When it acts up, the thyroid gland can cause a whole host of health issues from chronic fatigue, to excessive weight gain. In this article we will discuss when you should have your thyroid levels checked by a physician, and what to do if your levels are too high or too low.
Getting your Thyroid Checked
There is no definitive age at which you should have your thyroid checked. When you go into the doctor for a physical exam, they will perform certain routine maintenance checks like testing your reflexes, and checking your blood pressure. A full thyroid level check is typically not included in this type of routine check up. These are the five tests that are necessary to determine the health of your thyroid gland:
- TSH
- Free T3 and T4
- Anti-TPO
- Anti-thyroglobulin
- Micronutrient analysis
- Basal body temperature
A routine physical exam might include a couple of these tests, but usually not all of them. And you need all of them to make an accurate thyroid diagnosis.
Signs to Look Out For
So there’s no hard, fast rule for when to get your thyroid checked, but there are certain signs and symptoms that can point to a thyroid problem. Any of the following can indicate a thyroid issue:
- Chronic fatigue. Feeling exhausted all the time even when you get enough sleep.
- Feeling anxious or depressed can be a sign of an underproduction of thyroid hormones.
- Sudden weight gain or loss. Thyroid hormones are largely responsible for metabolism regulation and get have an impact on a patient’s weight.
These symptoms may be indicative of hyperthyroidism (overproduction of the thyroid hormones), hypothyroidism (underproduction of hormones), or other thyroid conditions. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to get your thyroid levels checked. Your primary care physician should be able to order the appropriate tests. Once a thyroid diagnosis is made, you may need the help of a doctor who specializes in thyroid treatment or removal.
