Thyroid Profile - Free (FT3, FT4, TSH)

The lower-front spot in your neck houses the tiny thyroid gland. It’s accountable for the regulation of several bodily processes like your energy generation, metabolism and mood. The gland produces two primary hormones: T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine).

In some instances, the gland may not produce enough hormones, resulting in energy depletion, weight gain and depression. This is termed hypothyroidism. It can occur due to the following factors:

• Thyroid gland removal
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis-an autoimmune disorder wherein the body turns against the thyroid tissue
• Lithium drug
• Overexposure to iodide through the sinus and cold medicines, contrast dyes and heart medicines
• Pituitary disorder

On the other hand, if the thyroid gland produces these two hormones in abundance, you may witness a significant loss in your weight. You may also experience tremors, anxiety and a feeling like you are consistently 'high.' This is known as hyperthyroidism.

The causes of hyperthyroidism can be traced to:

• Toxic adenomas where nodules form in the thyroid and produce thyroid hormones
• Graves’ disease
• Cancerous growth in the gland
• Malfunctioning of the pituitary gland
• Subacute thyroiditis, wherein the thyroid gland gets inflamed and leaks excess hormone

The thyroid profile test, also known as thyroid function test, is a blood test which helps ascertain whether or not your thyroid gland is functioning correctly. It broadly screens the thyroid hormone levels like T3, T4 and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).

Your doctor may order further testing to determine the specific trouble area if the test results are abnormal.

Apollo 24|7 offers an end-to-end thyroid profile test right in the comfort of your house. Get it done for the following reasons:

• To ensure the proper functioning of your thyroid gland
• To make an early diagnosis of thyroid diseases like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
• To check whether you suffer from a thyroid disorder
• To keep track of how the treatment for the disorder is turning out

If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to troubles like:

• Goitre, which is a swollen thyroid gland
• Chronic kidney disease
• Cardiovascular ailments like hypertension, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure
• Cognitive issues like lack of concentration, emotional and mental difficulties, depression, etc.
• Peripheral neuropathy or damage to your peripheral nerves leads to muscle weakness, loss of control, limb numbing, etc.
• Myxedema coma that first causes impaired cognition and extreme fatigue followed by loss of consciousness
• Fertility problems caused by unpredictable and irregular periods

On the other hand, hyperthyroidism also leads to a specific set of complications like,

• Brittle and weak bones or osteoporosis, 
• Heart troubles like atrial fibrillation, rapid heart rate, and congestive heart failure
• Eye troubles like light sensitivity, swollen, red, bulging eyes, double vision
• Thyrotoxic crisis, which is a sudden rise of your symptoms leading to rapid pulse, fever and delirium
• Swollen and red skin also called Graves' dermopathy

It's essential to notice the signs and undertake a thyroid profile test as early as possible. This will help you navigate through the situation with ease and get the disorder under control!