The thyroid gland is present in our throats that secretes several hormones collectively called thyroid hormones. The hormone's main function is to facilitate the growth and development of the body, control the metabolism, and control the body's temperature.
Hormones T4 and T3 are responsible for controlling our metabolism; they do so by telling the body how much energy to produce. When the thyroid gland works properly, it will balance the right number of hormones in our bloodstream, ensuring that our metabolism functions properly.
Like other hormones, the pituitary gland ensures that the right amount of thyroid hormones are produced. However, if the pituitary gland senses a lack of thyroid hormones or high levels of it in our body, it will adjust with its own hormone called the thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH.
Thyroid disorders are diseases and conditions caused due to issues with the production of the thyroid hormone or injuries to the thyroid gland.
An underactive thyroid gland categorises hypothyroidism. The gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone in the case of hypothyroidism. This condition leads to the slowing down of our body's functions. The thyroid profile in hypothyroidism is indicated by low T3 and T4 levels.
Hypothyroidism can be caused due to Hashimoto’s disease, hyperthyroidism treatment, radiation treatment, and thyroid removal.
Common symptoms are- Constipation, dry skin, fatigue, thinning hair, depression, less sweating, more menstrual bleeding amongst women, etc.
Treatment includes eating medicine that supplies thyroid hormones in your body to function properly.
An overactive thyroid gland that produces more thyroid hormone causes hyperthyroidism. This leads to speeding up bodily functions—for example, fast heart rate.
The cause for hyperthyroidism includes- Graves’ Disease, toxic multinodular goitre, and excessive iodine consumption.
Common symptoms are- Fast heart rate, nervousness, increase in bowel movements, excessive sweating, muscle weakness, increased irritability, overeating, troubled sleeping, etc.
Doctors prescribe the type of treatment after considering the symptoms and the causes of the condition. However, common treatments include- medicine such as antithyroid medication and beta-blockers, radioiodine, and surgery to remove the thyroid.
Inflammation or swelling caused to the thyroid gland can lead to thyroiditis. This can cause over or underproduction of the thyroid hormones.
Thyroiditis can be caused by inflammation or injury to the thyroid cells, viral/bacterial infection, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of medications.
Symptoms include- increased irritability, troubled sleeping, fast heart rate, fatigue, fluctuating weight, excessive sweating and resistance to heat, overeating, anxiety, and nervousness.
Depending upon the type of thyroiditis the patient may suffer from, treatment may include- antithyroid medication, beta-blockers, steroid therapy, thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Thyroid nodules are found more common amongst women than men. A thyroid nodule is categorised by swelling in one part of the thyroid gland.
While amongst some patients, the disease can go undiagnosable, it may lead to excessive production of the hormone. Sometimes they might grow bigger and cause problems with swallowing and breathing.
Depending upon the types of nodules the patient has, the treatment can vary from radioiodine to surgery if the nodule becomes cancerous or makes it hard for the patient to swallow and breathe.
Thyroid hormones are necessary for the development of the baby's brain in the womb. During pregnancy, due to pregnancy-related changes in hormones, the level of thyroid hormones in the blood may fluctuate. Thyroid profile in pregnancy is conducted because hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can have negative effects on mother and child.
A thyroid profile test is used to diagnose a thyroid disease by measuring the hormone levels in the blood. Blood is drawn from the arm to check if one suffers from hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, thyroid nodule, or thyroid cancer.
Specific tests will check-
The pituitary gland secretes TSH in order to balance the amount of thyroid hormone T3 and t4 secreted in the bloodstream. The normal range in adults is between 0.40-4.50 mIU/ml (milli-international units per litre of blood).
A low T4 (thyroxine) level indicates hypothyroidism, whereas higher levels of T4 indicate hyperthyroidism. The normal range in adults is between 5.0- 11.0 ug/dL (micrograms per decilitre of blood).
In hypothyroidism, the levels of T3 or triiodothyronine are low and high in the case of hyperthyroidism. The normal range in adults is between- 2.3-4.1 pg/mL (picograms per millilitre).
This test is done to diagnose a patient with thyroiditis and to monitor the effects of thyroid cancer treatment.
These tests are done to identify autoimmune thyroid conditions. These tests check for the following antibodies- thyroid receptor antibodies, thyroid blocking immunoglobulins, microsomal antibodies, etc.
The thyroid profile interpretation is made by a doctor or a qualified health care professional who will check the levels of the hormones to issue your diagnosis. There is no standard thyroid profile normal range.
While most doctors don't suggest fasting before a thyroid test, it is recommended to get a thyroid test first thing in the morning before taking any medications to get the best results.
The cost of a thyroid profile test cost depends upon the thoroughness of the tests and what part of the country you come from. In major metropolitan cities, a standard thyroid profile test can cost somewhere between ₹ 300 to ₹800.
The thyroid plays an extremely important function in our body, especially in our metabolism health. If you have a family history of thyroid disease, take medication that is high in iodine, have received cancer treatment, or are above the age of 60. Experience symptoms such as fluctuation in weight, constipation, troubled sleep pattern, increased irritability, or experience forgetfulness, then you must consult your doctor to book a test today.
