According to a 2023 study  published by the Indian Journal of Medical and Health Research, 42 million people in India are estimated to have thyroid issues. 

 

Functioning of the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland mainly produces a hormone called thyroxine, or T4, which contains four iodine atoms. To work effectively in the body, T4 is converted into another hormone called triiodothyronine, or T3, by removing one iodine atom. This conversion mostly happens in the liver and in tissues like the brain, where T3 has its main effects. The amount of T4 the thyroid produces is controlled by a hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is made in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. The pituitary releases TSH into the bloodstream depending on how much T4 is already in the blood. If the pituitary detects low levels of T4, it releases more TSH to signal the thyroid to produce more T4. When T4 levels rise enough, the pituitary reduces its TSH production. 

The thyroid and pituitary work together like a heater and thermostat. If the room (body) gets cold, the thermostat (pituitary) senses it and turns on the heater (thyroid). When the temperature (T4 levels) reaches the right level, the thermostat turns off the heater again.

In pregnancy, the regular need for thyroxine rises by 45 per cent as thyroid-binding globulin levels rise. That is why it becomes more important to check your thyroid levels when you are pregnant.

 

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When To Get Screened For Thyroid Issues?

For adults starting at age 35, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) recommends measuring thyroid function every five years. However, for those who are at higher risk—like those with a family history of thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions, or a history of radiation therapy to the neck—more frequent screenings may be needed.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) emphasises that women who are planning to get pregnant or are in their first trimester should have their TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels measured. This is because thyroid imbalances can have significant effects on both the mother and the baby.

Also, if you experience symptoms like unexplained weight changes, fatigue, mood swings, hair thinning, temperature sensitivity (feeling unusually cold or hot), or changes in your skin or nails, it could be worth discussing thyroid testing with your healthcare provider. For example:

• Hypothyroidism: Common signs are fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, and depression.
• Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms may include unintentional weight loss, rapid heartbeat, irritability, excessive sweating, and heat intolerance.

If you feel like any of these sound familiar, it’s a good idea to bring them up with your doctor to see if further testing is necessary.

 

Related story: Everything You Need To Know About Thyroid

 

Important Tests for Thyroid Health

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Test
Purpose:
The TSH test measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland. It tells how well the thyroid is functioning since the pituitary releases TSH to stimulate the thyroid to produce T3 and T4 hormones.

Who should get it:
It’s typically the first test done if thyroid dysfunction is suspected. Anyone experiencing symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, sensitivity to cold or heat, dry skin, hair thinning, or changes in heart rate may be tested.

What it detects:
High TSH levels indicate hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), while low levels suggest hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). A normal TSH suggests that the thyroid is functioning properly.

Free T4 (Thyroxine) Test
Purpose:
The free T4 test measures the level of free T4 hormone circulating in the bloodstream. T4 is the primary hormone produced by the thyroid, and it is converted into the more active T3 form in the body.

Who should get it:
People who have abnormal TSH levels or symptoms of thyroid dysfunction should consider getting this test. It’s also useful if TSH levels are normal but thyroid problems are still suspected.

What it detects:
Low free T4 levels typically indicate hypothyroidism, whereas high levels can be a sign of hyperthyroidism or thyroid hormone resistance. It can be easily done by taking your blood sample. Book your blood tests now with UR.Life.

 

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Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Test

Purpose:
This test measures the amount of active thyroid hormone (T3) in your blood. T3 is responsible for most of the effects of thyroid hormones on the body.

Who should get it:
It’s often done when a TSH test shows abnormal results, or when symptoms of thyroid imbalance persist despite normal TSH and T4 levels. It can also help assess thyroid function in patients with thyroid disease or who are on thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

What it detects:
Low levels of Free T3 suggest hypothyroidism or inadequate conversion from T4 to T3. Elevated levels may indicate hyperthyroidism, such as in conditions like Graves' disease.

 

Thyroid Antibodies (TPO and TgAb)
Purpose:
This test checks for the presence of antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. It helps diagnose autoimmune thyroid diseases, like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) and Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism).

Who should get it:
People who have symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disease, or who have a family history of autoimmune conditions. It’s also used if thyroid function tests (TSH, T4, T3) are abnormal and autoimmune thyroid disease is suspected.

What it detects:
High levels of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies and thyroglobulin (TgAb) typically indicate autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto's (in hypothyroidism) or Graves’ disease (in hyperthyroidism).

 

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Thyroid Ultrasound
Purpose:
A thyroid ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the thyroid gland, helping doctors identify nodules, goiters, or structural abnormalities in the thyroid.

Who should get it:
People who have palpable thyroid nodules, or whose blood tests suggest thyroid problems. It’s also recommended if there is concern about thyroid cancer or when a physical exam reveals an enlarged thyroid (goiter).

What it detects:
It detects the presence of thyroid nodules, cysts, or tumours. It can also identify any abnormal growths or changes in the thyroid gland's structure that might need further evaluation.

 

Thyroid Scan
Purpose:
A thyroid scan uses a small amount of radioactive iodine or technetium to help visualise the thyroid gland. It provides information about the function of the thyroid and can identify overactive or underactive areas.

Who should get it:
People with abnormal thyroid function tests or suspected thyroid tumours, nodules, or goiters. This test is often used when there’s suspicion of thyroid cancer or to assess the function of nodules.

What it detects:
It detects abnormal areas in the thyroid, which can indicate hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, or other thyroid disorders. 

 

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These tests give a comprehensive picture of thyroid health and help in diagnosing conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune diseases, and even thyroid cancer. If you're unsure about any symptoms or the need for testing, your doctor can guide you on the best course of action based on your health history and risk factors.

 

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Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are at risk of or already have any underlying conditions. Taking regular health checks can help detect the condition at an early stage when it is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work.
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