Thyroid Profile - Free (FT3, FT4, TSH)

The lower-front spot in your neck houses the tiny thyroid gland. It’s accountable for the regulation of several bodily processes like your energy generation, metabolism and mood. The gland produces two primary hormones: T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine).

In some instances, the gland may not produce enough hormones, resulting in energy depletion, weight gain and depression. This is termed hypothyroidism. It can occur due to the following factors:

• Thyroid gland removal
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis-an autoimmune disorder wherein the body turns against the thyroid tissue
• Lithium drug
• Overexposure to iodide through the sinus and cold medicines, contrast dyes and heart medicines
• Pituitary disorder

On the other hand, if the thyroid gland produces these two hormones in abundance, you may witness a significant loss in your weight. You may also experience tremors, anxiety and a feeling like you are consistently 'high.' This is known as hyperthyroidism.

The causes of hyperthyroidism can be traced to:

• Toxic adenomas where nodules form in the thyroid and produce thyroid hormones
• Graves’ disease
• Cancerous growth in the gland
• Malfunctioning of the pituitary gland
• Subacute thyroiditis, wherein the thyroid gland gets inflamed and leaks excess hormone

The thyroid profile test, also known as thyroid function test, is a blood test which helps ascertain whether or not your thyroid gland is functioning correctly. It broadly screens the thyroid hormone levels like T3, T4 and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).

Your doctor may order further testing to determine the specific trouble area if the test results are abnormal.

Apollo 24|7 offers an end-to-end thyroid profile test right in the comfort of your house. Get it done for the following reasons:

• To ensure the proper functioning of your thyroid gland
• To make an early diagnosis of thyroid diseases like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
• To check whether you suffer from a thyroid disorder
• To keep track of how the treatment for the disorder is turning out

If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to troubles like:

• Goitre, which is a swollen thyroid gland
• Chronic kidney disease
• Cardiovascular ailments like hypertension, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure
• Cognitive issues like lack of concentration, emotional and mental difficulties, depression, etc.
• Peripheral neuropathy or damage to your peripheral nerves leads to muscle weakness, loss of control, limb numbing, etc.
• Myxedema coma that first causes impaired cognition and extreme fatigue followed by loss of consciousness
• Fertility problems caused by unpredictable and irregular periods

On the other hand, hyperthyroidism also leads to a specific set of complications like,

• Brittle and weak bones or osteoporosis, 
• Heart troubles like atrial fibrillation, rapid heart rate, and congestive heart failure
• Eye troubles like light sensitivity, swollen, red, bulging eyes, double vision
• Thyrotoxic crisis, which is a sudden rise of your symptoms leading to rapid pulse, fever and delirium
• Swollen and red skin also called Graves' dermopathy

It's essential to notice the signs and undertake a thyroid profile test as early as possible. This will help you navigate through the situation with ease and get the disorder under control!

Frequently asked questions

How is the blood sample taken?

To take the blood sample, a tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is asked to make a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein in order 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 is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid. It is a condition in which the thyroid gland is not able to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are not noticeable at an early stage. If left untreated, it can cause various health problems that include obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart diseases

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid. It is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism can occur due to various conditions such as Grave’s disease, consuming excess iodine, inflammation of thyroid gland (thyroiditis), tumors of ovaries or testes, benign tumors of the thyroid or pituitary gland, and in cases if large amount of T4 is consumed through dietary supplements or medication.

What are the signs of an underactive thyroid?

The signs of an underactive thyroid include slow heart rate, weight gain, enlarged thyroid, dry skin, constipation, trouble tolerating cold, pain in the muscle and joints, puffy skin, thinning of hair, hair loss, fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, heavy or irregular menstrual periods, and infertility in women.

What are the signs of an overactive thyroid?

The signs of an overactive thyroid include rapid heart rate, anxiety, weight loss, difficulty in sleeping, tremors in the hands, muscle weakness, increased sweating, difficulty in tolerating heat, frequent bowel movements, puffiness around the eyes, dryness, irritation, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, blurry double vision, bulging of eyes, and lighter or less frequent menstrual periods in women.

Which nutrients are harmful to the thyroid gland?

The nutrients which are harmful to the thyroid gland include soy foods such as tofu, tempeh; certain vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, spinach; fruits, and starchy plants such as sweet potatoes, peaches, strawberries; nuts and seeds like millet, peanuts, pine nuts, etc.

Should I inform my doctor if I am taking any medicines?

Yes, please inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements as it might interfere with the test results.

What is the function of the thyroid gland?

The thyroid is an essential gland in the neck's lower base. It is responsible for processes like metabolism, energy production, development and growth of the human body, digestive and muscle function and bone maintenance.

Who is at higher risk for contracting thyroid disorder?

If you fall in any of the following categories, you may be at a higher risk for developing a thyroid disorder: Previous medical conditions such as diabetes type 1, pernicious anaemia, lupus, primary adrenal insufficiency, Sjögren’s syndrome, Turner syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis You come from a long line of family that suffers from thyroid disease A woman in her 60s or older Have a medication that makes use of iodine or amiodarone Have received treatment for cancer or thyroid condition in the past, like radiation or thyroidectomy

Do people with diabetes are at higher risk for developing thyroid disorder?

Individuals who have diabetes, like diabetes type 1, are more prone to developing thyroid gland disorder. Since diabetes is an autoimmune disease, contracting another autoimmune disease becomes more likely. The risk for people having diabetes type 2 is lower, though. You can try to do the following things to help keep the disorder at bay: Exercise everyday Ensure you sleep properly for 8 hours a day, at least Take all the prescribed medications Keep an eye on your diet Get thyroid profile test regularly

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

The following early signs can indicate the possibility of hypothyroidism: Trouble in sleeping Irritability, anxiety and nervousness Goitre Loss of weight Irregular menstrual cycle Tremors or weak muscles Heat sensitivity Eye irritation and vision troubles

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

The following warning signs may be an indication of hyperthyroidism: Weight gain Heavy and frequent menstrual periods Hoarse voice Extreme fatigue Forgetfulness Coarse and dry hair Intolerance to cold temperature

Can thyroid disorder lead to seizures?

Generally, thyroid disorder does not lead to seizures unless in cases of severe hypothyroidism. If left untreated, it might lead to lower serum sodium which can inevitably lead to seizures.