How Often Should I Get A Thyroid Test?

By Author: Deepak Hegde
Total Articles: 16
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A person’s thyroid gland is responsible for the production of hormones that control his metabolism along with growth and development. The malfunctioning of the thyroid gland can lead to certain diseases such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goitre, thyroiditis, thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules. This is why getting a thyroid test becomes of utmost importance, as it helps in the effective diagnosis as well as treatment and management of various thyroid diseases.

When to get a thyroid test?
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A thyroid test is needed if you experience the following symptoms-
Hypothyroidism symptoms- Sensitivity to cold, fatigue, skin dryness, constipation and unexpected weight gain that can’t be attributed to any particular cause
Hyperthyroidism symptoms- Unexplainable and unexpected weight loss, an irregular or rapid heart rate, excess sweating and feeling irritable
Goitre- Cough and swelling in your neck region
Thyroid cancer- The presence of a lump in your neck
Diseases such as thyroid nodules and thyroiditis usually do not present any visible symptoms, which is why getting thyroid ...
... tests becomes all the more important. A lot of diagnostic centres in Bangalore offer thyroid tests.

What is a thyroid test like?

A thyroid hormone test is a simple blood test. You can visit your nearest diagnostic centre in Bangalore to get the following thyroid tests done-
Total thyroxine (T4): This test measures the total level of the T4 or thyroxine hormone in your blood.
Triiodothyronine (T3): This test measures the level of the hormone T3 in your blood.
Free thyroxine (FT4 or FTI): This test measures only the level of free thyorxine or what is known as the T4 hormone in your blood.
The thyroid gland regulates the body’s use of energy and these tests are performed to check the cause behind the abnormal functioning of the thyroid, and to see if the treatment prescribed is working.
How often should you get it done?

You can visit any diagnostic centre in Bangalore to get your thyroid tested once every 5 years, after you have reached the age of 35 to check for any abnormalities. If any abnormalities are found, you’ll need get a test every six to eight weeks until your thyroid levels get back to normal. As the levels of thyroid hormones in your body get back to normal, you’ll need tests every six to twelve months.
Your particular case can be different from the rest and the frequency of tests can vary depending on that. So fix an appointment with a doctor in one of the various diagnostic centres in Bangalore to clear all your doubts.

Deepak Hegde is an MBBS student, studying in a Chennai-based medical college. He understands well the role that a diagnostic clinic plays, and wishes to share his information about the same. He also wants to inform you about diagnostic centers in Bangalore and their thoroughness with Thyroid tests.