TSH level in blood and the normal TSH level is 0.5 to 5.0 mIU/L. T4 tests measure both free T4 and total T4 in the blood serum and the normal T4 Level is 5.0 to 12.0μg/dL.
The early signs of thyroid problems are Muscle weakness, Fatigue, Increased sensitivity to cold, Constipation, Dry Skin, Weight Gain or loss, Puffy Face etc.
TSH does not provide an accurate picture of how your thyroid is functioning because it is only one small component of the thyroid function puzzle. It doesn’t tell us how well the TSH is used by the body or how well it is converted to its active form.
Final Words
Thyroid problems can cause a wide range of symptoms from fatigue to hair loss. If you suspect you might have thyroid issues, it’s important to get checked out. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, development, and energy levels. When the thyroid isn’t working properly, these functions can become impaired or even completely shut down.
