A number of conditions can cause the thyroid gland to produce either too little (hypothyroidism) or too much (hyperthyroidism) thyroid hormone. Pregnancy, energy levels, mood, metabolism, heart rate, bone health, and many other functions can all be impacted by thyroid disorders.
Certainly, one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders around the globe is thyroid disease. India is not an exception either. Based on projections from multiple thyroid disease studies, the estimated number of thyroid disease cases in India is around 42 million. And that's a huge number. Thyroid issues typically don't present serious health threats. The detectability of even minor thyroid swellings aids physicians in diagnosis, and the accessibility of medical treatment sets thyroid diseases apart from other conditions.
Thyroid disease is usually a chronic medical condition that requires regular medical attention. In general, thyroid disorders are not preventable. This is due to the fact that autoimmune diseases and/or genetics play a major role in the majority of thyroid disease cases, making it unpreventable. Iodine excess or deficiency-related thyroid issues are the two conditions you might be able to prevent.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment remains the mainstay of thyroid disorder management. This usually involves taking medicine every day. Your doctor will keep an eye on your treatments and make necessary adjustments over time. Finding the best course of action for you to control your hormone levels may take some time. However, a normal life can usually be led even with thyroid disease.
The gland in the front of the neck that resembles a butterfly is called the thyroid. The hormones it produces are essential for controlling blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, metabolism, and the body's response to other hormones.
The primary function of your thyroid is to regulate your metabolic rate or metabolism. This is the mechanism through which your body converts the food you eat into energy. Your body's cells all require energy to function. Your entire body may be affected by an underactive or overactive thyroid.
Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are the two primary hormones that the thyroid produces. This gland is also responsible for secreting calcitonin, the hormone that helps bone cells to absorb calcium and incorporate it into the bone structure.
Following are common types of thyroid disorders:
Following are thyroid disorder symptoms in men:
Following are thyroid disorder symptoms in women:
The kind of thyroid disease and its underlying cause will determine how it is treated. Restoring your thyroid hormone levels to a healthy range is the aim. Treatment choices for hyperthyroidism include:
Hypothyroidism or Underactive Thyroid:
The purpose of thyroid function tests is to assess the functioning of your thyroid gland through a number of blood tests. These tests measure the levels of T3, T3RU, T4, and TSH in the blood.
Their normal ranges are:
Result Interpretation:
TSH |
Free T4 |
Total or Free T3 |
Thyroid Function |
Normal |
Normal |
Normal |
Normal thyroid function |
Normal |
Normal or low |
Normal or low |
Normal thyroid function |
Normal |
Low |
Normal or high |
Normal thyroid function |
High |
Low |
Normal or low |
Primary hypothyroidism |
High |
Normal |
Normal |
Subclinical hypothyroidism |
Low |
High or normal |
High |
Hyperthyroidism |
Low |
Normal |
Normal |
Subclinical hyperthyroidism |
Thyroid disorders are prevalent illnesses. The good news is that these can be effectively managed with medication and other therapies. Consult a doctor if you have symptoms of either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, or if you have known risk factors for thyroid disease.
Get a thyroid function test done at Dr. B. Lal Lab and get accurate results. Also, avail free home collection and free report consultation.
Q1: Does a thyroid test require a fast?
A: Generally, there is no need to take any extra precautions, such as fasting, before undergoing a thyroid test.
Q2: What condition is associated with high TSH?
A: Overproduction of thyroid hormone may be the cause of an excess of TSH in the body. Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, is the term for this condition.