Saturday, March 23, 2024

Can I Get My Thyroid Checked

You Sound Hoarse Or You Have A Lump In Your Throat

How to test your Thyroid at home

If your voice feels very hoarse, it can indicate that youve been talking too much, have a cold, or have an issue with your thyroid. The Mayo Clinic says it can be a sign of hypothyroidism. It can also indicate, according to EndocrineWeb, that a thyroid nodule is physically pressing on your throat, causing your voice to become hoarse.

If the front of your neck looks and feels swollen, as if you literally have a lump in your throat, it could be hyperthyroidism. The Mayo Clinic describes it as an enlarged thyroid gland , which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck. This is why if you go to the doctor for thyroid issues, he/she will physically feel and examine your thyroid to see if it is too big. Dr. Ali said to pay attention to any neck swelling you may experience.

Diagnosis Of An Underactive Thyroid Function Is Made Based On A Combination Of Thyroid Blood Test Results Symptoms And Several Other Factors

is evaluated and diagnosed by a physician, usually an endocrinologist or your primary care doctor. Symptoms, signs, andmore criticallyblood tests are taken into consideration when evaluating the possibility of an underactive , all of which help identify the cause and severity of the disease.

A diagnosis is reached after a thorough review of the patients personal medical and family histories, any risk factors, findings on physical examination, and the results of . There are several types of hormones checked in a blood test to assess your thyroid statusthe most definitive one is the . Often, physicians may decide to check the free , or T4, free T4 index, or total T4 to aid in the diagnosis.

Your Brain Feels Fuzzy

Sure, it could be caused by sleep deprivation or aging, but cognitive functioning can take a hit when your thyroid is out of whack. Too much thyroid hormone can cause difficulty concentrating and too little may cause forgetfulness and general brain fog. “When we treat patients for hypothyroidism, they are often surprised at how fast their brain fog goes away and how much sharper they feel,” Dr. Miller says. “Many women think it’s just something that comes along with menopause when it really is a sign of a thyroid problem.”

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What Is A Thyroid

Your thyroid is a small gland found at the front of your windpipe . It produces two hormones that help control your metabolism the chemical processes that occur in your body that keep you alive, like breathing and breaking down food into energy. These hormones are called triiodothyronine and thyroxine .

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Your Hair Is Thinning Or Brittle Dry And Fine

Thyroid Nodules

Most of the doctors I spoke with mentioned to pay attention to the state of your hair, as it can provide a clue as to the health of the rest of your body. The Mayo Clinic says that fine, brittle hair can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism, and thinning haircan indicate hypothyroidism. Dr. Goldfarb explained that when your thyroid isnt producing enough hormone, you may experience hair loss. Dr. Dean said that you may have dry hair as well with hypothyroidism. Your hair doesnt grow as fast and your circulation is slowed down and doesnt nourish your hair, she explained.

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Surprising Signs Your Thyroid Should Be Checked

You know when your sweat glands are working , and your salivary glands, too . But the thyroid gland is a little more mysterious. Responsible for some of the most important hormones in our body, it regulates everything from metabolism, respiration and circulation to reproduction. Anita Skariah, DO, UNC Healthcare, explains that its a finicky hormone to maintain. Too little of it causes a constellation of symptoms, and too much of the hormone does the same, she says. Additionally, autoimmune conditions, insufficient iodine consumption, inflammation, and tumors in the gland all wreak havoc on the delicate balance of your hormones. So how will you know if something is going on with your thyroid? Here are 12 surprising signs you may need to have your thyroid checked. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, dont miss these Sure Signs Youve Already Had Coronavirus.

There are many reasons for lack of energyincluding diet, sleeplessness, and environmental factors. However, Dr. Skariah points out that having too little or too much of thyroid hormone will make you feel fatigued, like you are moving through mud.

Why Having A Correctly Working Thyroid Matters

Since the thyroid regulates so much of our body, it is important to have it working correctly to have optimum health. Dr. Goldfarb told me that when it comes to your thyroid, some mild thyroid conditions that are not treated for many years can affect your heart, bones, and other organ systems, but that there are also very mild abnormalities that may go unnoticed and dont necessarily need to be treated. She stressed that symptoms that are caused by very abnormal thyroid hormones can also affect things like your energy level and productivity, which impacts your general health.

In addition, for women trying to get pregnant, having your thyroid hormones in normal range is important, the physician said.

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What Medications Can Affect The Thyroid Panel Tests

Many multivitamins, supplements , and over-the-counter and prescription medications may affect thyroid test results and their use should be discussed with your healthcare practitioner prior to testing. For example, biotin can interfere with some lab tests, so your healthcare practitioner may advise you to refrain from taking biotin or supplements that contain biotin for a few days before having blood drawn for a thyroid panel.

Should I Exercise If I Have A Thyroid Disease

How to Do a Self Thyroid Exam

Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. You do not need to change your exercise routine if you have a thyroid disease. Exercise does not drain your bodys thyroid hormones and it shouldnt hurt you to exercise. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before you start a new exercise routine to make sure that its a good fit for you.

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What Is It Used For

A TSH test is used to find out how well your thyroid is working. It can tell if you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism in your blood. But a TSH test can’t show what is causing a thyroid problem.

If you take prescription thyroid hormone medicine because of hypothyroidism or because you had your thyroid removed, you’ll have regular TSH tests to check your thyroid hormone levels. TSH tests are also used to monitor your thyroid hormone levels after treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Here Are Our Tips On How To Get What You Want And Need Out Of Hormone Testing

Your visit to the OBGYN:

  • Get the test taken during the first few days of your cycle , if possible.
  • Ask your OBGYN for a hormone panel test that includes estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH .
  • Ask additionally for a thyroid test, blood sugar test and Vitamin D3 test. These are also important indicators for hormonal health.
  • Ask that they also run a general blood test you want to be checked for iron saturation, anemia, and C-reactive proteins particularly.
  • Ask for a print out of your results to take home if they are not made available online for you to access.

Assessing the results:

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Undetected Low Levels Of Thyroid Hormone May Underlie Subtle Changes That Can Increase Your Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease

For a gland only two inches in size, the thyroid has a huge influence on our health. It produces a hormone that is carried in the bloodstream to all parts of the body. Thyroid hormone plays a major role in regulating metabolismthe process by which body cells convert nutrients into energyand thereby helps regulate body temperature, heart rate, and even brain function. So when thyroid hormone levels fall, the body slows.

You’re probably aware of the common symptoms of low thyroid hormonefatigue, fuzzy-headedness, weight gain, cold hands, and dry skin. But if you’re like most of us, you’re likely to blame your diet and exercise regimen instead of your thyroid if your cholesterol levels and weight are creeping up, especially if you don’t have any of the other symptoms of low thyroid. “Symptoms are often nonspecific, and since women over 60 generally have more of these nonspecific symptoms, their doctors may not think to test for hypothyroidism,” says endocrinologist Dr. Jeffrey Garber, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and author of The Harvard Medical School Guide to Overcoming Thyroid Problems.

Normal And Abnormal Tsh Ranges

Self care diagram. In most cases, thyroid cancer is treatable with ...
  • 0.4 mU/L to 4.0 mU/L is considered the , and people who have a normally functioning thyroid gland usually fall within this range.

  • If TSH measures more than 4.0 mU/L, a second test is performed to verify the results. TSH of more than 4.0/mU/L with a low T4 level indicates hypothyroidism.

  • If your TSH is more than 4.0 mU/L and your T4 level is normal, this may prompt your physician to test your serum anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies. When these antibodies are present, it may indicate an autoimmune thyroid disorder, which is a risk factor for developing hypothyroidism. If you have these antibodies, your doctor will most likely perform a TSH test at least once per year.

An easy way to remember how the thyroid worksthink about supply and demand. As the T4 level falls, the TSH rises. As the T4 level rises, the TSH falls. However, not everyone with hypothyroidism has elevated levels of TSH.

If your pituitary gland is not working properly, it may not send out normal TSH amountsand if this is the casethe thyroid may be healthy. However, if the amount of TSH is off, the thyroid wont make the right amount of T4. This is rare and is known as secondary or central hypothyroidism.

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What Are The Symptoms Produced By Hypothyroidism

While some people struggle with an overactive thyroid, others are troubled by a thyroid gland that doesnt produce enough thyroxine. Women over the age of 60 are most likely to experience hypothyroidism, though anyone can develop this condition. The good news is, once diagnosed, hypothyroidism can oftentimes be managed easily through the prescription of a synthetic thyroid hormone.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:

  • Pain, stiffness or swelling in the joints
  • Achy, tender or stiff muscles

Your Heart Rate Is Changing Or Youre Feeling Heart Palpitations

If you are feeling weird sensations around your chest, neck, or throat, it could be heart palpitations, and they may be caused by your thyroid, not your heart itself. The Mayo Clinic describes a number of things connected with your heart rate that can really indicate hyperthyroidism, including rapid heartbeat commonly more than 100 beats a minute, as well as irregular heartbeat or pounding of your heart . Dr. Goldfarb explained: When your thyroid is making too much hormone , you can experience racing heart as well as palpitations. On the other hand, a slower heart rate can indicate hypothyroidism, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Cohen said that when thyroid levels are low, we are low and our hearts might beat slower. He added, If thyroid levels are high, a person will show signs of overactivity, including a racing heart.

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You’re More Sensitive To Cold Or Heat Or You Sweat A Lot

Since one of the things the thyroid does is regulate body temperature, if it is malfunctioning, you may notice it with how you feel when it comes to the cold and heat. The Mayo Clinic cites both “sweating” and “increased sensitivity to heat” as symptoms of hyperthyroidism, while “increased sensitivity to cold” can be a sign of hypothyroidism.

Dr. Jason Cohen, a Los Angeles-based surgeon and expert in thyroid cancer treatment, told me that because “the thyroid maintains our homeostasis and keeps the body’s energy levels in check,” when it malfunctions, people may notice a difference in body temperature. When the “thyroid levels are low,” he said, “people typically feel cold all the time,” and when the levels are high, people may be “feeling hot or sweating.” So what women of a certain age may think of as menopausal hot flashes may have another cause.

Why Is A Thyroid Panel Important

How To Check Your Thyroid

Your thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, growth and other bodily functions. A thyroid panel can determine how well the thyroid is working.

It can help diagnose if you have an underactive or overactive thyroid gland. There are two different kinds of thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

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You Have Painful Extremities Or Muscles

Sometimes you stub a toe or work out too hardthat kind of pain can be explained away. But if you have mysterious or sudden tingling or numbnessor actual painin your arms, legs, feet, or hands, that could be a sign of hypothyroidism. Over time, producing too little thyroid hormone can damage the nerves that send signals from your brain and spinal cord throughout your body. The result is those “unexplained” tingles and twinges.

Which Test Should I Choose

i-screen offers a number of hormone tests, and it can be confusing to decide which test is right for you.

If your blood tests or saliva tests do reveal that you have a hormone imbalance, then our team of qualified doctors can recommend how you can take steps to improve your health and wellbeing.

If you need further guidance on which test is right for you, then contact us and one of our medical professionals will be in touch to work through your symptoms.

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Reasons To Have Your Thyroid Checked

The thyroid is a small gland in your neck thats shaped like a butterfly. Its small, but extremely mighty, as it regulates many crucial bodily functions like your metabolism, temperature, heart rate, and mood.

According to the American Thyroid Association, roughly 20 million Americans, or 12% of the entire population, have a problem with their thyroid. Women are more susceptible to thyroid disorders than men, with one in eight females struggling with a thyroid problem.

If you live near Tulsa, Oklahoma, turn to our knowledgeable team at Grassroots Healthcare for holistic and comprehensive thyroid support. Lets examine five reasons you should have your thyroid checked.

Can I Live A Normal Life With A Thyroid Disease

Which thyroid tests to ask for at the doctor? Identifying True Cause

A thyroid disease is often a life-long medical condition that you will need to manage constantly. This often involves a daily medication. Your healthcare provider will monitor your treatments and make adjustments over time. However, you can usually live a normal life with a thyroid disease. It may take some time to find the right treatment option for you and manage your hormone levels, but then people with these types of conditions can usually live life without many restrictions.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/19/2020.

References

  • Merck Manual Consumer Version. Overview of the Thyroid Gland. Accessed 11/18/2021.
  • US Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Womens Health. Thyroid disease. Accessed 11/18/2021.
  • American Thyroid Association. What you need to know about the thyroid. Accessed 11/18/2021.
  • US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hyperthyroidism . Accessed 11/18/2021.
  • American Thyroid Association. General Information/Press Room. Accessed 11/18/2021.
  • US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hypothyroidism . Accessed 11/18/2021.

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Do You Need A Thyroid Test

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, we recommend a range of tests that determine if you have a thyroid problem and whats causing it. We offer comprehensive support to help restore your thyroid function, such as lifestyle recommendations, nutritional supplements, and thyroid-replacement medication.

To learn more, call us today or use our online scheduling feature to book your appointment now.

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Your Bowels Are Unpredictable

People with hypothyroidism sometimes complain of constipation. The disruption in hormone production has likely caused a slowdown of digestive processes.

“There’s just no motility in your gut,” Dr. Miller says. “This is one of the top three most common symptoms of hypothyroidism I see.”

On the reverse side of the spectrum, an overactive thyroid gland can cause diarrhea or more frequent bowel movements, which is why they’re symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

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