Thyroid test Description
Thyroid abnormalities are one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting millions worldwide. The thyroid has just one job but it is one of the most important jobs for the body to function properly. It makes hormones that regulate the energy level, metabolism, growth, and reproduction of every cell of your body.
A thyroid function test can uncover thyroid dysfunction such as hypothyroidism (under activity of the thyroid) and the much less common hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid).
Thyroid hormones are well known for their role in basal metabolic rate, development and growth. Hypothyroidism affects approximately 4-5% of the population whilst estimates for hyperthyroidism are 0.4-2%.
A thyroid function test should be considered in all high risk populations including the ageing population, postpartum women, those with autoimmune disorders, those with a family history of autoimmune thyroid disorders, patients with previous head, neck or thyroid surgery, and those with Down’s or Turner’s syndrome.
Types Of Thyroid Dysfunction
Hypothyroidism is the most common disorder with the prevalence in normal populations with optimal iodine levels being approximately 4-5%. It is most common in women, and increases with age. In populations greater than 75 years of age, estimates are as high as 18.5%. There are also special populations with a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism including postpartum women, individuals with a family history of autoimmune thyroid disorders, patients with previous head and neck or thyroid surgery, other autoimmune disorders (type I diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, celiac disease, vitiligo, pernicious anaemia), as well as Down’s and Turner’s syndromes.
The symptoms for hypothyroidism include the well-known characteristics such as fatigue, cold extremities, weight gain and poor memory.
In addition, hypothyroidism is also associated with many conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, menstrual disorders, infertility, rhinitis and urticaria.
Hyperthyroidism is a much less common disorder with estimates being 0.4-2%. Symptoms for hyperthyroidism include tachycardia, anxiety, weight loss and heat sensitivity.
Our practitioners have seen hundreds of patients presenting with symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction. Very often they have had the standard Thyroid function tests (TSH, T4, T3) which have come back within the normal range. This is not enough information for us to truly understand if it is functioning optimally. There are additional tests that are available to us, the most common ones we request for suspected conditions include Thyroid co-factors (Tyrosine, Iodine, Selenium), Reverse T3, Thyroid Anti-bodies. These tests give us a much better idea as to how well it is functioning at a cellular level.
THYROID FUNCTION TEST PRICING
Book an online consultation or a face to face appointment at our Brisbane or Graceville clinics with one of our naturopaths and let us help you understand if thyroid abnormality is an underlying cause of your health issues. We offer a range of tests including a thyroid function blood test.
A test pricing guide is available here.
(Information from Nutripath Integrative Pathology Services)
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