What are the tests to check to check the thyroid gland: preparation, how to take it correctly?

What are the tests for thyroid hormones? Read more in the article.

Thyroid - A small organ, but it is one of the worst endocrine glands. It produces biologically active substances - triiodothyronine and thyroxine. These hormones are responsible for metabolic processes in the body, and their secretion and functions are regulated by the pituitary hormone indicated by the abbreviator of TTG (synonyms - tyrotropin, thyroid -mmat hormone, thyroidropine).

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Normal production T3 and T4 Provides the full flow of vital processes. However, under the influence of certain factors, this process may be violated. In this case, a clinical picture is manifested, indicating that the patient needs to contact an endocrinologist as soon as possible and get a referral for tests to determine the concentration of thyroid hormones. Read more in the article below.

What are the main hormones of the thyroid gland?

In fact, there are not very many hormones. Few know that there are only two of them. What are the main hormones of the thyroid gland?

• Biologically active substances that are produced by thyroid cells are only T3 (Triidotironin) and T4 (tetraidotironinor thyroxine).
• In the blood, they are in the plasma proteins and free (not connected by plasma proteins) condition.
• The development of these elements is a complex biochemical process. The first is secreted T4, which subsequently loses one molecule and turns into triiodothyronine.
• T3 100% more active than his predecessor.

However, both components are iodized, due to which they got their name. To date, there is an opinion that triodtikoxin - This is the main thyroid hormone, while tetraiodtikoxin - This is only a raw material to receive it. He loses one iodine molecule under the influence of selenium, turning into T3.

Based on analyzes that determine the level of data of biologically active substances, one can judge the work of the thyroid gland. In addition to them, a tirotropin test is carried out, the concentration also depends on the secretion of which T3 and T4 in blood plasma.

How do thyroid hormones work?

In most cases, the level of free thyroxine and triiodothyronine is determined during the analysis. Although in some cases a test may be needed for the total content of these substances in the body. How do thyroid hormones work?

T3 and T4 - Hormones that play a huge role in the full work of many internal organs and entire systems. The main functions of triiodothyronine are in:

• Regulation of tissue respiration by monitoring the process of absorption of oxygen by all tissues of the body
• Protein synthesis stimulation
• Maintaining healthy lipolysis
• Increase in the speed of catabolism
• Excretion of excess cholesterol from the body
• Stimulation of glucogenesis and glycogenesis processes
• Enhancing the effect of insulin and growth hormone
• Stimulation of retinol synthesis
• Regulation of bone growth growth process
• Maintaining the optimal process of cobalamin absorption (vitamin B12) in the intestines
• Regulation of the secretion of sex hormones in the male and female body
• Stimulation of healthy intestinal motility
• Maintaining the full functioning of the nervous system
• Ensuring the healthy growth of the child's body

Well to thyroxine, then its main tasks are the regulation and maintenance of normal energy and plastic metabolism in the body.

The reasons for increasing and reducing the level of thyroid hormones

Swamps of the concentration of thyroid hormones can occur under the influence of many factors. They can conditionally be divided into:

• External, not related to pathologies.
• Physiological, which are also not associated with diseases, but related to natural processes that occur in the body.
• Pathological, which imply the development of certain pathological processes.

Blood test on T3 and T4 It is precisely necessary in order to determine the indicator of these substances, to identify possible deviations from the norms and detect their causes.

Here reasons for the increase thyroid hormones levels - associated with:

• Thyroid (inflammation of the thyroid gland)
• Thyrotoxicosis
• Cancer of the thyroid gland
• Lack of iodine in the body
• Taking radioactive iodine preparations for the treatment of various diseases
• Pendred syndrome
• Endemic goiter
• The use of some medicines - Tamoxifen, thyroxine, terbutalin, valproic acid, etc.

These reasons are characteristic of increasing T3. Thyroxine can increase sharply against the background:

• Diffuse toxic goiter (DTZ)
• Thyroid adenomas
• TSH-dependent thyrotoxicosis
• Obesity
• Postpartum violation of the thyroid gland
• Renal pathologies
• Chronic liver lesions (hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.)
• Use of heparin

You should know: Suspicion of at least one of the above pathologies is a significant basis for the test to determine the levels of thyroid hormones.

Some of the above states, pathologies and nonpathological factors can cause a decrease in the concentration of thyroid hormones. For example, the deficiency of triiodothyronine is often due to some factors and conditions of the body.

The reasons for the decline thyroid hormones levels:

• Hypofunction of the thyroid gland
• Transferred operations
• Severe pathologies of any etiology and localization
• Hypothyroidism
• Thyroiditis flowing in acute and subacute form
• Taking anabolics and many other drugs

The insufficient secretion of thyroxine can cause such factors:

• Hypothyroidism of primary or secondary etiology
• The endemic form of the goiter
• Tireooiditis of autoimmune genesis
• Thyroid operation
• Thireotropinoma
• Inflammatory lesions of the hypothalamic-pituitary system
• Iodine deficiency
• Protein deployment (acute shortage of proteins in the body)
• Intoxication caused by the ingress of excessive concentration of lead into the body
• Heroin dependence
• Reception of oral contraception

Both lack of thyroid hormones are a lack of thyroid hormones - these are serious deviations fraught with dangerous consequences. Hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis can lead to conditions that will threaten not only health, but also the life of the patient. Therefore, such pathological disorders require an immediate start of treatment immediately after their detection.

Why take tests for thyroid hormones to a woman?

Indications for the purpose of the study on T3 and T4 In combination with their regulator, thyroidropine, certain symptoms serve. They are characteristic of hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis, which can accompany different disorders from the endocrine system (and not only). Why take tests for thyroid hormones to a woman?

Contact the doctor and get a referral to blood biochemistry if you have:

• Persistent hyper- or hypothermia
• Harsh weight gain or weight loss
• Fragility of nails
• Hair loss
• Peeling of the skin on the face and body
• Excessive dryness or, on the contrary, the fat content of the epidermis
• Inability to fertilize and concern
• History of miscarriage
• Mood swings
• Digestive disorders

This is the minimum list of indications for blood tests for thyroid hormones. However, it is incomplete. Women are recommended to go through such a test for:

• Menstrual cycle disorders
• Lack of ovulation
• Planning conception
• Threat of miscarriage
• Inability of pregnancy
• Infertility

The fact is that violation of the secretion of triiodothyronine and thyroxine has a direct effect on sex hormones. However, like the level of thyroidropine. Therefore, to install the causes of failures in the operation of the reproductive system, indicators of thyroid hormones play an important role.

How to check thyroid hormones: what tests to take?

In case of suspicion of thyroid dysfunction, a comprehensive examination is carried out. How to check thyroid hormones? What tests to take?

The examination is based on laboratory tests of blood on:

1. Triidotironin and thyroxine (free fractions). Since previously the functions of these substances were described, the test for their content in the body is performed in the first place.
2. Thyroid-stimulating hormone. The anterior pituitary gland is produced and supports optimal production and work T3 and T4. By the content of this substance, one can judge the presence of some serious pathologies. In particular, about hypothyroidism or thyrotoxicosis.
3. Antibodies to thyreoperoxidase. They are necessary as an oncomarker, and are found in the patient's blood in the presence of nodes in the thyroid gland.
4. Thyroidoglobulin and antibodies to him. The substance plays an important role in the diagnosis of thyroiditis, adenoma or thyroid cancer.

In principle, to assess the activity of the thyroid gland, these studies are quite enough. Although additionally a doctor may prescribe a test for calcitonin or the concentration of sex hormones. Everything is carried out at the discretion of the doctor who diagnoses. This can be not only an endocrinologist, but also a neuropathologist, surgeon or gynecologist.

Preparations for blood tests for thyroid hormones - how to take it correctly: on an empty stomach

It is necessary to prepare for analysis for thyroid hormones. And start to do this is recommended for about 7-14 days Before the date of the study. How is preparations for blood tests for thyroid hormones? How to hand over - on an empty stomach?

The main stages of training include the implementation of such actions:

1. 10-14 days before blood collection, it is necessary to stop taking some drugs. However, this cannot be solved independently, because there are medications that are vital, their use cannot be interrupted. Invet your doctor about which of them you use. The doctor will analyze the situation and say whether it is necessary to stop their application for a while.
2. 48 hours before the dough, the use of hormonal drugs from GCS and thyroxine groups is canceled. But this must be agreed with the attending physician.
3. The last meal should take place no later than 8-12 hours before going to the laboratory.
4. Exclude excessive physical exertion On the eve of the study and on the day of its conduct. In this regard, it is recommended to come to the laboratory for about 30 minutes Before the fence of blood to relax a bit.
5. Refuse smoking at least 3 hours before the sample.

On the day of analysis, it is forbidden not only to have breakfast, but also to use any drinks, except for pure irrevocated water. It is recommended to refuse alcohol for 2-3 days Before going to the clinic.

How do they take an analysis for thyroid hormones? Here's what it is important to know:

• A regular syringe and a special test tube are used for blood sampling.
• Biomaterial is taken from the trunk vein on the inside of the elbow.
• The exception is situations when, due to certain reasons, blood cannot be taken from there.
• Under such circumstances, the needle is inserted into the vein on the wrist and collected 5-15 ml biological fluid.

After the procedure, the patient goes home. The results of the study are prepared from 1 to 5 working days - It all depends on the clinic. As a rule, a form with these examinations does not need to take it independently, as it is sent to the doctor.

Where can I take the analysis of the thyroid hormone?

You can donate blood for analysis for thyroid hormones in the municipal hospital in the direction of the attending physician. In this case, the test can be carried out for free. The results will be ready during 3-5 working days.

Where can you still take a thyroid hormone analysis? You can also undergo an examination in a private clinic. A big plus - you can donate blood without the direction of the doctor. Minus - the cost of the test may not be suitable for all patients.

Analysis on T3, T4, AT to TPO and TTG You can pass in the following private laboratories:

• CITILAB
• Goldenmed
• Clinic "Be Healthy"
• Invitro
• Helix
• Hemotest

The estimated cost of the service is 600 rubles per 1 test, during which the level of a particular hormone is determined. For a comprehensive laboratory examination of the thyroid gland, you will have to pay from 2.500 rubles.

Interpretation of test results for thyroid hormones

The attending physician should be transcripted by the decryption of the results. During this process, indicators are compared T3 and T4 to TTG and AT to TPO. In addition, the doctor can rely on other research data.

Nevertheless, based on generally accepted indicators of the norm for thyroid hormones, each patient will be able to assume whether he should worry about his health. Interpretation of the results of tests for thyroid hormones in the table:

With a persistent increase or decrease in the main hormones of the thyroid gland, additional examination methods will be needed. In particular, instrumental diagnosis that will help to make an accurate diagnosis and choose effective treatment.

What to do in order to prevent endocrine diseases?

As you know, the prevention of any disease is very important. After all, it is easier to warn than to treat. What to do in order to prevent endocrine diseases? To prevent the development of hazardous endocrinological diseases affecting the thyroid gland and not only, it is necessary:

• Avoid overwork and stress
• Abandon alcohol abuse
• Reduce sugar consumption
• Follow food
• Exclude smoking
• Include seafood and other food in its composition in its composition iodine
• Do not self -medicate, especially if necessary in taking hormonal or antibacterial drugs

But if you have already suspected the presence of an endocrine disease, do not hesitate to see a doctor. Only timely diagnosis makes it possible to prescribe the correct treatment, which will eliminate the existing disease and prevent dangerous complications. Good luck!

Video: Why is it important to take tests for thyroid hormones? | Question to the doctor

Video: how to check the thyroid gland and establish its work

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