Question 1

How is the blood sample taken?

Accepted Answer

To take the blood sample, a tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is asked to make a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein in order to prevent bacteria from entering. The needle is then inserted into the vein in the arm and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

Question 2

What is hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid. It is a condition in which the thyroid gland is not able to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are not noticeable at an early stage. If left untreated, it can cause various health problems that include obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease.

Question 3

What is hyperthyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid. It is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism can occur due to various conditions such as Graves disease, consuming excess iodine, inflammation of thyroid gland (thyroiditis), tumors of ovaries or testes, benign tumors of the thyroid or pituitary gland, and in cases if large amount of T4 is consumed through dietary supplements or medication.

Question 4

What are the signs of an underactive thyroid?

Accepted Answer

The signs of an underactive thyroid include slow heart rate, weight gain, enlarged thyroid, dry skin, constipation, trouble tolerating cold, pain in the muscle and joints, puffy skin, thinning of hair, hair loss, fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, heavy or irregular menstrual periods, and infertility in women.

Question 5

What are the signs of an overactive thyroid?

Accepted Answer

The signs of an overactive thyroid include rapid heart rate, anxiety, weight loss, difficulty in sleeping, tremors in the hands, muscle weakness, increased sweating, difficulty in tolerating heat, frequent bowel movements, puffiness around the eyes, dryness, irritation, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, blurry double vision, bulging of eyes, and lighter or less frequent menstrual periods in women.

Question 6

Which nutrients are harmful to the thyroid gland?

Accepted Answer

The nutrients which are harmful to the thyroid gland include soy foods such as tofu, tempeh; certain vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, spinach; fruits, and starchy plants such as sweet potatoes, peaches, strawberries; nuts and seeds like millet, peanuts, pine nuts, etc.

Question 7

What additional tests can be performed for thyroid apart from thyroid profile?

Accepted Answer

The additional tests that can be performed include thyroid antibodies test to diagnose autoimmune thyroid disease and distinguish it from other conditions of thyroid such as Graves disease, Hashimotos thyroiditis; calcitonin test to diagnose C-cell hyperplasia and medullary thyroid cancer; thyroglobulin test to primarily monitor the treatment and recurrence of thyroid cancer; and thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) test to evaluate the patients with abnormal levels of T3 and T4.

Question 8

Should I inform my doctor if I am taking any medicines?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements as it might interfere with the test results.

Question 9

Can other medications affect my thyroid profile test results?

Accepted Answer

Yes, other medications can be skipped to ensure that your thyroid profile test results are accurate. Also, you must make your physician aware of your medications so that he/she can guide you before the test. Furthermore, if you have undergone a contrast-dye-based X-ray, you must wait for the thyroid test.

Question 10

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Hyperthyroidism is the overactivity of your thyroid gland. As a result of this, your body will have higher levels of thyroid hormones, and this will reflect in your thyroid profile test results. Also, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include restlessness, tremors, euphoria and anxiety.

Question 11

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Unlike overactive thyroid glands, hypothyroidism is a condition when your thyroid gland produces lesser hormones. As far as symptoms are concerned, you might gain weight, feel depressed and have constant fatigue.

Question 12

What is the procedure for the T3 T4 TSH test?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid function test requires blood sample through venipuncture method. As a result, the phlebotomist cleans the area in your arm and invades the needle into the veins. After blood collection, you may or may not receive pain killers, depending on the intensity of your pain.

Question 13

Are newborn babies eligible for the test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a newborn screening test includes a test to check the function of the thyroid gland. However, this procedure involves the heel prick method to collect the sample.

Question 14

What happens after the thyroid profile test?

Accepted Answer

If your thyroid gland is overactive, you might have to take an ultrasound test. However, the doctor will give you medications after examining all your test results. Furthermore, other tests will determine structural abnormality, tumours, and gland activity.

Thyroid Profile (Total T3, Total T4, TSH) in Malakpet Colony, Hyderabad

Test(s) Included (1)

About

Here are some reasons behind opting for thyroid tests:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)