Why You Should Get A Thyroid Disease Test

Thyroid Disease Is Common

Your thyroid is the largest endocrine gland in your body, and it produces two hormones: T3 and T4. These hormones control the rate at which your body burns energy and responds to stress. An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Women, adults who are over 60 as well as women who have been pregnant or have delivered a baby within the last six months are also at higher risk of developing a thyroid disorder. Other ar risk groups include:

• Those with a family history of thyroid disease
• Those who have had neck surgery or radiation
• Anyone with pernicious anemia
• Those with type 1 diabetes
• Those who have been treated for a thyroid problem

Types Of Thyroid Disease

Your thyroid can malfunction, in two ways; hyperthyroidism (when too much thyroid hormone is produced in the body) or hypothyroidism (when not enough thyroid hormone is produced).


Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism may include:

• Nervousness or irritability
• Weight loss
• Fatigue or muscle weakness
• Hand tremors
• Rapid and irregular heartbeat

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism may include:

• Weight gain
• Memory loss
• Constipation
• Dry skin/brittle fingernails
• Decrease in cognitive function

Thyroid Disease Test

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is produced by a pituitary gland in the brain and plays a crucial role in regulating thyroid hormone production. Abnormal TSH levels can cause the thyroid gland to malfunction and lead to health issues. You should have a thyroid disease test done annually, especially if you fall under any of the at-risk groups. A thyroid disease test is done with a simple finger-stick and blood test. Your blood is then measured for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, which is a key indicator for how well the thyroid is functioning.


Even if you don’t suffer from thyroid disease-related symptoms, you should consider getting tested as a preventive health screening. Staying healthy can improve your appearance, mood and overall quality of life. The only dumb question is one now asked right? So why not ask your doctor about a thyroid disease test and other disease screening. You should ask about a full body scan health check at your next medical screening. It could put you ahead of the diseases.