Thyroid Function

17/08/2008

According to recent research, more than 1 in 10 Australians (49 and over) have thyroid disease. Elevations in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) are the first warning of thyroid disease.

Thyroid Function Tests :

TSH Test: This test measures the level of thyroid stimulating hormone produced by the pituatary gland and is an indicator of thyroid activity. High levels of TSH indicate low thyroid function and reduced levels indicate increased thyroid function.

Free Thyroxine (fT4): Thyroxine is the main thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland. fT4 is converted to the more potent fT3. In this conversion process iodine, selenium and zinc supplements play an important role.

Free Triiodothyronine (fT3): fT3 test measures the level of active thyroid hormone. Optimal levels are required to maximize physical and mental health.

Reverse T3 (rT3): An inactive metabolite of T4 which reduces T3 activity. High levels indicate poor tissue response to T3 and are often seen after prolonged treatment with T4 or in patients with fibromyalgia, CFS and stress.

Patients with Hashimoto;s or Graves' disease frequently develop antibodies against thyroglobulin and measurement of thyroglobulin  - spesific antibodies may assist in the diagnosis of thees diseases.

Iodine is required in the blood for the conversion of T4 to T3. Most people in Ausrtralia have a deficient intake less than 100mcg/L daily. Inadequate iodine may lead to slow mental functioning, mastalgia, fibrocystic breast disease, pain, increased risk of breast cancer. Iodine is also important in the function of reproductive organs. People who are exposed to high levels of chlorinated pools may lead to iodine deficiency. Multinodular goitre needs iodine supplement to shrink in size.

Your physician can organize the appropriate tests to measure thyroid levels, if the results show that iodine supplement is required your doctor may recommend "LUGOL's" solution to deal with the problem.

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