A lot of people don’t know what a thyroid is, where it’s located or what it does, so before we delve into thyroid tests and why you may need to consider taking a thyroid test, we’ll first define what a thyroid is and what it does.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland that is located in the middle of the lower neck. The function of the thyroid gland is to produce hormones that play a role in almost all cell functions including heart rate, breathing, and regulating the metabolism.

The thyroid gland produces two main hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

The function of triiodothyronine (T3) is controlling the digestive system, muscle control, brain development, and maintaining healthy bones.

The function of thyroxine (T4) is the same as triiodothyronine (T3), however this is the inactive form, so it needs triiodothyronine (T3) to activate it within the body. T4 transports T3 around the body.

The thyroid gland plays an incredibly important role in the body, therefore if the thyroid gland is not working optimally, your body will not be working optimally either.

The thyroid gland is the engine behind the production and secretion of both thyroid hormones. If your thyroid gland isn’t performing optimally, neither are you.

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What is a thyroid test?

A thyroid test is used to measure a number of key markers that can be used to understand how your thyroid is functioning.

Most common thyroid tests will measure:

Thyroid stimulating hormone

(is a hormone which stimulates the production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine)

Free thyroxine (T4)

(is a hormone which regulates the metabolism, and has an impact on every cell in the body)

Free triiodothyronine (T3)

(is the active form of thyroid hormones, T4 is transformed into T3 and it becomes the more biologically active version, i.e. it has an impact on the body’s cells.)

Thyroglobulin antibodies

(is an antibody which indicates that thyroid damage has occurred.)

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies

(is an antibody which can indicate that thyroid damage has occurred.)

Two of the most common thyroid issues that the public face include:

Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid)

If you are living with hyperthyroidism, it means that your thyroid is producing too much triiodothyronine and thyroxine.

Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid)

If you are living with hypothyroidism, it means that your thyroid is producing too little triiodothyronine and thyroxine.

Should you take a thyroid test?

Everyone should take a thyroid test at least once in their life.

There is another group of people who should definitely consider taking a thyroid test including:

You have a family history of a thyroid condition
You are experiencing the symptoms of an overactive thyroid
You are experiencing the symptoms of an underactive thyroid
You have an autoimmune condition such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease

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So, what are the symptoms of thyroid issues?

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

Some of the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid include:

Unexplained weight loss
Chronic fatigue
High blood pressure or increased pulse rate
Anxiety
Heat intolerance
Diarrhea
Itchy skin or hives
Low libido
Difficulty concentrating
Muscle weakness
Hair loss or thinning
Smooth, warm or moist skin

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

Some of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) include:

Unexplained weight gain
Chronic fatigue
Low blood pressure/slower pulse rate
Depression
Constipation
Tingling skin
Irregular periods
Low libido
Short term memory loss
Muscle cramping
Hair loss or thinning
Dry or rough skin

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What are the causes of thyroid issues?

There are a number of causes of thyroid issues.

Some of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism include:

Graves disease
Toxic adenoma
Toxic multinodular goiter
Plummer’s disease
Thyroiditis
Autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia and primary adrenal insufficiency
A family history of thyroid issues
Over-response to thyroid treatment

Some of the most common causes of hypothyroidism include:

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Thyroid surgery
Radiation therapy
Medications
Congenital disease
Pituitary disorder
Pregnancy
Iodine deficiency
Over-response to thyroid treatment

What are some of the most common risk factors for thyroid issues?

Some of the most common risk factors for hyperthyroidism include:

Gender (females at higher risk)
Family or personal history of autoimmune disorders (celiac, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
Past trauma to thyroid gland
Current or recent pregnancy
Smoking
Recent use of iodine contrast (such as that used in CT scans)

Some of the most common risk factors for hypothyroidism include:

Age and gender (women over 60 at high risk)
Preexisting condition (autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes or celiac)
Pituitary gland disorder
Pregnancy (women who are pregnant or who have had a baby in the past six months at high risk)