Understanding Thyroid Function Tests: A Complete Guide
Introduction The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It absorbs iodine from the diet to produce hormones that control vital metabolic activities, such as converting food into energy, regulating calorie burn, maintaining heart rate, stabilizing blood pressure, and managing body temperature. When thyroid hormone levels drop below normal, body functions slow down—leading to fatigue, weight gain, and sluggish metabolism. On the other hand, excess hormones speed up processes, causing weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and nervousness. In India, thyroid disorders are increasingly common. Research suggests that 1 in 10 adults suffer from hypothyroidism , a condition where the gland fails to produce sufficient hormones. Women, particularly those of childbearing age, are twice as likely to develop this condition compared to men. To assess thyroid health, doctors often recommend a thyroid function panel , a set of blood tests design...