Recently, it has been said that thyroid diseases have become diseases of civilization. In the frantic rush of life, we often forget to take care of what we cannot buy, namely health. Thyroid diseases can accompany us for years, remaining unnoticed and developing quietly. It is worth remembering that it is an extremely important gland in our body. It is responsible for producing hormones that, among other things, control our heart's work, stabilize metabolism, and are responsible for the proper development of the brain and bones. 

When to Perform Thyroid Tests? 

Diseases related to the thyroid can be a result of hypothalamic or pituitary gland dysfunction, or the improper functioning of our thyroid itself. Why? Because it may produce too little or too much hormone, which in turn indicates hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Both an excess and a deficiency of produced hormones are significant health problems. In the case of hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of the necessary hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine. We may then observe rapid weight gain, which is directly linked to a slowdown of all metabolic processes that cannot be explained by poor nutrition. On the other hand, with hyperthyroidism, we will notice an increased metabolic rate, meaning in this case, a significant drop in body weight will occur. The following symptoms are indications to have thyroid tests performed. 

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:

• weight loss,
• chronic fatigue,
• vision problems,
• heart palpitations,  
• increased sweating,
• mood disorders,
• hand tremors,
• sleep problems,
• irregular menstrual cycles.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:

• excessive sleepiness,
•  weight gain,
• breathing problems
• dry skin
• skin edema,
• constantly feeling cold,
• deterioration of mood,
• puffy face,
• memory problems.

If you have been experiencing these symptoms for a long time, you should certainly undergo preventative thyroid screenings. 

Who to See? How to Obtain a Referral to an Endocrinologist in Poznań

To do this, it is worth going first to a lekarz pierwszego kontaktu. Poznań, in its medical offer, has many facilities-not just private ones-where you can perform a basic thyroid test package. Check what is included in it.

TSH - The Basic Thyroid Test

TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It stimulates the thyroid to produce and release hormones into the blood. The thyroid then produces triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thanks to this test, you will find out if your thyroid is producing the correct amount of these specific hormones. An abnormal TSH level result is not enough to make a final diagnosis. In cases where the test result falls outside the norms, it is important to perform additional tests for FT3 and FT4 levels.

FT3 - Free Triiodothyronine Fraction Test

T3 is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that controls brain development, heart function, muscles, and the digestive system. It is also responsible for the metabolic rate in our body. The presence of high FT3 levels may indicate hyperthyroidism, but also Graves' disease, nodular goiter, or thyrotoxic paralysis. Conversely, a low T3 level may indicate hypothyroidism, which is why this test should be performed along with TSH and FT4 measurements.

FT4 - Active Form of Thyroxine Produced in the Thyroid

Like T3, it plays a vital role in muscle function, bone health, and metabolism. High FT4 levels may indicate hyperthyroidism or be a sign of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Anti-TPO, or Antibodies Against Thyroid Peroxidase

To fight viruses and bacteria attacking our body, the immune system produces antibodies. However, it sometimes happens that these attack the body's own cells and tissues, resulting in immune disorders. The presence of anti-TPO in the blood indicates a pathogenic state of the thyroid. 

Anti-TG, or Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies

Thyroglobulin antibodies appear in 70% of Hashimoto's disease cases. The appearance of these antibodies may indicate other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or pernicious anemia.

TRAb Test, or Antibodies Directed Against the TSH Receptor

TRAb act against TSH receptors. We divide them into three types: stimulating-which cause the production of more hormones and lead to hyperthyroidism; blocking-which are intended to inhibit hormone production and thus lead to hypothyroidism; and neutral. Early detection and the implementation of appropriate treatment can improve quality of life and alleviate disease symptoms. Therefore, we encourage you to perform preventative thyroid tests. To do so, ask your family doctor for a skierowanie do endokrynologa. Poznań has many specialized facilities where you can easily seek a specialist's opinion and perform a series of necessary tests.