February 10, 2025

Iodine is an essential mineral found commonly in eggs, dairy products, and even seafood. This mineral is highly important to the human body for the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for the body’s metabolism and other key functions such as heart health, growth, brain development during pregnancy, etc. Both a lack or excess of iodine in the body can impair thyroid function.

Excess hormone production causes hyperthyroidism, a condition more commonly called overactive thyroid that fastens the body’s metabolism rate. This can cause several symptoms, such as hand tremors, weight loss, irregular heartbeat, etc. On the other hand, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, causing issues such as a slow metabolism rate, heart problems, and high cholesterol. This condition is also known as underactive thyroid. Getting the right amounts of iodine is key to maintaining thyroid health. 

Key Thyroid Function Tests

Thyroid function tests help check if your gland is functioning as it should. Most thyroid disorders are highly treatable with proper medications and treatments. Let’s find out some of the standard tests that can help detect thyroid function disorders at an early stage. 

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test:

The TSH test is the best way to test your thyroid function. This test measures the thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in your blood. Changes in the TSH levels can be early warning signs that often occur before there are any significant changes in the thyroid hormones in the body. Having high TSH levels is usually an indicator that the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones, which could lead to primary hypothyroidism. Similarly, having a low TSH level is an indicator that the thyroid gland is producing excessive thyroid hormone, which could lead to hyperthyroidism. A low TSH level often can result from abnormalities in the pituitary gland that prevent it from producing sufficient TSH.

Free Thyroxine (Free T4) Test:

The T4 test measures the free thyroxine in the blood. It is one of the main hormones produced by the thyroid gland. There are mainly two kinds of thyroxine present in the blood. Free T4 is a form of thyroxine hormone that enters the bodily tissues depending on where it’s needed. Bound T4, on the other hand, is a thyroxine hormone that attaches to certain proteins that prevent it from entering the bodily tissues. Too little or too much of T4 in your blood can be a sign of a thyroid disorder.

Triiodothyronine (T3) Test:

T3 tests are often used to diagnose hyperthyroidism or to determine its severity. Individuals with hyperthyroidism usually showcase elevated T3 levels. In the case of a hypothyroid patient, this test is not that useful as the T3 levels are the last to be affected. Persons could have severe hypothyroidism with high TSH levels and still have normal T3 levels.

Thyroid Antibody Tests:

Our body’s immune system protects us from harmful viruses and bacteria with antibodies. However, sometimes, these antibodies tend to attack healthy bacteria and cells in the body, which could lead to autoimmune diseases. A thyroid antibody test measures the amount of thyroid antibodies present in the blood, thereby helping diagnose various autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s disease or Grave’s disease.

Common Symptoms of Thyroid Diseases

Thyroid disease symptoms often depend on the condition of the thyroid gland. If you have an underactive thyroid, i.e., hypothyroidism, the symptoms would be more along the lines of lethargy, weight gain, depressing mood, etc. On the other hand, if you have an overactive thyroid, i.e., hyperthyroidism, the symptoms might consist of an increase in appetite, weight loss, thinning and losing hair, etc. To get a better understanding of the condition, let’s learn about some of the common thyroid disease symptoms.

Fatigue:

Many people with thyroid disorders experience extreme fatigue, regardless of the amount of rest or sleep they get. Nevertheless, appropriate treatment helps improve energy levels over time.

Weight Changes:

Thyroid hormones help regulate the metabolism of sugar and fat in the body. Changes in the levels of thyroid hormones can affect the body’s weight. In cases of hypothyroidism, where the amount of thyroid hormones is very low, the person tends to gain weight. Similarly, weight loss is observed in persons having hyperthyroidism.

Temperature Sensitivity:

Changing levels of thyroid hormones affect the body’s metabolism, causing an increase in sensitivity to cold or heat, depending on the condition.

Mood Alterations:

The brain requires a certain amount of thyroid hormones for proper functioning. An increase or decrease in that level can have major effects on a person’s mood and memory. 

Heart Rate Variations:

Low or high thyroid levels affect the heart rate to a certain extent. Many people experience either increased heart rate, commonly known as bradycardia, or slow heart rate, also known as tachycardia.

Digestive Issues:

As the thyroid gland is affected, the digestive systems are affected, too, causing problems with the activity of the gut and the stomach. This could cause issues like constipation or frequent bowel movements.

Hair and Skin Changes:

Thyroid hormones play a vital role in the health and growth of hair follicles. Increasing hair loss is one of the significant symptoms of thyroid disorders. 

Menstrual Irregularities:

Those with underactive thyroid might experience irregular menstrual cycles. Hyperthyroidism affects hormones that play a part in menstruation.

Muscle Weakness and Aches: `

An underactive thyroid can affect the muscles and joints of the body in various ways. Some common issues include muscle aches, joint swelling, weakness, and stiffness.

Neck Swelling (Goiter):

A Goiter is simply an enlargement of the thyroid gland that causes swelling at the base of the neck. Signs of goiter include breathing and swallowing problems, hoarseness in the throat, and cough.

Conclusion

Our thyroid gland plays a crucial role in the body’s functioning. Abnormalities in it can affect the body’s metabolism rate, heart health, and overall well-being. Therefore, understanding the thyroid’s functioning and knowing the early signs and symptoms to detect potential thyroid diseases can help manage thyroid health efficaciously. 

FAQs 

1. How is thyroid function regulated?

It is regulated through a process called a negative feedback loop. In this process, when the T3 and T4 hormone levels become high, they prompt the hypothalamus to lessen the TRH production, thus reducing the thyroid hormone release and TSH levels of the body.

2. How can I maintain a healthy thyroid function?

Consuming a balanced diet that provides adequate iodine helps maintain healthy thyroid functioning. Additionally, limiting the intake of cruciferous vegetables and processed foods is also highly beneficial for thyroid health.

3. What is the thyroid gland, and where is it located?

The thyroid gland is an essential endocrine gland that releases thyroid hormones that help regulate metabolic processes. It is shaped like a butterfly and located at the front of the neck, below Adam’s apple.