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The thyroid: symptoms, diseases and diagnosis
What is the thyroid?
La thyroid gland is the neck (above the clavicle). It is shaped like a butterfly and is one of the endocrine glands responsible for the production of hormones; They control the rhythm of many activities in the body, including how fast your heart beats or how quickly calories are burned.
The specialist may order laboratory and imaging tests to give a more accurate diagnosis.
Symptoms of alteration
Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
- Tremors in the hands
- Faster heart rate
- Swelling
- Protrusion of the eyes (bulging)
- Difficulty to sleep
Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid
- Weight gain
- Tiredness
- Hair loss
- Low tolerance to cold temperatures
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Constipation
Lab tests
Our laboratory tests tell us if the thyroid gland is working properly and helps the specialist to diagnose the cause of diseases of the same (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism).
Blood tests include:
- TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): It is the most accurate measure of thyroid activity.
- T3 and T4: They measure different hormones of the thyroid.
- TSI: Measures thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin.
- Thyroid Antibody Test: Measures the amount of antibodies (indicators in the blood).
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