Thyroid tests: which ones to do and why are they so important? Symptoms, preparation, norms

Thyroid problems are experienced by more than 22% of Poles of all ages, and most do not know it. Symptoms are easily trivialised and explained away by other ailments. 

Fatigue and lethargy are blamed on overwork. After all, weight fluctuations and hair loss are down to poor diet and stress. You'll buy a cream for dry skin and wrap yourself in a blanket or wear thicker gloves when you're cold. But this only "treats" the symptoms. The most important thing is to find out the cause. Thyroid tests and consultation with your doctor will be key here.

If you notice the symptoms described in this article in yourself, have your thyroid examined and consult an endocrinologist. Early recognition of abnormalities will allow for effective treatment.

See also what other examinations are worth doing:

• Cortisol testing
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• Blood test
• Liver tests
• Cervical cancer
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Indications for a thyroid test

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped organ. It is located at the anterior base of the neck, just below the laryngeal cartilage. Despite its inconspicuous size, it is one of the most important glands in the entire body, as it regulates many processes, including metabolic metabolism, growth and development of the body, cardiovascular function, and the maintenance of mental-emotional balance.

Thyroid dysfunction is difficult to diagnose unequivocally. Symptoms are usually painless, and sometimes there are so many that it is difficult to imagine that they are caused by a dysfunction of just one organ. 

Both the symptoms of hypothyroidism and undothyroidism can be divided into four groupsand:

• neurological,
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• psychological,
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• changes in appearance,
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• others,
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Learn about these highlights, compare them and consider whether it is worth opting for comprehensive thyroid testing.

Symptoms that should prompt thyroid testing

Do you notice at least some of these symptoms in yourself? That's reason enough to test your thyroid and consult your doctor! 

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What thyroid tests can be performed?

The most important thyroid tests are included in so-called thyroid packages or thyroid profiles. You will find two sets of thyroid test packages on offer at diagnostic centres and laboratories - basic and extended. These are needed to detect diseases directly or indirectly related to the thyroid gland, as well as to monitor the treatment of this gland.

Basic thyroid tests

The TSH test

Although TSH (thyroid hormone, thyrotropin) is produced by the pituitary gland, it is crucial for the functioning of both the thyroid gland itself and our body. Determination of TSH levels is a fundamental test in the diagnosis of thyroid diseaseand. 

Too low concentrations suggest hyperthyroidism, Graves-Basedow disease or Sheehan syndrome. Conversely, too high levels suggest hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's disease or adrenal insufficiency .

• The TSH reference values for an adult typically range from: 0.45-4.5 µU/ml. 
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• The TSH concentration also depends on age or lifestyle.
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• Variations can also be caused by diet, medication taken, pregnancy or menstruation. TSH limits move upwards with age. A TSH concentration of 4.2 µU/ml may be as optimal for a 30-year-old woman as 7.8 µU/ml is for an 86-year-old.

Testing fT3 and fT4

Under the influence of TSH, the thyroid gland produces, among other things, the hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), which are responsible for many processes in the body, including the use of energy, maintenance of temperature and body weight. They also support muscle strength and nervous system function. Determination of fT3 and fT4 is important in the diagnosis of thyroid disease, and the results should always be interpreted in combination with TSH levelsand.

• If the TSH concentration is elevated, the fT4 concentration will be in the lower limits or below reference values - this suggests hypothyroidism . 
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• If TSH levels are reduced, fT4 will be at or above the upper limits of accepted reference values - this in turn suggests the likelihood of hyperthyroidism .

The accepted reference ranges  for fT3 and fT4 oscillate within:

• fT3: 4.0-7.8 pmol/l
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• fT4: 10-25 pmol/l
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Extended thyroid examination

The extended thyroid testing package includes, in addition to the testing of the hormones mentioned above, the determination of antibody levels, which may be useful in the more accurate diagnosis of specific thyroid disorders.

Extended Thyroid Testing

Anti-TPO test

Determination of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies helps in the diagnosis of Hashimoto's disease (even when TSH and thyroid hormone results are normal), autoimmune thyroid disease or Graves-Basedow disease, among othersand.

Anti-TG testing

Determination of antibodies to thyroglobulin (a protein produced by the thyroid gland) can identify autoimmune diseases, as well as monitor patients undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer .

Trab test

Antibodies to the TSH receptor are characteristic of Graves-Basedow disease .

Diagnosis and complementary tests

Thyroid disorders can be associated with or become the cause of many other ailments and conditions, such as neurological, cardiovascular and skeletal systems. If you have confirmed thyroid abnormalities, check other parameters and indicators.

Morphology - blood tests

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be responsible for the development of dangerous conditions. Hypothyroidism can contribute to anaemia, while hyperthyroidism caused by Graves-Basedow disease can lead to anaemiaand.

Thyroid USG

It will help to accurately identify and assess the location, structure and size of the thyroid gland and detect nodules or goitre with greater accuracy. It will also be useful in monitoring the progress of therapy and treatment of thyroid diseaseand.

Lipid profile

People with hypothyroidism are at risk of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction caused by excessive cholesterol build-up in the body . Checking will help you manage your diet appropriately to prevent this from happening.

Determination of homocysteine levels

Homocysteine is an amino acid that allows damaged tissues to regenerate. Elevated homocysteine concentrations can accompany hypothyroidism. In the long term, it can cause thrombotic problems, atherosclerotic lesions and increase the risk of heart attackand.

Determination of iron concentration

In hypothyroidism, the metabolism of iron and ferritin (i.e. its stores and transport) is impaired. Iron deficiency can lead to abnormal functioning of the thyroid gland, including a decrease in thyroid hormones.

If you want to live a healthy and happy life, preventive screenings are a must. You can instantly order them without leaving your home, and consult the results with your doctor in charge. Get tested now!

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• Hand Cream [Ranking]
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How often to do thyroid tests?

The thyroid gland regulates the function of virtually the entire body, so you need to take care of it. Remember - prevention is the most important thing, and prevention is better than cure. If someone from your immediate family has a thyroid disease - it is also worth getting yourself examined, especially if the symptoms may suggest some dysfunction of this gland.

Thyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland.

Of course, how often to do thyroid tests depends on your condition. 

For thyroid-related diseases, testing of TSH, fT3 and fT4 levels is usually done every three months, and every six weeks when changing treatment to check the effectiveness of the therapy. In Hashimoto's disease, on the other hand, a check of the anti-TPO and anti-TG levels once every one or two years is sufficient.

The final decision will always rest with the treating physician.

Why is it important to have thyroid tests done?

Blood tests for the diagnosis of thyroid disease will helpand:

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• prophylactically assess thyroid function,
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• determine whether distressing symptoms have an endocrine basis,
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• in case of "bad" results, make an earlier diagnosis and initiate effective treatment,
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• diagnose or confirm dangerous thyroid diseases such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or Hashimoto's or Graves-Basedow's disease,
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• save the time you spend in queues and the doctor's surgery,
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• with the choice of testing packages, save money too.
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Where to get your thyroid tested?

All thyroid tests can be done privately, as well as on the National Health Service.

Thyroid tests on the National Health Service

You can have all thyroid tests done free of charge as part of your National Health Service reimbursement - however, a referral from your GP (in which case you will be able to have basic tests) or an endocrinologist (full package) is required.

Private Thyroid Tests

Private Thyroid Tests

Private thyroid tests

If you are pressed for time and don't want to wait for a referral, you can benefit from paid private thyroid tests.

How much do thyroid tests cost

The price depends primarily on the number of parameters you want to determine and the complexity of the tests you choose. You can order individual tests, but it is definitely more cost-effective to use packages. Diagnostic centres and laboratories usually offer two packages - basic and extended.

How thyroid tests are done - preparation and results

Blood tests to assess thyroid function are non-invasive and require no special preparation. All you need to do is take a blood sample and submit it for laboratory analysis. 

What conditions must be met for the results of thyroid tests to be reliable?

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• Do the tests in the morning or, in the case of repeated tests, at a specific time: TSH shows a variation in secretion throughout the 24-hour period. 
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• You do not need to be fasting.
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• Women can do thyroid tests on any day of the cycle: it does not affect the results.
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• Do not come to the test after a lot of physical exertion and stress: these can falsify the results.
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• Blood tests are best carried out in good health: infection and a cold should not affect the results.
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• If it is a control test, do not do the test after taking thyroid medication. Taking substances such as glucocorticosteroids, dopamine or biotin may also affect the results. 

How long to wait for thyroid test results?

You will usually receive the results of individual tests or the whole package on the same or next working day - it all depends on the workload of the specific laboratory.

How to test and check your thyroid gland yourself (and if it's even possible)?

Detailed examinations of the thyroid gland, combined with additional tests, will allow you to accurately determine its state and condition. In between, you can monitor its condition yourself without leaving your home. A simple self-examination can help detect nodules or changes that may indicate thyroid disease.

To perform a thyroid self-examination, all you need is a mirror and a glass of water.

How to perform a thyroid self-examination?

1. Stand in front of a mirror so that you can see the front of your neck in its entirety.
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2. Tilt your head back slightly.
3. Tilt your head back slightly.
4. Stretch your neck upwards.
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5. Take a sip of water.
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6. Carefully observe in a mirror the moment of swallowing, without lowering your head.
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Moving your oesophagus will make it easier to spot asymmetrical changes and nodules - if you are unsure, repeat the observation.

You can also perform a so-called palpation examination of the thyroid gland. This involves tactile assessment and feeling for the presence of any nodules. 

One of the symptoms of thyroid disease is mood swings, sleep problems and even depression. This is why mental balance and healthy sleep are so important. Read how you can take care of these:

• Sleep hygiene
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• Prescription-free sleep pills
• Melatonin for sleep
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• Melatonin
• Sedation tablets without prescription
• Sedation tablets
• Ashwagandha
• CBD oil
• Passionflower

Hopefully you now know why prevention is so important and you won't be looking for excuses not to get your thyroid tested. If you still have questions or concerns, feel free to drop by the comments section.

See also:

• All about the liver
.
• Symptoms of a fatty liver

Summary

Proper thyroid function is one of the keys to your health and well-being.