The thyroid gland is an important endocrine gland located in the neck region. It produces thyroid hormones that play a vital role in regulating the body's metabolic processes. Even a slight change in the levels of thyroid hormones can affect many body functions. Therefore, it is important to monitor thyroid hormone levels through regular thyroid function tests. This article provides a comprehensive understanding of thyroid function tests conducted in India.
What are thyroid function tests?
Thyroid function tests, also known as thyroid panel tests, are blood tests that measure the levels of key thyroid hormones - thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood.
- T4 and T3 are the main hormones produced by the thyroid gland. T4 is the primary hormone secreted which then converts to the active T3 hormone in other tissues.
- TSH is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It signals the thyroid to produce more T4 and T3.
By measuring the levels of these three hormones, thyroid function tests can help determine if the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism).
Types of thyroid function tests
The following are the common types of thyroid function tests conducted in India:
- TSH test: Measuring just the TSH level is usually the first screening test done. An abnormal TSH can indicate hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
- T4 test: This test measures only the T4 thyroid hormone level. It may be done along with TSH to get a more comprehensive view of thyroid function.
- T3 test: Measuring just the T3 level is not very common. It is done in some complex thyroid cases to check conversion of T4 to T3.
- Free T4 index (FTI): India Thyroid Function Test This test measures both total T4 levels and a protein (TBG) that binds T4. It helps assess the active, unbound "free" form of T4 available to tissues.
- Thyroid antibody tests: Tests like thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody and thyroglobulin antibody help diagnose autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.
Importance of thyroid function monitoring in India
With nearly 42 million people suffering from thyroid disorders in India, regular monitoring of thyroid function is important. Some key reasons for this are:
- High prevalence of thyroid diseases - Issues like iodine deficiency, genetics, and autoimmune thyroiditis are more common in India.
- Symptom overlap with other conditions - Thyroid symptoms like weight change and fatigue can indicate other health problems too.
- Importance of early detection - Timely treatment of hypothyroidism prevents complications. Early management of hyperthyroidism reduces relapse risk.
- Management of subclinical cases - Tests help identify mild thyroid cases before symptoms appear. Treatment may be needed to prevent future progression.
- Monitoring medication effectiveness - Tests check if levothyroxine or antithyroid drug doses for hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism need adjustment.
- Screening high-risk groups - Tests screen women with PCOS, infertility or recurrent miscarriages, and people with diabetes or heart disease.
Who should get tested and interpretation
The following groups in India should consider getting a thyroid function test periodically:
- Women above 40 years and men above 50 years of age as risk rises with age
- Those with a family history of thyroid diseases
- Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy
- Those with symptoms like fatigue, weight gain/loss and menstrual irregularities
- People taking medication that can affect thyroid function
- Those with diabetes, heart conditions, digestive issues, menstrual problems etc.
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