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Thyroid dysfunction is a common ailment that affects up to 20 percent. Poles. A simple way to detect abnormalities is the thyroid profile, which is a set of diagnostic tests for the thyroid gland. Basic follow-up tests for thyroid abnormalities include measuring hormones such as TSH, FT3, and FT4. What other tests are worth doing?
What is the thyroid profile?
The thyroid profile is tests performed to diagnose thyroid disease or to control the treatment of this gland. The main hormone associated with the thyroid gland is TSH. Although it is secreted by the pituitary gland, its action is crucial in the context proper functioning of the thyroid gland. For proper diagnosis, in addition to TSH, the standard measurements are also the levels of FT3 and FT4, i.e. hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
In the diagnosis of thyroid diseases, apart from the hormones closely related to this organ, the concentration of antibodies that may indicate abnormalities (anti-TPO, anti-TG) is also tested. Additional tests that can rule out other diseases may also be useful.
Thyroid abnormalities affect your overall well-being and the body as a whole. The symptoms may worsen over time, so the disturbing symptoms should not be ignored. For people who suspect thyroid problems, consultation with an endocrinologist is recommended.
Decide on the diagnostics of thyroid diseases now, choose the thyroid status test package, which includes the following set of tests: TSH, FT4 and anti-TPO. You can test the TSH level itself using the Home TSH Level Test – Cassette Test
Thyroid profile – when to go for testing?
Certain health problems and malaise may be the result of thyroid problems. So it’s good to watch your body for the following symptoms:
- constant feeling of fatigue;
- nervousness and irritability;
- skin changes, deterioration of hair and nails;
- heart pounding feeling;
- sudden weight gain or loss of weight;
- constipation;
- diarrhea.
Women planning pregnancy and people who have experienced sudden weight jumps should definitely go to thyroid profile tests. It is also important preventive examinations for people who have a family history of thyroid diseases.
- Decide on an assessment of thyroid function – TSH, FT4 and anti-TPO from PLN 65
If necessary, thyroid tests can be performed without leaving your home. Check which options for home screening thyroid testing can be used:
- Diagnostics of thyroid diseases – blood collection at the patient’s home from PLN 130
Testing the concentration of TSH
The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). This is why TSH measurements are often performed in conjunction with free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) tests. However, the measurement of TSH itself gives very important information about the condition of the thyroid gland. For the determination of TSH concentration in the laboratory, we will pay about PLN 15, while the third-generation TSH test costs about PLN 20-30.
General norm of TSH concentration in the blood is about 0,23–4,0 µU / ml, but this value may vary depending on the age – especially in the case of women planning a pregnancy. The results should be consulted with an endocrinologist. Possible reasons for exceeding the TSH norm are:
- too high TSH – hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, primary adrenal insufficiency, pituitary gland tumor;
- too low TSH – hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, toxic nodular goitre, Sheehan’s syndrome.
The analysis of TSH levels is usually performed in conjunction with other parameters. Do your tests and check for thyroid problems:
- Assessment of thyroid function – patient’s diagnostic tests,
- Thyroid control – preventive blood tests from 49 PLN
- Buy a comprehensive thyroid profile test package – diagnostics of hormonal disorders from PLN 119
FT3 and FT4 level test
Free triiodothyronine (FT3) is tested after taking a blood sample from the patient, and then analyzed according to TSH standards. While TSH level is the main indicator of hypothyroidism, FT3 allows for earlier detection of hypothyroidism. The price of the FT3 test is usually around PLN 20-35.
As in the case of FT3, also the levels of free thyroxine (FT4) should be interpreted in relation to the concentration of TSH. Although most commonly blood tests for FT4 are performed on thyroid diagnostics, they can also be useful in the case of infertility in women. For the determination of free thyroxine, we will pay an average of PLN 20-35.
- Perform basic thyroid tests in one package – TSH, FT3 and FT4 from 54 PLN
Tests for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
Sometimes a basic thyroid test package may not be sufficient to make a definitive diagnosis. An extended thyroid profile is especially useful in people whose TSH, FT3, and FT4 tests have been of concern, and therefore may have suspected hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Additional tests that are carried out in such cases include:
- Anti-TPO – testing the level of these antibodies helps in detecting autoimmune diseases such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s. The price of such a test in various laboratories may range from PLN 25 to PLN 40.
- Anti-TG – determination of the concentration of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies allows to determine the current metabolic state of the thyroid gland, the test is helpful in detecting thyroid cancer and Hashimoto’s. The cost of the test is about PLN 30.
When there is a suspicion of thyroid dysfunction, properly profiled tests may be useful for a thorough health assessment:
- Control of thyroid function – 4 tests for hyperthyroidism from 109 PLN
- 5 tests used in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism from 145 PLN
Thyroid profile – preparation and consultation of results
Measurements of parameters informing about the condition of the thyroid gland are performed on the basis of blood tests from a vein in the arm. It is recommended that the tests be performed in the morning, and if the tests are repeated, they should be performed at the same time each time. You do not need to go to the thyroid profile tests on an empty stomach, but it is good to report your medications before performing them – this is especially true for people who are already receiving treatment for the thyroid gland.
After receiving the results of tests with a thyroid profile, it is recommended to consult them with an endocrinologist, i.e. a doctor specializing in diseases related to hormones:
- If you have doubts about your health condition, make an e-appointment with an endocrinologist
- Go to the endocrinologist’s office, diagnose and treat thyroid diseases – from PLN 140
Thyroid tests are aimed at both women and men. Although endocrine disruption is more common among women, it can affect patients regardless of gender.
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If you want to take care of your thyroid, you can also reach for EutroHerbs Thyroid – a herbal mixture that supports the work of the thyroid gland in a completely natural way.