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Amylase Test – Purpose, Procedure & Result Interpretation

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The Amylase Test is a diagnostic test that measures the amount of amylase enzyme in your blood or urine . Amylase is produced mainly by your pancreas and salivary glands , and it plays an essential role in breaking down carbohydrates into simple sugars for digestion. Abnormal amylase levels can indicate pancreatic disorders , digestive problems , or salivary gland inflammation . The test helps detect and monitor conditions such as acute or chronic pancreatitis , pancreatic cancer , and blockages in pancreatic ducts . 💡 What is an Amylase Test? An amylase test determines the amount of amylase enzyme present in your blood or urine . This enzyme accelerates the breakdown of starches into sugars, supporting your digestive process. Most of the body’s amylase comes from the pancreas and salivary glands . Normally, a small amount circulates in the blood and is excreted through urine. Elevated or reduced amylase levels may signal pancreatic inflammation , salivary gland d...

What Is PTH (Parathormone)? Causes, Symptoms, and Management of High and Low PTH Levels

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  Introduction 🧠 Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), also known as Parathormone , is a key regulator of calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D metabolism . Secreted by the small parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid, this hormone ensures that calcium levels in the blood remain within a narrow, healthy range—vital for bone strength, nerve function, and muscle activity . Abnormal PTH levels can signal endocrine or metabolic disorders , including hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease, or vitamin D deficiency . Understanding what PTH does and how imbalances affect your body is crucial for maintaining long-term metabolic and bone health. 🧬 What Is Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)? Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a protein hormone produced by the parathyroid glands. Its main role is to increase blood calcium levels when they fall too low. It achieves this by: Stimulating calcium release from bones Enhancing calcium reabsorption by the kidneys ...

What Is Anti-TPO? Causes, Symptoms & High Levels Explained

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  Introduction Anti-TPO (Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies) are important markers in the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid diseases. These antibodies are produced when the immune system mistakenly targets thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme crucial for thyroid hormone production. Elevated Anti-TPO levels are commonly associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease , both of which impact thyroid function. Testing for Anti-TPO antibodies, along with TSH, Free T4, and Free T3 levels , helps in confirming thyroid disorders, predicting disease progression, and guiding treatment plans. 🔬 What Is Anti-TPO? Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme that helps produce thyroid hormones. When the immune system mistakes this enzyme as harmful, it produces Anti-TPO antibodies. Over time, these antibodies can damage thyroid tissue, leading to inflammation, hormone imbalance, and in some cases, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). 📈 Causes of Elevated Anti-TPO Seve...

Triiodothyronine (Free T3) Test: Purpose, Procedure, and Results

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  What is the Triiodothyronine (Free T3) Test? Triiodothyronine (T3) is one of the two major hormones produced by the thyroid gland—the other being thyroxine (T4). Though T3 is produced in smaller amounts compared to T4, it is about four times more potent . There are two forms of T3 in your blood: Free T3 (FT3): The active form that enters tissues and exerts effects. Bound T3: Attached to proteins, preventing direct tissue action. The Free T3 test measures only the active hormone, giving a clearer picture of thyroid activity. Why is the T3 Test Done? Doctors may recommend a T3 test for the following reasons: Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism : Helps confirm if the thyroid gland is producing excess hormone. Investigating Pituitary Disorders : Abnormal T3 levels may point to pituitary dysfunction. Monitoring Treatment : Ensures the effectiveness of thyroid medications or therapies. Supporting Other Thyroid Test...

Free T4 (thyroxine)

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  Understanding Thyroid Function and Thyroid Testing What Does the Thyroid Do? The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. Despite its size, it plays a crucial role in your health by producing hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism —the process of converting food into energy. By using iodine from your diet, the thyroid produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) . These hormones influence how fast your body burns calories, your heart rate , blood pressure , and even your body temperature . Low thyroid hormone levels slow down body functions, leading to hypothyroidism . Excess thyroid hormones speed them up, causing hyperthyroidism . Maintaining the right balance of these hormones is essential for overall well-being. Thyroid Hormones: T3 and T4 T4 (Thyroxine): The primary hormone secreted by the thyroid. Although more abundant, it is less active. ...