Interpretation of Thyroid Hormone Tests

In my previous post, I wrote about the symptoms and the probable causes of Hyperthyroidism. In order for the physician to diagnose properly a thyroid problem, evaluating the symptoms together with blood testing must be done. A typical thyroid test result shows  hormones levels, which were measured through the testing of blood. Below is a sample of a Thyroid test result and a diagram for its interpretation.

There a few factors why thyroid hormone level should be measured and interpreted:

• Doctors depend on these thyroid hormones for proper diagnosis. Based on the normal values, thyroid hormones will be classified as Normal, High or Low, which will interpreted as Hyperthyroid, Hypothyroid or other types of thyroid problems.
• Hormone levels will determine the proper prescription of drugs and dosage.
• Hormone levels will show if the condition improves or worsen with taking of the necessary drugs.

Though we have our doctors to help us analyze our condition, I believe that we patients should also have a better understanding of our condition. Being knowledgeable on our disease is one way of curing ourselves aside of course from having a proper diet and healthy lifestyle. There is really power in knowledge!

An overview on Graves Disease

Hyperthyroidism has many types, one of the most common is Graves Disease. In fact the data shows that 60 - 90% of all cases of hyperthyroidism was caused by this condition.  First discovered by Irish physician Robert Graves in the 19th century, Graves disease is an auto-immune disease where the thyroid is producing excessive hormones. It has a hereditary component affecting mostly female (five times common than the male population). A patient suffering from hyperthyroidism can experience a wide range of symptoms. Here are some of the most common symptoms for Graves Disease:

 

Images from the web

• Rapid Heart rate or Palpitations (Tachycardia)
• Enlarged Thyroid gland (Goiter)
• Weight Loss
• Potruding eye balls
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Irregular and scant menstrual flow
• Frequent bowel (Diarrhea)
• Excessive sweating
• Nervousness, agitation
• Anxiety and Panic Attacks]
• Depression

It is possible that a person suffering from Graves disease will experience only one or more of the symptoms mentioned above. Some of the symptoms may be directly or indirectly points to Graves disease as the caused. Physicians will also require blood testing or ultrasound to have a clear diagnosis. Thus, the presence of these symptom will make the diagnosis easier and less complex.

If you have experienced any of the symptoms above, it is best to consult your doctor. Graves disease when left untreated may lead to Thyroid storm(I'll blog more on this soon), which can be very fatal.

Understanding the Thyroid Hormones

Hormones are substances produced in one organ transported to another organ through body fluids where in they produce an effect. Thyroid gland secretes such hormones to perform different functions depending on what organ the thyroid sends them to. There are two types of hormones that the thyroid gland produces the Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). The most active of the two hormones is T3 while T4 only gains it's potency only after it is converted to T3.  A hormone produced in the pituitary gland is called Thyrotropin or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). It stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). TSH is regulated by hypothalamus gland, a part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature, thirst and hunger.

Each hormones have their own functions in the body. Thyroxine (T4)  increases the heart rate, the basal metabolic rate and improves brain development. Triiodothyronine (T3)  increases the body's ability to consume oxygen for the production of energy, increases the metabolic rate and stimulates the rate of protein synthesis in the body. While TSH plays a vital role in managing the efficient functioning of the human body.

Photo from Google images

Imbalances in the thyroid gland are detected by these hormones. It is a must to measure the levels of these hormones to know the condition of the thyroid. Here are some of the basic test to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland:

T4 Test -  Thyroxine is most attached to a protein called thyroxine-binding globulin. To see the levels of both free and bound thyroxine, this test is appropriate.

T3 Test - A test that measures both bound and free triiodothyronine. T3 has a greater effect on the way the body uses energy than T4, even though T3 is normally present in smaller amounts than T4.

Free Thyroxine (FTI or FT4) - A direct measurement of free or unbound thyroxine.

Free Triiodothyronine (FTI or FT4) - A direct measurement of free or unbound triiodothyronine.

TSH Test - A test that initially test the thyroid function is TSH.

These tests were done through blood testing and may be done throughout the day without fasting. It is best to consult your doctor first before subjecting yourself through these tests.

Are you getting enough sleep?

Courtesy of Google Images

 Sleep is a luxury nowadays. People are so caught up with their busy lives that they don't get enough sleep. According to the statistics release by Philips Index for Health and well-being, there are 35 percent of people who classified themselves as poor sleepers. People who experience sleep deprivation are increasing in numbers that various studies were made to gain awareness on the huge impact it has in people's lives.

Sleep problems are of two types either Intrinsic or Extrinsic. Nightmares, Night terrors, Bed wetting and Snoring are examples of intrinsic sleep problem. While Extrinsic are tose of  bedtime reluctance, anxiety-related insomnia, inability to sleep alone and environmental and social problems that get in the way of sleep.

How much sleep do we need? Based on the study of Dr. Blunden, an Australian sleep researcher, babies must have have 14 to 18 hour, toddlers needs 12 to 14 hours, grade school kids should get 10-12 hours while adolescent needs 9-11 hours. However, adults must only sleep for 7-9 hours per day.

What are the negative effects of sleep deprivation? Inability to get enough sleep can greatly affect our physical and mental health. A few years back, I was suffering from disease-related insomnia, I had difficulty sleeping. As much as I want to sleep, my mind was so overactive. It was so frustrating to lie in bed with eyes closed but could still hear the sounds around. My lack of sleep affects me in so many ways. I became moody, emotional, depressed, anxious, uneasy, and irritable. Physically, I became sickly due to poor immune system. Other effects of poor sleep are inattentiveness, lack concentration, poor memory and motor coordination.

What can we do to get a good night's sleep? We can form habits in order for us to sleep well. Dr. Sarah Blunden developed a  "Sleep hygiene" for those who suffer sleep deprivation or for anyone who wants to have a good sleep. Here are some of her suggestions:

• Do not watch TV or play computer games one hour before bed.
• Do not eat/drink caffeine, high sugar or high spicy food three to four hours before bedtime
• Do not exercise vigorously one hour before bed.
• Finish eating two or three hours before bed.
• Make sure the bedroom is comfortable.
• Try and keep regular bedtimes and wake times.
• Deal with worry and stress through relaxation techniques.

Sleep problems is a serious matter that we need to recognized. We can't just ignore it and must be properly manage. Good thing there have been studies and researches that can aid in the awareness in the importance of sleep on people's health and well-being.  Let us use all these information to get a quality sleep in order for us to maintain a good quality life.

Yoga Poses for Thyroid Health

Aside from being a stress reduction technique, Yoga is an excellent alternative form of healing. There are vast health benefits that we can get from practicing yoga. Yogis found out that there are certain poses that are actually good for the thyroid glands.  The following are some of the Asana yoga poses for thyroid:

1.) Sarvanga Asana - Also known as the Shoulder stand, it stimulates the thyroid gland and para-thyroid glands and is good for the circulation of the blood in the chest, shoulders, upper back and the neck.  This pose will make you lie on your shoulder, pushing your body over the head and then straight up. Helps the blood transport to the throat that stimulates and nourishes the thyroid glands. The shoulder stand is the most effective yoga posture for hypothyroidism.

Photo courtesy of Google image

2.) Matsyana - Also known as the Fish pose, it normalizes thyroid function, and pituitary gland. This pose able to stretch the neck and strengthen and tone the nervous system. Good also for the kidney, stomach and intestine, and pelvic organs. It should be undertaken directly after the shoulder stand. You need first to lie your back on the floor, rest your body on your elbows and arch the back. Tilt your head so that it touches the floor. The neck is stretch and tone, thereby stimulating the parathyroid glands.

Photo courtesy of Google image

3.) Halasana - The Plough Pose, stretches the neck and helps boosts digestive functions. In this position, rise to a shoulder stand and bring your feet down, over your head, touching the floor.

Photo courtesy of Google image

4.) Sun Salutation - It is a sequence of twelve graceful positions linked by a continuous flowing motion accompanied by five deep breaths. Each cycle will tone the muscles and the various organs that stimulates the endocrine glands. The blood will be pushed to the region and will nourish it. It is a perfect work out for the entire body too.

Photo Courtesy of Google image

Apart from its health benefits, Yoga has an overall good effect on whether, Physically, Mentally and Emotionally.  Yoga is indeed a great way to prevent and cure diseases.