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Thyroid function tests (TFTs) is a collective term for blood tests used to check the function of the thyroid. [1] TFTs may be requested if a patient is thought to suffer from hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), or to monitor the effectiveness of either thyroid-suppression or hormone replacement therapy.
Blood tests are common, but can cause fear or anxiety for some. Fox News Digital spoke with a doctor about what you can do to be prepared and comfortable before your next blood draw.
The most common drugs in this class are thioamides, which include propylthiouracil, methimazole and its prodrug carbimazole. Additionally, propylthiouracil may reduce the de-iodination of thyroxine (T 4) into triiodothyronine (T 3) in peripheral tissues. [2] Lugol's iodine is used to temporarily block thyroid hormone synthesis before surgeries. [3]
In general, this happens as a result of thyroid hormones being released into the blood following the radioactive iodine-mediated destruction of thyroid cells that contain thyroid hormone. In some people, treatment with medications such as beta blockers ( propranolol , atenolol , etc.) may be useful during this period of time.
Thiamazole is a drug used to treat hyperthyroidism such as in Graves' disease, a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland begins to produce an excess of thyroid hormone. The drug may also be taken before thyroid surgery to lower thyroid hormone levels and minimize the effects of thyroid manipulation.
Furthermore, reviewing their medications and possible dietary supplements is important, as several medications can affect thyroid hormone levels. [14] Levothyroxine is also used to treat subclinical hypothyroidism, which is defined by an elevated TSH level and a normal-range free T 4 level without symptoms. [14]
The gland increases in size by 10%, thyroxine production increases by 50%, and iodine requirements increase. Many women have normal thyroid function but have immunological evidence of thyroid autoimmunity (as evidenced by autoantibodies) or are iodine deficient, and develop evidence of hypothyroidism before or after giving birth. [44]
A blood test is a laboratory analysis performed on a blood sample that is usually extracted from a vein in the arm using a hypodermic needle, or via fingerprick. Multiple tests for specific blood components, such as a glucose test or a cholesterol test, are often grouped together into one test panel called a blood panel or blood work.