Results of the test for thyroid hormones

Typically, the analysis results on thyroid hormones Tests for thyroid hormones - screening for diseases   It becomes known in a few days. The table below shows the normal performance test for thyroid hormones, but in different hospitals and laboratories ranges of normal values ​​may be slightly different. In addition, sometimes defined as the rate of absorption of thyroxine Thyroxine - the main thyroid hormone   and triiodothyronine; Here the rate of these indicators are not available.

The reasons for high levels of thyroid hormones may be:

• Thyroid diseases such as Graves' disease or goiter;
• Taking too high dose preparations containing thyroid hormones.

Reduced thyroid hormone levels may have the following causes:

• Thyroid diseases such as thyroiditis;
• Diseases affecting the pituitary gland;
• Thyroid damage caused by surgery or exposure to ionizing radiation.

What can affect the results of the analysis

The results of tests for thyroid hormones may be inaccurate for several reasons:

• Acceptance of the following drugs: corticosteroids, estrogen Estrogen - the key to bone health , Progesterone Progesterone - norm and pathology Including those containing hormones pill; blood-thinning drugs - aspirin, heparin, warfarin; anticonvulsants - phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol); medicines for heart disease, such as amiodarone and propranolol; lithium;
• Pregnancy.

In addition, assays can give inaccurate results if the patient has recently made by using X-ray contrast media.

Additional Information

In addition to the test for thyroid hormones for assessing thyroid function can be assigned to other tests. For example, analysis on thyroid-stimulating hormone is considered the most reliable way to identify the various problems with the thyroid gland. Generally, if the level of TSH is abnormal, tests are assigned to check the level of T3 and T4 levels. The test for thyroid antibodies reveals autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease. It may also be appointed to analyze the level of TSH, but it is used relatively rarely. In addition to these analyzes can be used diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and biopsy of the thyroid gland.

Because of the relatively high probability of false-positive test results in newborns for congenital hypothyroidism, the test is usually repeated a few days later. If the results continue to deviate from the norm and confirm suspected congenital hypothyroidism are assigned additional tests.

Reasons for changes in thyroid hormone levels

The most common causes of thyroid disease, which results in changing the level of thyroid hormones are iodine deficiency, and autoimmune disorders. Iodine deficiency - the main cause of hypothyroidism in many regions of the world. This is due to a lack of iodine in the diet and / or a high intake of soy, corn and cabbage plants of the genus (cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and so on). These products contain natural goitrogens - substances that contribute to the formation of goiter. Proper cooking process can reduce its content of goitrogens. Furthermore, the use of iodized salt in most cases, effectively solves the problem of iodine deficiency.

Excess is rarely a problem, as the thyroid gland can store up to as long as it is needed, and then to develop a less active form of thyroid hormones - T4, which does not have a negative impact on health. However, some experts believe that long-term consumption of excessive amounts of iodine can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland - is often seen in people in the developed countries.

Two autoimmune diseases that affect the level of thyroid hormones - Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis - considered hereditary, although their relationship with specific gene has not yet been established. These diseases are diagnosed if blood found appropriate antibodies. When Graves' disease antibodies bind to the enzymes necessary to produce T4 and continuously maintain their activity, causing an increase in the level of hormones. For the treatment of Graves' disease are used drugs that inhibit the activity of the thyroid gland; in some cases the gland is surgically removed, and then to stabilize the patient assigned hormone replacement therapy.

When thyroiditis Hashimoto antibodies attach to the same enzymes but inhibit its function, and play a role triggers a process in which the thyroid is destroyed. In the early stages of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid hormone levels may improve, but the extent of destruction of the thyroid gland, he will fall. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is also treated using hormone replacement therapy.

In the USA and Japan are currently on the rise in iodine intake in the population and the simultaneous increase in the number of autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland. The Japanese consume a lot of iodine due to the nature of their diet, which is rich in seafood, while the Americans are actively using iodized salt. It is assumed that this is due to the increasing number of patients with autoimmune diseases, but many experts believe that the main reason for this - the substances that may pollute the environment. It is found that materials such as polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins disrupt thyroid function. In addition, residents of developed countries, which will undoubtedly include Japan and the United States most exposed to these substances.

Experts also link the autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland, causing as reduction or increase in thyroid hormone levels, with PTSD. Often these diseases are diagnosed in patients after long periods of stress.

Conclusion

Currently, the disease associated with changes in thyroid hormone levels, and their treatment is actively studied. For intensively studied autoimmune thyroid disease Thyroid disease - women at risk And were synthesized antibodies which antibodies are causing Graves disease - so far only in mice. Other studies have shed light on the role of thyroid hormones in the functioning of the brain and help to find previously unknown genetic causes of metabolic disorders of thyroid hormones.

Operation of thyroid hormone was studied in many vertebrates, and simultaneously investigated various chemicals present in the environment, and could potentially disrupt thyroid. This gives hope that one day we will be able to deal with autoimmune disease that affects the very reason for their appearance.

However, the new data received during the studies are being used in medicine is not immediately. Many of the recently published research reports as a normal level of thyroid stimulating hormone indicates 1-3 mg / ml, but most doctors believe is the top indicator of rules 5.5 ug / ml. As a consequence, many patients with thyroid disease related disorders are not diagnosed, and people do not get timely treatment.

An even more serious problem is too rare assignment tests for thyroid hormones. Though a rough estimate of about 200 million people worldwide may suffer from various diseases of the thyroid gland analyzes on hormones prescribed rare because these diseases do not always occur with severe symptoms. It is estimated that in the US alone thyroid disease have approximately 13 million people, and more than half of them do not know it. Frequently, patients present typical symptoms such as fatigue, decreased concentration, depression, constipation, anxiety Anxiety - how to distinguish normal from disease? , Dry hair Dry hair: how to restore hair vitality?   and the skin, swelling, worsening of endurance, increase or decrease in weight for no apparent reason, pain in muscles and joints, difficulty swallowing, frequent headaches, loss of eyebrows, the weakening of sexual desire, low body temperature, high or low blood pressure, changes in heart rate - and in spite of that they over the years can not make a correct diagnosis.

The link between high cholesterol and hypothyroidism is often ignored, but a bunch of "cholesterol - heart disease" actively covered in all sorts of media. Given this, it is not surprising that tests for cholesterol do much more frequently than in the thyroid hormones. As a consequence, patients are prescribed expensive drugs to lower cholesterol in the blood, it does not affect the real cause of the problem. Patients with elevated levels of cholesterol, especially if they have observed with the low body temperature Lowered body temperature - or the rate of disease? It is necessary to make the analysis of thyroid function before receiving prescribe any drugs.

A rare diagnosis of thyroid diseases have a negative impact on research activities and on the lives of people with these disorders. It is impossible to identify all the causes and mechanisms of the disease, if it takes several years before patients are diagnosed with this disease. Scientists are still not aware of the violations that cause changes in thyroid hormone levels - for example, it is unclear why these diseases are most common in developing countries. While the causes of disease are not clarified, they will fall ill each year more and more people.