thyroid check...please tell how they do and why and for what???

Answer 1

Any check up consists of talking with patient (history taking) to know abt symptoms, general physical and specific system examination(thyroid here) and investigations.

Thyroid is a very important gland of our body. It secretes thyroxine hormone which has a spectrum of effects on virtually every organ of the body. Basically it helps in maintaining near normal metabolism of the body. Abnormal thyroid function may not cause IMMEDIATE problem but in long run it can cause serious trouble.

You might notice that the doctors do thyroid test very commonly, its so because the thyroid problems show a variety of and very non-specific symptoms!!

Usually thyroid can be functioning less (HYPO-thyroidism) or functioning more (HYPER-thyroidism).

Usual symptoms of of HYPO-thyroidism:
-Depression
-Weight gain
-Dry skin & hair
-feeling cold
-Feeling tired

Usual symptoms of HYPER-thyroidism:
-Nervousness & Anxiety
-Weight loss
-Moist skin
-Feeling hot
-Fast,Irregular pulse
-Tiredness

Obviously thyroid check is done to know if the thyroid gland is working ok.

There are quite a few investigations available. Simplest and quickest is blood test.
Usually they check levels of 3 type of hormones..
1.TSH(Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
2. T4 and T3

T4 & T3 are hormones secreted by thyroid gland. So usually(NOT ALWAYS) in HYPER-thyroidism there levels will b increased and in HYPO-thyroidism decreased.

But the most sensitive test is to check the level of TSH.
This is a hormone secreted by our pituitary gland in the brain.
because of any reason if the thyroid is working less => the pituitary gland will secret more TSH to stimulate the thyroid to churn out more thyroxine hormones(T4 & T3). And opposite occurs if the thyroid is working more.

Hence.....
In HYPO-thyroidism(thyroid working less) --> TSH will be HIGH
In HYPER-thyroidism(thyroid working more) --> TSH will be LOW
(remember our body is not as simple as we think, so there are few exceptions of this rule as well !)

Apart from blood tests there are other investigations to know more.
Ultrasound imaging
Biopsy
Isotope scanning: As we know the thyroid uses Iodine to make T4 & T3. So they give Iodine radio-isotope to the patient and check the the thyroid activity with the help of imaging machines.

Hope it was helpful.

Answer 2

I'm no doctor, but we have a lot of thyroid problems in the family.
Probably the best way to explain it as I see it is that It acts like a carburator for the whole body. It affects so many things and it's a good idea to have it checked. My brother was being treated for a heart attack and when they realized the heart was fine, one resident said :"Let's check his Thyroid". That was the problem and they removed it and put him on thyroid meds for life and he was fine after that. Any iodine that enters your system goes to the thyroid, thats why thyroid meds have it in them.
Good luck

Answer 3

First line therapy is frequently with ?Carbimazole (others extensively utilized) which counteracts the effect of an over production of thyroxine by potential of the thyroid gland. The thyroid controls the fee of chemical reactions interior the physique..... this is like a carburettor on the automobile - extra petrol (thyroxine) = greater revs, much less petrol (thyroxine) = much less revs. Hyperthyroidism is an extra production of thyroxine and motives "rapid" form indicators - worry, panic rigidity, insomnia, palpitations, weightloss, temper swings. Hypothyroidism is below production of thyroxine that motives "lazy" form indicators - fatigue, weight benefit, capacity loss, melancholy. In the two circumstances the hypo or hyper is controlled with drugs. frequently l-thyroxine for hypo and carbimazole (or comparable) for hyper. Getting the dose impressive for the affected person can take some months each and every so often. this is available that the reason to your spouse's rigidity assaults could be frequently because of hyperthyroidism.... if it somewhat is the case she could desire to verify some great variations and enhancements as a effect of the therapy. Diagnosing hyper/hypo is frequently an hassle-free blood try to the outcomes tend to be precise/good and conclusive. Repeat attempting out could be mandatory if there's a borderline effect or whilst attempting to discover the impressive and specific dose of drugs she needs to maintain issues balanced. (Disclaimer - please don't be totaly reliant on the accuracy of this suggestions, this is in line with "previous understanding/adventure") sturdy success

Answer 4

by bood test, and they will check for you if you have been gaining or losing weight for no diferant reason. maybe if youve been up or down rapid as well.