Question 1

How is the blood sample taken?

Accepted Answer

To take the blood sample, a tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is asked to make a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein in order to prevent bacteria from entering. The needle is then inserted into the vein in the arm and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

Question 2

What is hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid. It is a condition in which the thyroid gland is not able to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are not noticeable at an early stage. If left untreated, it can cause various health problems that include obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart diseases

Question 3

What is hyperthyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid. It is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism can occur due to various conditions such as Graves disease, consuming excess iodine, inflammation of thyroid gland (thyroiditis), tumors of ovaries or testes, benign tumors of the thyroid or pituitary gland, and in cases if large amount of T4 is consumed through dietary supplements or medication.

Question 4

What are the signs of an underactive thyroid?

Accepted Answer

The signs of an underactive thyroid include slow heart rate, weight gain, enlarged thyroid, dry skin, constipation, trouble tolerating cold, pain in the muscle and joints, puffy skin, thinning of hair, hair loss, fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, heavy or irregular menstrual periods, and infertility in women.

Question 5

What are the signs of an overactive thyroid?

Accepted Answer

The signs of an overactive thyroid include rapid heart rate, anxiety, weight loss, difficulty in sleeping, tremors in the hands, muscle weakness, increased sweating, difficulty in tolerating heat, frequent bowel movements, puffiness around the eyes, dryness, irritation, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, blurry double vision, bulging of eyes, and lighter or less frequent menstrual periods in women.

Question 6

Which nutrients are harmful to the thyroid gland?

Accepted Answer

The nutrients which are harmful to the thyroid gland include soy foods such as tofu, tempeh; certain vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, spinach; fruits, and starchy plants such as sweet potatoes, peaches, strawberries; nuts and seeds like millet, peanuts, pine nuts, etc.

Question 7

Should I inform my doctor if I am taking any medicines?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements as it might interfere with the test results.

Question 8

What is the function of the thyroid gland?

Accepted Answer

The thyroid is an essential gland in the neck's lower base. It is responsible for processes like metabolism, energy production, development and growth of the human body, digestive and muscle function and bone maintenance.

Question 9

Who is at higher risk for contracting thyroid disorder?

Accepted Answer

If you fall in any of the following categories, you may be at a higher risk for developing a thyroid disorder:Previous medical conditions such as diabetes type 1, pernicious anaemia, lupus, primary adrenal insufficiency, Sjögren’s syndrome, Turner syndrome and rheumatoid arthritisYou come from a long line of family that suffers from thyroid diseaseA woman in her 60s or olderHave a medication that makes use of iodine or amiodaroneHave received treatment for cancer or thyroid condition in the past, like radiation or thyroidectomy

Question 10

Do people with diabetes are at higher risk for developing thyroid disorder?

Accepted Answer

Individuals who have diabetes, like diabetes type 1, are more prone to developing thyroid gland disorder. Since diabetes is an autoimmune disease, contracting another autoimmune disease becomes more likely. The risk for people having diabetes type 2 is lower, though.You can try to do the following things to help keep the disorder at bay:Exercise everydayEnsure you sleep properly for 8 hours a day, at leastTake all the prescribed medicationsKeep an eye on your dietGet thyroid profile test regularly

Question 11

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Accepted Answer

The following early signs can indicate the possibility of hypothyroidism:Trouble in sleepingIrritability, anxiety and nervousnessGoitreLoss of weightIrregular menstrual cycleTremors or weak musclesHeat sensitivityEye irritation and vision troubles

Question 12

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

The following warning signs may be an indication of hyperthyroidism:Weight gainHeavy and frequent menstrual periodsHoarse voiceExtreme fatigueForgetfulnessCoarse and dry hairIntolerance to cold temperature

Question 13

Can thyroid disorder lead to seizures?

Accepted Answer

Generally, thyroid disorder does not lead to seizures unless in cases of severe hypothyroidism. If left untreated, it might lead to lower serum sodium which can inevitably lead to seizures.

Thyroid Profile - Free (FT3, FT4, TSH) in Medavakkam, Chennai

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