The thyroid basic profile consists of selected tests to provide a first look at the metabolism of thyroid hormones. It includes the control of the central regulation and action of the thyroid gland, the production and secretion of thyroid hormones, and the investigation of autoimmunity against the thyroid.
The thyroid basic profile identifies the most common imbalances in the gland's function that can lead to chronic diseases. It measures TSH, free T4, and anti-TG and anti-TPO antibodies.
Why is the Thyroid Basic Profile necessary?
Thyroid abnormalities have reached epidemic proportions worldwide. The hormones produced by the thyroid regulate the metabolism, growth, and reproduction levels in all human cells. Thus, the brain, heart, lungs, liver, skin, and all other tissues and organs depend on the thyroid to maintain their metabolic level and stay healthy by producing new cells to replace the old ones.
Many patients with thyroid disorders may remain undiagnosed due to the absence of symptoms or the presence of non-specific symptoms. Measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) alone may not be enough or may be misleading in various conditions, such as treating thyrotoxicosis, pituitary disorders, TSH resistance, or TSH-secreting tumors. In these and many other cases, evaluating thyroid hormones and antibodies against the thyroid can help diagnose and improve the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
Free T4 testing is the actual bioactive portion of this thyroid hormone. Free hormone measurement can identify not only overt hyper- and hypothyroidism but even borderline subclinical manifestations of thyroid dysfunction.
Thyroid antibody testing assesses the autoimmune response and may be associated with metabolic abnormalities and hypothyroidism, even when TSH and T4 levels are within normal limits. Antibody levels in the thyroid may increase in response to trauma, intestinal dysbiosis, inflammation (including thyroiditis), or progressive thyroid degeneration.
The function of Thyroid Hormones
Thyroid hormones regulate vital functions of the body, including:
- Regulation of the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids
- Use of vitamins
- Regulation of mitochondrial function
- Control of the activity of the central and peripheral nervous system
- Control of muscle activity and muscle strength
- The heartbeat and blood flow
- Breathing and utilizing oxygen
- The secretion of other hormones
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Body weight
- Body temperature
- Cholesterol levels
Ensuring optimal thyroid function can help prevent diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and psychiatric disorders such as depression. Thyroid hormones also play a central role in normal sexual and reproductive function in both men and women.
Symptoms and conditions associated with thyroid dysfunction
Thyroid dysfunction can lead to:
Hyperthyroidism
- Fatigue and inability to concentrate
- Weight loss
- Intolerance to heat
- Fluid retention
- Increased sweating
- Increased intestinal motility and diarrhea
- Stress, panic attacks, irritability
- Insomnia
- Muscular weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Tachycardia, palpitations and hypertension
- Menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea, perimenstrual syndrome
- Infertility
Hypothyroidism
- Fatigue and inability to concentrate
- Weight gain
- Intolerance to the cold
- Dry skin and hair loss
- Constipation
- Depression and mood disorders
- Memory disorders
- Muscle cramps and myalgias
- Fluid retention and edema
- Bradycardia and hypotension
- Dyslipidemias
- Decreased sexual mood
- Dysmenorrhea, perimenstrual syndrome
- Infertility
