Υγεια Φλώρινας

The thyroid gland is a crucial organ in regulating metabolism. The hormones it produces (T3 and T4) are absorbed by all cells in the body and regulate their metabolic rate. Overactivity of the gland, i.e., high production of T3 and T4, is associated with nervousness, poor sleep, hypertension, tachycardia, excessive sweating, tremors in the hands, confusion, unexplained weight loss, etc.

Conversely, underactivity is associated with bradycardia, feelings of fatigue, drowsiness, confusion, nervousness, weight gain, etc.

The recommended tests include the measurement of:

• T3 (triiodothyronine), fT3 (free triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine), fT4 (free thyroxine): hormones produced by the thyroid gland and their biologically active fractions.
• TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): the brain hormone that regulates thyroid function, which conclusions can be drawn about hypo/hyperthyroidism from.
• Anti-TPO (anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies), anti-TG (anti-thyroglobulin antibodies): the main anti-thyroid antibodies. These analyses can predict impending gland dysfunction and are used to diagnose Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.
• Thyroglobulin (TG), καλσιτονίνη (CT), CEA (καρκινοεμβρυϊκό αντιγόνο): δείκτες με τους οποίους μπορούν να ανιχνευθούν νεοπλασίες και καρκινώματα στον αδένα. Οι αναλύσεις προτείνονται σε περιπτώσεις που υπάρχουν ενδείξεις νεοπλασματικού νοσήματος.

For thyroid tests, no specific preparation or special diet is required, as foods do not affect either the gland's function or the analyses themselves. Blood sampling can be performed at any time of the day.

Caution is only needed for individuals undergoing thyroid medication, as they should not take their medication before blood sampling, unless otherwise instructed by their doctor.