Thyroid Testing: Your Hero’s Journey for Optimum Health
Saguaro Bloom
A bold belief that access to data and insight improves people’s life. We are leading a revolution in preventive health.
We want to talk to you about something near and dear to our hearts - or should we say necks?
That’s right; we’re uncovering all you need to know about your thyroid gland and why your hero’s health journey requires you to check it!
You only get one go at life, and we’re here to provide you with the research to make your life healthy and long-lasting.
We go beyond the typical “drink more water and get enough sleep” advice. Instead, we dive into the medical and scientific research behind health to empower you with knowledge.
Put your learning hats on as we jump into the fascinating world of endocrinology, where hormones reign supreme and the thyroid gland is the show's star.
What is the thyroid?
And why should you care about it?
Let’s ask a few questions first:
Do you enjoy having the energy to get you through the day? Do you prefer feeling mentally sharp and alert? Do you want to avoid becoming cranky, sluggish, and forgetful?
If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time to give your thyroid a little love and attention.
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck just in front of your windpipe. It produces the hormones T3 and T4 that regulate many of the body’s functions, including metabolism, growth and development, body temperature and heart rate. When your thyroid isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
The pituitary gland controls the thyroid gland, which produces the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid gland to create thyroid hormones.
Many longevity and metabolic health experts have researched the thyroid's role in maintaining our health. It's been found that testing thyroid function is an essential part of any comprehensive health evaluation and should be an integral part of routine blood work for all patients, especially when thyroid dysfunction symptoms are present.
If you’re still on the fence about getting your thyroid checked, give this some food for thought…
Health Problems Related to the Thyroid Gland
When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it leads to various health problems.
An overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism, happens because the thyroid gland overproduces thyroid hormones. Symptoms can include:
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Feeling nervous, anxious, or irritable
- Tremors or shaking
- Weight loss despite an increased appetite
- Increased sweating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in menstrual patterns
Untreated hyperthyroidism can instigate more serious health problems, such as osteoporosis, heart problems, and in rare cases, a life-threatening condition known as a thyroid storm.
On the flip side, an underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, shows up when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. It simply isn’t putting in enough work! Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Feeling cold
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Dry skin or hair loss
- Constipation
- Depression or difficulty concentrating
Without treatment, hypothyroidism can result in higher cholesterol, heart disease, and in rare cases, a life-threatening condition known as myxedema coma.
Whatever your thyroid is up to, getting it tested to manage symptoms and prevent long-term health complications is essential.
The thyroid gland may be small, but it’s mighty and demands our respect and attention.
Shall we look at what your complete thyroid assessment results mean?
Let’s do it!
Complete Thyroid Assessment Results
Saguaro Bloom’s Complete Thyroid Assessment allows you to check your thyroid in the comfort of your home. With our innovative online lab-diagnostic results, you can see what your thyroid gland is up to so you can take action on your health journey.
Two primary tests assess thyroid function: TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone and free T4 (thyroxine). When thyroid function is low, TSH levels increase, stimulating the thyroid gland to produce more T4. When thyroid function is high, TSH decreases to reduce T4 production.
TSH is generally a good indicator of overall thyroid function. Still, experts advise checking free T4 as it provides a more accurate measure of the specific amount of thyroid hormone in the blood.
For further peace of mind, research also suggests checking for thyroid antibodies. These antibodies assist in the diagnosis of autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Anti-TPO and Anti-Thyroglobulin are the key antibodies to look for. They are detected in the blood, and their presence could be a sign that the immune system is attacking the thyroid gland.
Saguaro Bloom’s Complete Thyroid Assessment also checks for:
- T3 (Total triiodothyronine) indicates the total amount of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) in the blood. A low T3 level can indicate hypothyroidism, while a high T3 level can indicate hyperthyroidism.
- fT3 (Free triiodothyronine) measures the free or unbound form of T3 in the blood. Free T3 is the form of T3 that is available to the body's cells for use. A low fT3 level can indicate hypothyroidism, while a high fT3 level can indicate hyperthyroidism.
- TT4 (Total Thyroxine) measures the amount of thyroxine hormone in the blood. Total T4 can help to evaluate thyroid function and diagnose thyroid disorders.
Testing with Saguaro Bloom provides various actionable results and information regarding your test results via your personalized health portal. However, we must stress the importance of discussing your results with your healthcare provider, who will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other factors when evaluating your results and necessary treatment.
While some people may have “normal” thyroid function according to lab results, a doctor should be consulted if they are experiencing thyroid function symptoms. If this is the case following your tests, you should evaluate other factors disrupting thyroid function, such as stress, nutrient deficiencies, or environmental toxins.
Thyroid Thoughts
Discovering you have an overactive or underactive thyroid doesn’t mean you should panic. It’s simply the first step in better understanding your health.
A comprehensive plan that includes lifestyle interventions, supplements, and medications is often recommended if you have thyroid dysfunction. Emphasis should be placed on optimum nutrition, reducing stress, and consulting your doctor to address underlying health conditions that may impact your thyroid.
Thyroid hormone replacement is sometimes the best option, and along with lifestyle changes, you should expect to benefit from positive results!
So, to wrap things up nicely, remember to check for both TSH, free T4, and thyroid antibodies to evaluate your overall thyroid function. And always consult your doctor following your results.
Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, there’s no harm in learning more about your body!
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