The thyroid is an endocrine gland found in the neck that manages how fast the body uses energy. It also assists in making proteins and controlling secretion of hormones. The main hormones the thyroid gland secretes are thyroxine, commonly known as T4 and triiodothyronine, commonly known as T3. The pituitary gland produces TSH and helps the thyroid gland in producing T3 and T4 hormones, which helps control metabolism, growth and development, body temperature and heart rate.
When the thyroid produces abnormal amounts of hormones, a thyroid disorder exists. The most common thyroid disorders include hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. This is known as an overactive thyroid. Graves’ disease; toxic adenomas (lumps form in thyroid gland that secrete thyroid hormones); subacute thyroiditis (thyroid inflammation that causes hormonal leakage) and pituitary gland malfunctions or cancerous growths in the thyroid gland are all conditions that can cause an overactive thyroid. Some symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism are fatigue, weight gain, numbness or cold intolerance and a short attention span.
Hypothyroidism is occurs when the thyroid does not produce sufficient amounts of hormones. This is known as an underactive thyroid. There are many causes such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the thyroid tissue resulting in the non-production of hormones); thyroid gland removal (surgically or chemically); excessive exposure to iodide through certain medicines; and the drug lithium. Some symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism are weight loss, vomiting, increased blood pressure, hair loss or increased heart rate.
Personalabs offers several blood tests for thyroid disorders. These tests include Anti-TPO antibodies, Thyroid stimulating hormone, T3 and T4 hormones and thyroglobulins. Don’t delay. Find out if the symptoms you are currently experiencing are due to a thyroid issue today!
