Thyroid function tests

April 27, 2024 Diploma Leave a comment 28 Views

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What are thyroid function tests?

Thyroid function tests are blood tests used to check for thyroid problems. The tests measure the amount of 3 hormones. They are thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) . The pituitary gland located in the brain makes TSH and sends it to the thyroid gland. TSH controls the production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. The combination of the TSH test T3 test and T4 test is known as a thyroid function test (TFT).

Why would I need thyroid function tests?

The thyroid gland has an important role in controlling metabolism. Hormones made by the thyroid gland influence :

heart rate
blood pressure
body temperature and
weight

Too much or too little of these hormones can make us ill.

We might need thyroid function tests if we have symptoms of:

hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid)
hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid)

Signs symptoms of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) are:

sensitivity to heat
weight loss
fast heartbeat
nervousness
sweating
increased frequency of stools (pooing)

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) are:

tiredness
weakness
weight gain
muscle aches
constipation
slow heart rate
sensitivity to cold

What is the normal range for T3 T4 and TSH?

TSH = 0.5 to 5.0 mIU/L(milli-international units per liter)

Free T3= 3.8-4.4 pg/mL and

Free T4= 1.4-1.77 ng/dL

What is a TSH Test?

TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone. High or low levels may be a sign of a thyroid problem. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of neck.

Thyroid hormones affect nearly every organ in the body, including heart. They help control our weight, body temperature, muscle strength, and even our mood. If we don’t have enough thyroid hormones in our blood, many of our body functions slow down.

Thyroid gland is controlled by a gland called the pituitary gland which makes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH tells the thyroid how much thyroid hormone it needs to make.

If the thyroid hormone levels are low in blood , the pituitary gland makes larger amounts of TSH. If the thyroid hormone levels are high in blood , the pituitary gland makes lower amounts of TSH.

What is it used for?

A TSH test is used to find out how well our thyroid is working. It can tell if we have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism in our blood. But it can’t show what is causing a thyroid problem. This test is mainly done for finding thyroid problem.

What is T3?

Triiodothyronine (T3) is the active form of thyroid hormone synthesized by the thyroid gland. It can readily go into the cells of the human body. Every cell of the human body has thyroid receptors. TSH stimulates the thyroid gland for the production of T4.

What is T4?

Both T3 and T4 are iodine-containing hormones . T4 is the predominant form, serves as a reservoir for T3 . T3 is the more potent and biologically active hormone. Once released into the bloodstream, T4 undergoes conversion into T3 in peripheral tissues, where it exerts its effects on cellular metabolism, energy expenditure, protein synthesis and many other functions.

The impacts of the thyroid hormones on the body are as follow:

They expand the cardiovascular yield, pulse, ventilation rate, and basal metabolic rate
They improve the impacts of catecholamines
They build mental health
They thicken endometrium in females
They build catabolism of starches and proteins

If the thyroid hormones delivered in small amount, the body may hinder the digestion, offering to ascend to side effects of hypothyroidism. On the other hand, if the thyroid hormones delivered in large amount, causes hyperthyroidism