
Thyroid Tests
The thyroid, a small gland located in the lower part of your neck, is vital because it controls many functions in your body. It is this gland that controls body temperature, metabolism, nervous system and the rate of heartbeat. Thyroid tests are done to check if your thyroid is functioning well and if you have issues like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid blood tests include:
- TSH - Done to measure the TSH levels and check for hormonal imbalance
- T4 - Done to measure free T4 (FT4 or FTI) and rule out hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
- T3 - Done to confirm the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and determine its severity
- Thyroid antibody test - done to measure the level of thyroid antibodies to check if your immune system has mistakenly attacked your thyroid gland
Thyroid imaging tests include:
- CT scan
- Ultrasound and
- Nuclear medicine tests like a thyroid scan
- Tests: 10
When is a Thyroid Test Prescribed?
Thyroid tests are prescribed if you observe one or more of the following symptoms:
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A bump in the neck
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Notable weight loss or weight gain even if your lifestyle habits remain the same
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Redness, dryness, itchiness and irritation in the skin
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Brittle hair
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Swelling in the lower neck
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Puffy-looking face
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Changes in mood, depression, anxiety and nervousness
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Difficulty in falling asleep
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Fatigue, tired, weak and worn out feeling
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Feeling too hot or too cold
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Feeling uncomfortable throughout the day
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Missing periods but not pregnant
There are a few people who are at risk of thyroid problems. They are recommended to take thyroid tests. The risk group includes
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Thyroid problems can affect both men and women, but the risk is high if you are a female
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People who are in the age group of 60 years and above
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Individuals with a family history of thyroid problems
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Men, women and children with low-iodine levels or consume low iodine
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People who have autoimmune diseases like lupus wherein their immune system attacks body organs
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Persons who are on medications that contain iodine
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Females who are pregnant or who have recently delivered
The symptoms could be mild, moderate or severe. They should not be ignored, even if they are mild. You need not worry about spending several hours on testing because you get done your thyroid tests at home.
Why is Thyroid Testing Important?
Thyroid health is crucial for good health. It is the thyroid hormones that regulate your body's metabolism. Metabolism is the process by which the food you eat is converted into energy. It has a huge influence on your health, as it regulates body temperature, brain functions and heart rate. When there is a spike or fall in the hormone levels, the body's functioning is affected. Untreated thyroid can cause a lot of health risks like
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Weight loss
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Increased blood pressure
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Infertility
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Anxiety
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Depression
Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid can increase the risk of getting cardiovascular diseases, because low levels of thyroid hormones can increase the level of cholesterol in your blood. It can lead to complications in pregnancy like miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects in the baby, premature birth, anemia in the mother and low-birth weight of the baby. It can also cause goitre, a lump in the throat.
Untreated hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and blood clots. It can cause osteoporosis or the weakening of bones. It can also cause fertility issues.
As thyroid problems are the main cause of several health risks, thyroid testing is important and should never be ignored. You can book your thyroid tests online and save your precious time and money.
How is a Thyroid Test Done?
An elastic band will be tied tightly on your upper arm to make your veins fill with more blood. A technician will insert a needle and draw blood from your arms after locating an appropriate vein. The needle will be removed after sufficient blood is collected. A small bandage will be placed on the wound. It is a non-invasive procedure, and you can carry on with your normal activities right away.
How Long Does It Take To Get The Test Report??
You usually get the report on the same day. The result of the TSH test gives the best insight about the functioning of your thyroid glands. The results of TSH combined with the T3 and T4 tests will give a better understanding of the thyroid function. If your results are not normal, your doctor will prescribe the appropriate medications. If the results are normal but your doctor has doubts, he may recommend thyroid imaging tests to find how your thyroid is working.
Symptoms of thyroid issues are often confused with the impacts of poor diet and lifestyle habits. It is better to have a thyroid test to avoid health risks related to thyroid. Book thyroid tests at home as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you experience sudden weight loss or gain, palpitations, tremors, anxiety and nervousness, or if you notice swelling in the throat, you may have thyroid problems.
Fatigue, constipation, puffy face, weakness, increase or decrease in heart rate and weight loss or weight gain are some of the early signs of thyroid issues.
Mornings are the best time to check thyroid hormones. A study showed that the levels dropped more in the afternoon test than the morning test for both medicated and unmedicated patients.
Fasting is not necessary for a thyroid test. However, you may be advised to fast only if your doctor has recommended other blood tests along with the thyroid test.
There are no special preparations needed before getting a thyroid test done. However, a few medications like chemotherapy drugs, iodine, lithium, etc., can affect the results. So, you should not forget to tell your doctor about the medications you are taking.
Thyroid tests cost may vary from one place to another. Thyroid tests price may be around Rs 500 to Rs 1400 in India.
Sample collection for thyroid tests can be done at home by a lab technician by booking a home visit.