Thyroid common problems, Symptoms and Blood Tests



Thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located at the back of our throats which releases thyroid hormones that regulates body processes like respiration, body temperature, hormonal levels, moods, digestive and other metabolic processes.

Common thyroid problems are:

· Hyperthyroidism (when thyroid gland produces too many hormones)

· Hypothyroidism (when thyroid gland produces not enough hormones)

· Thyroid cancer

· Thyroid enlargement

Common thyroid problems are:

· Hyperthyroidism (when thyroid gland produces too many hormones)

· Hypothyroidism (when thyroid gland produces not enough hormones)

· Thyroid cancer

· Thyroid enlargement

· Nodules or lumps in thyroid

· Dysfunction of thyroid gland due to drugs

Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders:

· Fatigue

· Sensitivity to Cold

· Dryness

· Flaky skin

· Hair loss

· Slow Heart Rate

· Constipation

· Unexplained weight gain

Tests for Thyroid

Thyroid disorders can be diagnosed with the help of several tests, Thyroid Tests are advised on the basis of symptoms experienced to help diagnose the correct problem and get the proper treatment.

Thyroid Blood Test

Thyroid Blood Test includes tests to check the level of three main hormones TSH, T4 and T3 in the body. A non-fasting blood sample is needed to evaluate and to monitor any discrepancy in the thyroid levels.

Hypothyroidism – A high level of TSH and low level of T4 confirms this disorder

Hyperthyroidism – A low level of TSH and high T4 & T3 confirms this disorder

A blood test is recommended every three months to check for the varying changes in the levels of TSH , T4 or T3.

Thyroid Ultrasound

Ultrasound gives a clear picture of the size of the cyst or nodule and also helps in the diagnosing if the nodule is made up of fluid or solid mass. An ultrasound is advised by the doctor to help in the correct diagnosis.

CT Scan

A doctor usually advises a CT Scan to diagnose an abnormal growth of nodule or goitre and to determine the size of the goitre.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is done to evaluate the size of the gland and to monitor the change in the size of goitre caused due to several factors including use of certain drugs. This does not evaluate the functioning of the gland but just changes in the shape and size of the gland.

Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAI-U)

This test is used to diagnose thyroid cancer and severe cases of hyperthyroidism. A small dosage of radioactive I-123 is given in the form of pill or liquid which has iodine content, the thyroid gland absorbs the iodine and a camera is placed on the neck which captures the emitted rays through the skin which further aids in diagnosing the problem.  A radioactive iodine 131 is also used in some cases of thyroid cancer.

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