The thyroid is an endocrine gland with an important role in the development and normal functioning of the body. It is located in the anterior region of the neck in the cervical lobe and weighs approximately 15-25 g. The thyroid has the form “H” and consists of two lobes located on each side of the trachea, joined by a tissue bridge.
The thyroid is responsible for the secretion of two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), their names coming from the presence of three and four iodine atoms. They have effects on most tissues, but triiodothyronine works faster and is more metabolically active. Thyroid hormone secretion is controlled by a hormone (TSH or thyrotropin) released by the pituitary gland.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism:
- Fatigue even if you sleep 8 hours a night and pull a nap in the afternoon
- Weight gain and difficulty to lose weight
- Emotional episodes, depression, anxiety
- Hormonal imbalances, for example, premenstrual syndrome, infertility, low sexual appetite
- Pain in the muscles and joints
- Cold hands and feet
- Dry skin and exfoliated nails
- Difficulty concentrating, memory problems
- Snoring, swelling of the throat, dry throat.
Blood tests to diagnose thyroid problems
- TSH
- FT4
- FT3
- RT3
- ATPO
What are the optimal values?
- TSH 1-2 UIU/ML or lower
- FT4> 1.1 NG/DL
- FT3> 3.2 PG/ML
- RT3 less than 10: 1 ratio RT3: FT3
Interpretation TSH values - elevated values
TSH values may increase:
– Under the influence of some drugs;
– Pituitary disorders;
– Thyroid diseases;
– Administration of a thyroid medication concomitantly with calcium and iron supplements;
– Sudden change of diet;
– Excessive soy consumption, etc.
Low TSH:
– Thyroid diseases;
– Pituitary disorders;
– Stress;
– Also, the sudden change in diet, especially in people who take drastic diets, results in variations in TSH values;
ATPO antibodies
These antibodies “practically” attack the thyroid, it is a potential autoimmune risk. The slightly elevated levels of ATPO antibodies may indicate the risk of an autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto), but their elevated levels require prescribing a treatment by the endocrinologist. Alarm signals are triggered at over 100 values of these ATPO antibodies, according to the values of other hormones, by the result of thyroid ultrasound and so the endocrinologist will guide each decision carefully.
