Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Updated : May 25, 2015 9:55 AM IST
Thyroid disorders are on a rise in India with around 42 million people suffering from different types of thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto s thyroiditis and thyroid cancer.
With such high incidence, you should be aware of the symptoms of thyroid disease.
Hypothyroidism symptoms include fatigue, constipation, stiffness in joints, bloating, etc.
Increased bowel movements, sweating profusely, rapid heart rate, excessive fatigue, unexplained weight loss, etc. are signs of hyperthyroidism.
If you exhibit any of these signs, your doctor may recommend undergoing a thyroid profiling. The American Thyroid Association recommends that every adult aged 35 and above should undergo screening every five years.
You may like to read about the different types of medicines for thyroid disease, their side effects and interactions.
Here's all you need to know about the five thyroid profiling tests:
1. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test: A TSH test will determine whether your symptoms are due to a thyroid related problem or not. Normal test range of TSH is between 0.4 and 4.0 milli-international units of hormone per liter of blood (Miu/L). Lower TSH levels indicate hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or decreased production of TSH due to an underlying condition. Higher TSH values indicate hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or thyroid tumour. Results above or below this range also indicate the need for T4 and T3 tests. You may like to read about various causes of thyroid disease.
2. FT4 test: T4 test is also known as thyroxine test. FT4 stands for free thyroxine. Both T3 and T4 hormones are circulated in the blood attached to a carrier protein. However, bound hormone molecules cannot be used by the cells. Only the ones that freely circulate in the blood or are in the unbound state can be taken up by the cells. Therefore, free thyroxine in the blood is an accurate measure of hormone responsible for activities carried out by the cells. The normal range of T4 hormone is between 9-25 picomoles/litre. Here are thyroid facts you should know.
3. FT3 test: T3 test is useful for diagnosing and determining the severity of hyperthyroidism. Just as FT4, levels of FT3 are also determined in the free or unbound state. The normal range of T3 is between 3.5 to 7.8 pmoL/litres.
Results based on TSH, T3 and T4:
Above normal TSH levels along with low FT4 levels indicate hypothyroidism or under-activity of the thyroid gland.
Lower TSH levels along with high FT4 levels and FT3 levels indicate hyperthyroidism or over-activity of the thyroid gland
Antibody testing for thyroid disorders may be recommended mainly if you have a family history of thyroid problems or if you have an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis. These antibody tests help to find out if your body produces auto-antibodies (antibodies against self-cells) against your thyroid gland.
4. TPO-Microsomal antibody: TPO Microsomal antibody is also called Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibody. These antibodies are raised in a condition called Hashimoto's disease or autoimmune thyroiditis, where the cells of the thyroid gland are destroyed. The normal value for TPO Ab is anything less than 150 mUI/ml.
5. ATA-Thyroglobulin antibody: These antibodies are also found in Hashimoto's disease. The reference range for this is less than 200 mUI/ml. The titre of these antibodies indicates severity of the disease.
If you are showing any symptoms of thyroid disease you can control your thyroid levels with yoga.
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