Ever wondered what keeps our bodies efficient? How is it that our metabolism remains in control? These and many other activities in our body are regulated by a small endocrine gland, called the thyroid. It mainly transforms the food we eat into energy and keeps us going. So what would happen if it does not function properly or how does your body tell that there's something wrong with the thyroid gland. That's why, to keep your body functioning properly, it’s necessary to keep your thyroid under check.

What is a Thyroid Test or Thyroid Function Test?

Thyroid Function test also called the thyroid profile test, helps you assess how well your thyroid gland is working. The thyroid is a tiny butterfly-shaped organ on the front of the neck, it produces hormones like tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate energy usage by the cells and also control different body systems. It acts like a command center of your body, it controls various body functions, like weight, heart rate, digestion, and mood. If the hormones T4 and T3 or both are produced in excess or less than normal, then conditions called hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism develop.

Thyroid test is also known as the thyroid profile - Total (T3, T4, & TSH Ultrasensitive) test or thyroid function panel. It has a number of tests that evaluate the thyroid gland's function and helps in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases. During this test the quantity of hormones such as T3, T4 and TSH is measured in the blood.

Thyroid test can help you diagnose diseases related to the thyroid.

-Hyperthyroidism

-Hypothyroidism 

-Graves' disease

-Thyroid cancer

Types of Thyroid Diseases

1. Hyperthyroidism: Its a condition when your thyroid gland produces more hormones than the requirement of body. These excess hormones can cause various health problems in your body.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

1. Weight loss: In most cases you will start losing body weight despite an increase in appetite.

2. Cardiovascular: You might experience irregular heartbeats and increased blood pressure. An irregular heartbeat can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart problems.

3. Fatigue: You may experience weakness, insomnia, and muscle pain very often.

4. Hair thinning: Hair fall is common in case of hyperthyroidism.

5. Bone Density: Untreated hyperthyroidism can badly affect the bone density and increase the risk of bone fracture.

Hypothyroidism: It is one of the most common types of thyroid disease in the world. It happens when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, to meet your body’s requirements. 

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

1. Weight Gain: A sudden weight gain can be an indicator of hypothyroidism.

2. Puffy Face: People with this condition often complain of having a puffy face or swollen face.

3. Irregular Menstrual Periods: Hypothyroidism can disrupt the menstrual cycle in females, it may lead to heavy bleeding or no bleeding altogether.

4. Joint and Muscle Pain: Hypothyroidism can cause muscle weakness and stiffness, especially in thigh, leg, and shoulder areas.

5. Dry Skin: Due to a decrease in thyroid hormone, your skin may lose moisture. 

6. Fertility problem: Underactive thyroid can disturb the fertility in both men and women.

Understand the Normal Thyroid Test Result Chart of an Adult

However, understanding your thyroid test results requires skills that only a medical professional possesses. Please connect with your doctor who will evaluate the findings and devise a treatment plan tailored to your medical history.

How to keep Your Thyroid Under Control

1. Balanced Diet: For a healthy thyroid, add green leafy vegetables into your diet. Also, include foods which are rich in vitamin A,C,K.

2. Control Iodine Intake: Make sure you monitor your iodine intake, as it can affect the thyroid hormone production. In case of hypothyroidism, include foods like, fish, dairy products, and iodized salt.

3. Avoid Processed Food: Junk food and items with high sugar. These are responsible for inflammation and causes more harm to an underlying thyroid.

4. Stress Management: Try and reduce your stress levels, introduce meditation and yoga in your life.

5. ⁠Begin an active lifestyle: Exercise thrice a week to keep your lifestyle healthy. This will keep your weight and hormones in control.

6. Regular checkups: Make sure to undergo a thyroid specific or full body checkup once a year to detect an unhealthy thyroid.

If you're getting the above mentioned symptoms, it's time you got your thyroid checked. If not treated on time, an unhealthy thyroid may lead to heart failure, infertility, strokes, and other neurological issues. Don't wait until your thyroid symptoms start showing up aggressively. Act now for a safer tomorrow and enjoy a healthy life.