Overview:
This test is performed to give knowledge of how well the thyroid gland is working in the body. The thyroid gland is working in the body. The thyroid is a small gland located in the lower front part of the neck. It plays an important role in performing many functions of the body, which mainly includes metabolic activities, body temperature, muscle strength, energy production and maintaining the mood.
PITUITARY GLAND: This is a gland that is present in the base of the skull and is responsible for the production of many hormones including thyroid-stimulating hormone. Two main hormones are produced by the thyroid gland stimulated by the thyroid-stimulating hormone.
T3: (Triiodothyronine)
T4: (Thyroxine)
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
This test measures the thyroid antibodies in the blood. There are different types of thyroid antibodies. Some antibodies destroy thyroid tissue. Others cause the thyroid to make too much of certain thyroid hormones. A thyroid antibody test usually measures one or more of the following types of antibodies: Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO). These antibodies can be a sign of:
- Hashimoto disease, also known as Hashimoto thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune disease and the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones.
- Grave’s disease. This is also an autoimmune disease and the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid makes too much of certain thyroid hormones.
- Thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg). These antibodies can also be a sign of Hashimoto disease.
- Most people with Hashimoto’s disease have high levels of both Tg and TPO antibodies.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor. These antibodies can be a sign of Grave’s disease.
Q1. How is the test performed?
A blood sample drawn from a vein or a drop of blood from a skin prick is required.
Q2. Is there any risk associated with this test?
There is no significant risk associated with this test, however, in rare cases, a patient may develop a clot or hematoma around the site of the needle prick.
Q3. What are the symptoms of Hashimoto disease?
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Low tolerance for cold temperatures
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Constipation
- Depression
- Joint pain
Q4. What are the symptoms of Grave’s disease?
- Weight loss
- bulging of the eyes
- Tremors in the hand
- Low tolerance for heat
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Swollen thyroid, known as goiter
WHY GET TESTED?
- To help diagnose autoimmune thyroid diseases
- To monitor autoimmune diseases
- When symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism are visible
SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM ARE:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Intolerance to cold
- Constipation
SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM ARE:
- Sweating
- Rapid heart rate
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sudden weight loss
- Protruding eyes