How to know when to get a thyroid test

Have you ever experienced unexplainable fatigue, weight gain, or a rapid heartbeat?

These symptoms could be a sign that you have a thyroid disorder.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that produces hormones that regulate metabolism and control many bodily functions. When the thyroid gland produces too much or too little of these hormones, it can lead to health problems.

One of the best ways to measure thyroid function is through a thyroid test. In this blog post, we will discuss how to know when to get a thyroid test so that you can ensure your overall health.

Symptoms

The first sign that you might need a thyroid test is if you are experiencing certain symptoms.

Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, include:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Constipation
• Increased blood cholesterol
• Dry skin
• Puffy face
• Muscles aches, joint pain, and general stiffness
• Loss of libido
• Brittle hair
• Dry skin
• Irregular or heavy periods
• Low-pitched and hoarse voice
• Hearing loss
• Anaemia

Common symptoms of overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, include:

• Weight loss
• Anxiety
• Rapid heartbeat
• Mood swings
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Diarrhoea
• Frequent need to pee
• Unquenchable thirst

Family history

If you have a family history of thyroid disorders, you may be at a higher risk of developing thyroid problems. A family history of thyroid cancer, autoimmune diseases, or goitres can also indicate a higher likelihood of thyroid issues.

Age and gender

Thyroid issues are more common in women than men, and the likelihood of developing a thyroid disorder increases with age. Women over the age of 60 are especially at risk. If you are a woman over 60 or a man over 50, it’s recommended to get a thyroid test every five years.

Current health conditions

Certain health conditions can also increase the risk of developing thyroid problems. These include type 1 diabetes, autoimmune diseases (such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis), and a history of radiation to the neck.

Other conditions have been known to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, including:

• Excessive iodine: Having an excess of iodine in your body can cause your thyroid to produce more hormones than necessary, leading to hyperthyroidism.
• Iodine deficiency: The thyroid gland relies on iodine to create hormones, so an iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism.
• Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis is a swelling or inflammation of the thyroid gland that can decrease hormone production.
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a disease that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and harms the thyroid gland. This condition tends to run in families.
• Graves’ disease: This condition refers to an overactive thyroid gland that produces excessive hormones, which can cause the gland to enlarge. This condition is also known as diffuse toxic goitre.

If you have one or more of these conditions, getting a thyroid test is important.

Routine blood work

A thyroid test may be recommended as part of routine blood work. In addition, some doctors recommend a thyroid test as part of a routine physical exam, especially if you have risk factors or symptoms of thyroid disorders.

Get tested for thyroid conditions

If you are experiencing thyroid disorder symptoms or have risk factors such as a family history or underlying health condition, it’s important to get a thyroid test.

Better2Know offers a comprehensive thyroid test to give you an overview of your thyroid health. It measures levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and other tests for free thyroxin 3 (FT3), thyroid peroxidase, and thyroglobulin (TgAb).

If you would like to discuss your thyroid testing needs, please call us on the number above, email us or message us on chat. Our helpful and friendly team is standing by to help you with all your thyroid testing needs.

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