Thyroid blood test helps to determine how effectively your thyroid gland is working. The thyroid is responsible for producing thyroid hormones that impact almost every organ of the body. They regulate many of your body’s vital processes including metabolism, breathing, digestion, heart rate, and even emotions. Your doctor may advise a Thyroid test if you are experiencing symptoms such as irritability, laziness, fatigue, restlessness, or even weight changes that cannot be explained. The Thyroid blood test includes the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and tetraiodothyronine (T4) tests that are done to assess your thyroid hormone levels. The test aids in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases like hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormones) and hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones).
With our complete Thyroid Function test (TFT), you get all three thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, and T4) checked in a single test, so you do not need to book multiple appointments.
TFT test analyses specific hormones in your blood. You may have a thyroid disease if you have an excess or deficiency of these hormones.
TSH: The best way to check the functioning of your thyroid is by checking the TSH levels, which is usually the first test doctors suggest. The pituitary gland in your brain makes TSH, which then tells your thyroid gland to produce the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Persistent variations in TSH levels can act as an early warning system, showing problems before the levels of thyroid hormones in your body become extremely low or extremely high.
T4: T4 is the primary thyroid hormone found in your bloodstream. A total T4 test measures both the bound and free hormone, which can change with levels of the binding protein. Bound T4 is stored in the blood until needed, while free T4 is not attached to proteins and can enter body tissues.
T3 : T3 is another important hormone made by your thyroid. It is created from T4, mainly in the liver. If your doctor suspects hyperthyroidism but your T4 level is normal, a T3 test can help confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes T4 levels are normal while T3 levels are high, so testing both can be useful for diagnosing hyperthyroidism.
If you are concerned about your thyroid levels, it’s important to discuss with your doctor and schedule a Thyroid Function test at home.
The following need to be considered for a TFT blood test.
Prerequisites : There is no need to fast for our Thyroid test.
Best Time to Get Tested : A morning sample is preferred for the Thyroid test. Also, you need to schedule this test at the same time of the day each time you take the test.
Eligibility for Thyroid Test : Thyroid issues can impact anyone, regardless of age. If you experience symptoms suggesting a thyroid problem, are pregnant, have fertility issues, or have a family history of thyroid disease, consider getting a Thyroid test done. Also, if you are already on thyroid hormone regulating medication, the test may be required for dose monitoring.
Cautions Before Taking Thyroid Test :
The timing between your last dose of thyroid medication and when your blood is drawn (relevant if your medication contains T3).
Stress (including the impact of non-thyroidal illnesses), food, and sleeping habits.
Some medications and supplements you are taking.
To ensure an accurate diagnosis, discuss these factors with your doctor before getting your Thyroid test done.
The primary role of your thyroid is to regulate your metabolism, which is how your body turns food into energy. Every cell in your body requires energy to operate effectively. When your thyroid is not functioning properly, it can affect your entire body. Having too much or too little of its hormones can make you sick. Symptoms of thyroid disease can vary, and they often resemble those of other medical conditions or natural stages of life. This similarity can make it challenging to determine if your symptoms stem from a thyroid problem or another cause.
Generally, symptoms of thyroid disease fall into two categories: those associated with hyperthyroidism and those linked to having hypothyroidism. These symptoms often contrast because hyperthyroidism accelerates metabolism, while hypothyroidism slows it down.
Now, let us explore the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism which can guide you in deciding when you might require a TFT test.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
Sweating or feeling overly hot
Losing weight
Feeling nervous
Rapid heartbeat
More frequent bowel movements
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
Feeling extra sensitive to cold
Gaining weight
Muscle aches
Feeling tired
Feeling weak
Slow heartbeat
Constipation
You may also need a thyroid checkup if:
You are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
You are a woman undergoing an investigation for infertility.
You are on a thyroid hormone replacement regimen.
You have a family history of thyroid disease.
If you suspect a thyroid issue, getting tested is crucial to confirm the cause and initiate treatment promptly. Additionally, getting tested to monitor treatment for low/high levels of thyroid hormones can help evaluate its effectiveness.
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