Thyroid Panel

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating your metabolism, which is how your body converts food into energy. Every cell in your body relies on this energy to function. When the thyroid isn't working properly, it can impact your entire system. Having too much or too little thyroid hormone can lead to illness. The symptoms of thyroid disease can be diverse and often resemble those of other conditions, making it difficult to pinpoint whether the thyroid is the cause.

Thyroid disease symptoms generally fall into two categories based on whether the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). These symptoms differ because hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism, while hypothyroidism slows it down.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (Overactive thyroid):

• Excessive sweating or feeling unusually hot
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Rapid heartbeat
• Increased frequency of bowel movements

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (Underactive thyroid):

• Feeling cold even in normal temperatures
• Weight gain
• Muscle aches or stiffness
• Persistent fatigue
• General weakness
• Slow heartbeat
• Constipation

When should you consider a thyroid checkup?

• If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
• If you are a woman experiencing infertility
• If you are receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy
• If you have a family history of thyroid disease

If you suspect you have a thyroid issue, it’s essential to get a Thyroid Function Test (TFT) to confirm the cause and begin treatment as soon as possible. Additionally, if you're already receiving treatment for thyroid hormone imbalances, regular testing helps monitor your progress and the effectiveness of the therapy.