Question 1

What is Hyperthyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive and there is an increased production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Causes of Hyperthyroidism include Graves’ disease, multinodular goiter, thyroid nodules, toxic adenoma, inflammation of the thyroid, eating too much iodine, and too much synthetic thyroid hormone. Diagnosis of this condition can help to relieve the symptoms and prevent long-term complications.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism include: Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats/minute — irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or pounding of your heart (palpitations), sudden weight loss, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, tremor (usually a fine trembling in your hands and fingers), changes in menstrual patterns, increased sensitivity towards heat, changes in bowel patterns (especially more frequent bowel movements), an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck, increased appetite, sweating, fatigue, muscle weakness, sleep disturbances, skin thinning, fine and brittle hair.

Question 3

What is Hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid or low thyroid is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It can be commonly caused by intake of low iodine diet or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease). Less common causes include previous treatment with radioactive iodine, injury to the pituitary gland which secretes TSH, intake of certain medicines, previous thyroid surgery, or a lack of a functioning thyroid gland at birth.

Question 4

What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as tiredness (fatigue), hoarseness, constipation, feeling cold, dry skin, dry and thin hair, puffy face, weight gain, and muscle weakness. Along with that, one may experience decreased sweating, depression, slowed heart rate, increased blood cholesterol levels, pain, and stiffness in your joints, impaired memory, problems of infertility or menstrual changes, muscle stiffness, aches, and tenderness.

Question 5

Is there any risk associated with this test?

Accepted Answer

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Question 6

How can hyperthyroidism affect a pregnant woman and her baby?

Accepted Answer

An untreated hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight of the baby, preeclampsia (a very high rise in blood pressure in late pregnancy), thyroid storm (a sudden, severe worsening of symptoms of hyperthyroidism) and congestive heart failure.

Question 7

How can hypothyroidism affect a pregnant woman and her baby?

Accepted Answer

An untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy can cause preeclampsia (a very high rise in blood pressure in late pregnancy), anemia, miscarriage, low birth weight of the baby, stillbirth (death or loss of a baby before or during delivery) and rarely, congestive heart failure. These problems are noticed mostly as a result of severe hypothyroidism. The mother’s thyroid hormones play an important role in the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system. Untreated hypothyroidism, especially during the first trimester can cause low IQ and can hinder the baby’s normal development.

Question 8

Is there any preparation required before the thyroid blood test?

Accepted Answer

No special preparation is required for this test. Inform the doctor about the medications you are taking as some medications like Corticosteroids, estrogen, progesterone, birth control pills, Lithium, Amiodarone etc. might interfere with the test results. A recent X-ray with iodine dye (contrast) or test using radioactive materials may also affect the results.

Question 9

What tests your doctor may order to detect the thyroid disease in addition to T3 Total test?

Accepted Answer

Your doctor may order the following tests:
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test, T3 Free hormone test and Thyroid profile.

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Triiodothyronine Total

What does Triiodothyronine Total measure?