Basic Thyroid Care

Basic Thyroid Care (thyroid screening package) is a key indicator that determines how well your thyroid gland is working. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that produces two necessary hormones, T3 (Triiodothyronine) & T4 (Thyroxine). These hormones regulate many bodily functions such as heart rate, body weight and body temperature. Hormones secreted from the thyroid gland help control your body’s metabolism. 

The reason why a thyroid screening package is required is to find out if the thyroid gland is overproducing or underproducing the hormone, which may cause symptoms like fatigue, sudden weight gain or loss, irritability, anxiety and muscle and joint pains. Apollo 24|7 has got together a thyroid function screening package that will help in the early diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. 

This specific thyroid screening package from Apollo 24|7 not only determine the levels of T3, T4 and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) but also comes with the calcium test. The calcium test will help understand a lot about your bone health.

Who Should Get Tested?

Here are the reasons why one should use this thyroid function screening package which is termed as Basic Thyroid Care to get screened for thyroid at regular intervals.

• One should screen for thyroid if there is a family history
• To know the reasons for unexplained weight gain or weight loss 
• To rule out other hormonal diseases such as PCOD  
• To reduce the risk of co-existing conditions along with obesity and heart problems

Frequently asked questions

How is the blood sample taken?

A tourniquet (elastic band) is placed tightly on the upper arm to take the blood sample. Next, the patient is asked to fold his palm into a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins, and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is sanitized before inserting the needle into the vein to prevent bacteria from entering. The needle is then inserted into the vein in the arm, and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

What are the symptoms of thyroid disease?

The main symptoms of thyroid disease are extreme cold sensitivity, unexplained weight gain or weight loss, dry eyes, dry skin, fatigue, lethargy, elevated pulse, and hair loss or thinning.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism happens when the body produces less or no hormones, leading to variable heart rates and weight gain in the arms and stomach.

Is goitre also a thyroid disease?

Yes, goitre is also a thyroid disease. It is caused due to an enlarged thyroid gland below the neck.

Whom should we consult for thyroid problems?

You should consult an endocrinologist if your thyroid screening test has returned abnormal T3 & T4 values.

Thyroid problems only occur in women. Is it true?

No. A man can also be affected by a thyroid gland disorder. Therefore, it is advised for both the genders to avail of a thyroid function screening test package and get their hormone level checked every six months.

Do people need to fast before taking a thyroid test?

Fasting is not required for the thyroid test. However, if you are taking any other test along with the thyroid screening test such as fasting sugar, your pathologist may ask you to keep a 10-12 hour fasting.