A thyroid Function tests is a crucial health checkup gauging hormone levels to know how well your thyroid gland are working properly. The test is essential for everyone.
Our thyroid gland is a little butterfly-shaped organ in the neck area. It radiates hormones such as TSH, T3, and T4. These hormones then affect body processes like controlling metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, brain function, reproductive function and mood.
Any troubles in the thyroid gland’s hormone levels, whether overactive or underactive, can have substantial results for both men and women. This is why thyroid profile tests or Thyroid Function tests are essential to keep a tab on hormone levels.
Thyroid Gland:
The thyroid gland radiates hormones, which play an vital role in our different body functions, such as:
1. Food to energy: Thyroid hormones converts food into energy. Any unevenness in hormones, then you may either gain weight, lose weight, have tiredness or undergo other differences in body temperature.
2. Effects on heart and Blood pressure: Thyroid hormones affect your heart rate and blood pressure. An inequality may lead to uneven heartbeats, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.
3. Effects on Brain: Thyroid hormones are important for brain growth in children and adolescents. For adults, they are important for memory, cognitive process and mood ordinance.
4. Thyroid effect on men and women: In women, an imbalance of thyroid hormones can generate unstable menstrual cycles, infertility and more. In men, it can grow to erectile dysfunction and reduced libido <sex drive>.
5. Osteoporosis: Thyroid hormones donate to bone health. People with hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels) are at danger of evolving osteoporosis.
6. Muscle issues: Thyroid helps in muscle power and function. Shortage in thyroid hormones can direct to muscle weakness, fatigue and cramps.
When Should You Take a Thyroid Function Test?
You should book a thyroid profile test if you have the following problems:
● Hyperactive or hypoactive thyroid gland
● Interpreted thyroid disorder
● Rapid or fast heart beatings
● Crossing High Cholesterol levels
● Osteoporosis, which generates flaky or thin bones
● Decline in sexual drive
● Uncommon menstrual periods in females
● Miscarriages in pregnant ladies
● Fertility issues
● Carrying autoimmune diseases in the family, such as type 1 diabetes and vitiligo
● Staying Sick after childbirth
● Experiencing surgeries
Impact on Men and Women
The impact of unstable thyroid hormones is equal in both men and women, except for a rare gender-specific disparities:
Females
● Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can push menstrual abnormality, which leads to irregular periods, cramps and serious bleeding. Some women can also have amenorrhea, which means the lack of periods.
● Fertility problem: Inequalities in hormone levels can hamper with ovulation and direct to problem in conceiving.
● Pregnancy issues: Hypothyroidism during pregnancy causes miscarriage, low birth weight babies and premature birth.
● Postpartum thyroiditis: During postpartum (after giving birth), you may have brief thyroid gland inflammation.
Men
● Libido: Underactive thyroid in men can reduce libido and make it hard to achieve erection.
● Low sperm count: Thyroid inequality can take a toll on sperm rate.
● Depression: Men with thyroid issues are more inclined to acquire symptoms of depression or stress.
When to go for Test?
Before going for a thyroid profile test at home you may require to fast for at least 8 to 10 hours. You can consume water before the test, but assure you do not drink any other fluid as it may affect the test results.
Conculusion:
Men and women should experience routine thyroid function tests to maintain track of their thyroid function. Differences in the hormone levels may cause multiple problems, such as heart and fertility problems. Therefore, keeping your thyroid gland beneficial is very vital.
