Why thyroid function tests are necessary?

Thyroid is a disease affecting a person whose thyroid gland either produces fewer hormones than what is required or produces more hormones than what is required. In case of less hormonal production the disease is called hypo-thyroid and in case of over production the disease is called hyper thyroid.

Why thyroid function tests are necessary?

Thyroid is a disease affecting a person whose thyroid gland either produces fewer hormones than what is required or produces more hormones than what is required. [hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]In case of less hormonal production the disease is called hypo-thyroid and in case of over production the disease is called hyper thyroid.

For detection of thyroid disease functional tests are conducted over a person. The diagnosis generally includes blood tests. Blood tests detect the TSH, T3 and T4 levels in blood. It also detects the subtype of hypo or hyper thyroid.

In case of advanced stage the doctor may choose to take help of imaging and biopsy.

In case thyroid is not detected it can lead to fatal condition of patient, resulting in getting affected by major problems and body system dysfunction.

Some of the hypo thyroid related problems generally experienced by most patients are-

  • Decreased heart rate and cardiac output
  • Increased weight (pot belly)
  • Pain where the ribs meet the sternum
  • Memory loss
  • Unexplained crying
  • Morning headaches and dizziness
  • Loss of hair, especially outside of eyebrows
  • Constipation
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Allergies
  • Huskiness in voice
  • Muscular sluggishness and weakness
  • Thickening of blood
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Hypertension
  • Swelling in hands and feet
  • Poor blood circulation throughout the body
  • Increased susceptibility to infections
  • Depression and mental confusion

Hyperthyroid also brings in a lot of troubles. They are-

  • Cardio vascular problems
  • Thinning of blood
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Weakening of the immunity power
  • Systolic hypertension
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fastened heart rate
  • Heart failure
  • Chest pain

To avoid all the above stated problems thyroid functional tests must be conducted from time to time to detect hypo or hyper thyroid in its initial stage itself.