Thyroid Blood Tests: What They’re For

Thyroid tests are used to check thyroxine (T4) levels and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is a hormone that triggers the production of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. Too much or too little thyroxine can be a sign of an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. These tests are recommended by your doctor when they suspect you have an overactive or underactive thyroid gland in order to diagnose what the cause of the problem is. Let’s explore more about what these tests are done for? 

What Are Thyroid Tests Done for?

A thyroid blood test is a medical procedure used to diagnose thyroid dysfunction. A thyroid blood test measures the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. Thyroid blood tests are often done to determine if a person has an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Thyroid blood tests can also diagnose other conditions, such as Graves’ disease and congenital hypothyroidism.

How Should You Prepare for Your Thyroid Test?

You can do a few things to help make your thyroid blood test go as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips to help get started:

• Make a list of all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines. This will help your doctor determine which supplements may interfere with your test results.
• Make a list of any foods or supplements you’re taking that may affect your thyroid function. For example, iodine supplementation can cause an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, so be sure to tell your doctor about any such supplements you’re taking.
• If possible, arrange for someone to drive you to and from the testing center. This will help avoid any potential problems that may arise while you’re being tested.
• Drink plenty of fluids before the test and during the testing process. This will help keep your blood vessels open and reduce the risk of developing a headache or feeling lightheaded during the test.

Things To Consider Before A Thyroid Blood Test:

A thyroid test can help diagnose conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer. However, before undergoing a thyroid blood test, it is important to understand the potential risks and benefits. Here are some things to consider: 

Are you at risk for thyroid disease?

If you are at risk for thyroid disease, a thyroid blood test may be able to help identify the condition early. Conditions that can increase your risk for developing thyroid disease includes:

• Being overweight or obese.
• Has a family history of thyroid disease.
• Having Hashimoto’s disease, that is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to the overproduction of antibodies against the thyroid gland.

Are you experiencing symptoms?

If you are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, decreased libido, and mood swings, a thyroid blood test may help determine if you have a condition such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Symptoms usually become noticeable when the condition reaches a stage where it is causing significant harm to the body.

Conclusion:

Thyroid tests are done to check thyroid function and to diagnose thyroid problems. Thyroid function can be checked by measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in your blood. A thyroid problem can be diagnosed by finding an increase in the levels of TSH above normal or by finding a decrease in the levels of T3 or T4. And if you’re staying nearby New Panvel then there are many certified pathology labs in New Panvel that you can go and get your thyroid blood tests done.