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Tired of being tired?: Get these fatigue lab tests to find out why Getting fatigued is a normal part of life, but certain people feel profound tiredness all the times. Scientists agree that during the evening when it’s time to go to bed, it is normal to feel tired and sleepy, but it’s not normal if you feel that way in the morning after 8 hours of sleep. Chronic fatigue can be a real problem, and it can stay in the way of living a productive and happy life. Other symptoms may be present along with this problem, and if it persists for an extended period of time, the person may develop more serious health conditions. Table of Contents Tired of being tired?: Get these fatigue lab tests to find out why How do I know I’m chronically fatigued?   How does a complete fatigue panel help me? What are the advantages of getting a fatigue lab test panel? How does this panel diagnose chronic fatigue? Thyroid tests Free T4 Test – this type of test looks at a hormone in the body called thyroxine (T4). Thyroxine is then converted to T3, a hormone that regulates body temperature, helps in producing energy, and monitors heart rate. Total and Free Testosterone Tests Anemia Tests   Glucose Tests   The importance of insulin in the body High sugar levels in the blood can cause multiple health problems Adrenal Glands Tests Immune system tests Iron tests FAQ Conclusion How do I know I’m chronically fatigued? Again, being tired all the time and feeling like your battery is in “low-power” mode constantly goes beyond a usual headache, sore muscles, or a temporary lack of concentration. You might be chronically fatigued if: · You start to develop muscle and joint pains · You feel tired even after a good night’s sleep · You lack energy, motivation, and you’d rather put your head on a pillow instead of doing something important · You have periodic mood swings · You have tried a plethora of energy drinks and drank multiple cups of coffee to no avail · You have mental fog most of the times · You feel exhausted, and even small physical efforts are difficult for you If you have one or more severe symptoms above, it is possible that you might be fatigued. This can happen because of a variety of reasons. For example, there might be hormonal deficiencies in your system which can render one unable to recover properly. The human body is extremely complex, and your fatigue problem might be difficult to spot at first. For example, some people might have low testosterone levels; others might encounter adrenal deficiencies or thyroid dysfunction. How does a complete fatigue panel help me? A complete fatigue panel is designed to analyze multiple hormones in the body to determine in which ones a person might be deficient. This can be done by drawing blood and saliva sample and sending them to a lab for complete analysis.   What are the advantages of getting a fatigue lab test panel? There are numerous benefits of getting a fatigue panel such as: · All-in-one testing procedure – the panel monitors the function of multiple organs and hormones such as the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, blood glucose, total and free testosterone, vitamin deficiencies, etc., so you don’t have to do these tests separately · Order online and get results by email – once you get the panel, you go to a lab to offer a blood sample and get the results back by email, usually in just a few business days · Get a free consultation with a physician – not everyone is trained to analyze blood results, so once you get those, you will visit a local physician who will take a look at the results and provide professional guidance and counsel based on these results · 100% confidential and secure – your results are not shared with anyone and ordering a fatigue panel online is completely safe and secure   How does this panel diagnose chronic fatigue? As mentioned earlier, a complete fatigue panel runs multiple tests to determine vitamin or hormone deficiencies in one’s body. Let’s take a closer look at these tests and learn more about them.   Thyroid tests The thyroid gland is situated in the neck, responsible forregulating countless hormones and substances in the body. If it doesn’t function correctly, the person in question might feel fatigued and lack motivation. Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland gets “lazy,” meaning it doesn’t produce the required amount of hormones for the body to function correctly. Peoplewith hypothyroidism might feel tired most of the time, which is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as weight changes, loss of appetite, and poor concentration. In some cases, people might also experience other symptoms such as hair loss (particularly the eyebrows), brittle nails, and a great sensitivity to cold temperatures. The fatigue panel you order will analyze the function of the thyroid and run tests such as TSH, Free T3, and Free T4: Free T4 Test – this type of test looks at a hormone in the body called thyroxine (T4). Thyroxine is then converted to T3, a hormone that regulates body temperature, helps in producing energy, and monitors heart rate. Peoplewith hypothyroidism might experience a decreased production of thyroxine, leading to excessive fatigue, lack of motivation, and other symptoms. TSH test – TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone, a type of hormone produced by the pituitary gland. The fatigue panel looks at the levels of TSH in your bloodstream to determine if you have too much or too little TSH. This hormone is essential because as its name implies, it stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T4 and T3 hormones. If the TSH levels are too high, the thyroid gland might work overtime, leading to thyroid dysfunction and fatigue. Free T3 Test – We talked about the T3 hormone earlier in the “Free T4 Test,” and learned that the T3 gets converted from T4. This hormone (T3) is also responsible for regulating the heart rate, body temperature, and other essential body functions. If the levels of unbound triiodothyronine (T3) are too low, this might result in excessive fatigue, which can last for weeks and even months. It is essential to mention here that a high-quality fatigue panel looks at the free levels of T3 in the body, not only at the total T3 levels because these are the most responsible for regulating energy and causing fatigue. Total and Free Testosterone Tests Testosterone is one of the most essential hormones in the body for men AND women. Today, it is a well-known fact that low testosterone levels are responsible for the lack of motivation, low energy, and even mild depression in some cases. Testosterone is available in 2 ways – free and bound to proteins. A high-quality fatigue panel looks at the total testosterone levels and free testosterone levels (unbound to proteins) to determine if this is indeed the leading cause of excessive tiredness in men and women. The total testosterone test measures the whole spectrum of testosterone in one’s body. This should be between 300 and 900 nanograms per deciliter of blood for men, but this depends on lifestyle, age, body composition, and other factors. When the total testosterone levels drop below 350 ng/dl, a condition known as hypogonadism develops. This diagnosis can be a severe cause of excessive fatigue and other symptoms and body changes such as lack of concentration and male breast development (gynecomastia). The free testosterone test looks specifically at unbound testosterone levels. It is important to measure those in particular because a low amount of them can account for excessive fatigue in men and women of all ages.   Anemia Tests Anemia is a severe problem which can become very dangerous for one's health if left untreated. As you probably already know, red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells, tissues, and organs throughout the body. Anemic people usually have too few red blood cells in the bloodstream. Too few red blood cells can cause various symptoms such as excessive tiredness, dizziness, irregular heartbeats, etc. The fatigue panel runs various tests to determine the level of hemoglobin in the body (a protein responsible for carrying oxygen) and analyze hematocrit values (the volume of red blood cells in the bloodstream). The hematocrit tests look at the percentage of red cells in the bloodstream. A small rate might be indicative of anemia as well as chronic fatigue. The hemoglobin tests measure the level of hemoglobin in the body. Again, if this protein is in small quantities, one can develop anemia. The Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) tests look at the size of the red blood cells. This is important because if the size of these cells is too small, this might result in iron deficiency. If the cells are too large, this might be linked to vitamin B6 or folic acid deficiency. The Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) values are also measured in conjunction with the MCV to determine the potential cause of anemia. Glucose Tests Just as cars need to burn fuel to move from one place to the other, your body also requires an adequate fuel supply to function correctly. If vehicles have gasoline, we humans have glucose (or sugar). Normal blood sugar levels help one have sufficient energy to get through the day. However, too much or too little blood sugar levels can lead to multiple severe health conditions and excessive fatigue. When the body detects a high amount of sugar in the bloodstream (particularly after eating meals full of carbs and fats, which are metabolized into glucose in the body), it will signal the pancreas to produce a hormone called insulin. The importance of insulin in the body Insulin acts as a locksmith that opens up cells, so they can absorb the excess glucose in the bloodstream and produce energy. When the blood sugar levels return to normal, the pancreas stops producing insulin, and the cycle repeats. However, when too much glucose is detected in the bloodstream regularly, the pancreas is forced to produce higher amounts of insulin which might then drop the sugar levels too low. As a result, your cells and organs won’t have as much fuel at their disposal, and you always feel tired. Furthermore, when there is an excessive amount of sugar in the blood for several years in a row, the cells in the body start to develop insulin resistance, meaning that they won’t “open up” as efficiently as before to absorb glucose and produce energy. This can lead to diabetes which is a severe medical condition.   High sugar levels in the blood can cause multiple health problems High amounts of glucose can also lead to other issues such as slow circulation, higher risk of inflammation in the body, less oxygen transported to cells, organs, etc. People who experience these symptoms are fatigued most of the time, despite having regular sleep schedules. Even those who have high blood sugar levels but do not have diabetes can still feel tired most of the time, compared with people with normal glucose levels. A fatigue panel is designed to test glucose levels and determines if one is predisposed to diabetes type I and II. Such tests also measure the average glycated hemoglobin levels (A1c), which are sugar-coated oxygen-carrying red blood cell proteins. A high level of these cells can indicate a predisposition to diabetes at some point in the future and can be linked to chronic fatigue.   Adrenal Glands Tests The adrenal glands are situated just on top of your kidneys and generate multiple important hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and cortisol. Think of them as responsible with the “fight or flight” response when you’re stressed out, scared, or excited. These glands are essential because if they don't function correctly, one can develop chronic fatigue and mild signs of depression. Studies show that approximately 40% of people over 60 have to deal with constant tiredness associated with reduced adrenal function. We all live stressful lives and have to juggle a thousand daily problems and responsibilities. This makes the adrenal glands pump a lot of cortisol and adrenaline into the body. Too many hormones can make someone feel very stressed, mildly depressed, and fatigued. Poor sleep quality can also worsen the problem because the adrenal glands tend to recover when the body is at rest. Most people don’t get enough sleep during the night, so these glands don’t get a chance to rejuvenate properly. Add periodic stimulants to the equation (alcohol and drugs), and the load on the adrenal glands can quickly become overwhelming. Adrenal problems don’t only translate into constant fatigue. Dizziness, poor concentration, anxiety and panic attacks, etc also accompany them. A complete fatigue panel looks at the hormones produced by the adrenal glands and determines if they are in sufficient quantities. For example: The DHEA test looks at the levels of DHEA-S in the body. This is an androgen hormone, and if it is in excessively high quantities, the person in question might suffer from adrenal hyperplasia. Similarly, if the levels of DHEA-S are insufficient, this can lead to chronic fatigue. The salivary cortisol test is also essential in determining the differences in cortisol levels at different moments of the day. Patients will be asked to collect four saliva samples during the day, and this will indicate whether the adrenal glands function correctly or they produce too much cortisol regularly.   Immune system tests As you probably already know, the immune system is responsible for neutralizing viruses and bacteria which get in the body so you don’t get sick all the time. It relies on a series of cells, such as the T cells and other hormones, to identify viruses and eliminate them before they get a chance to multiply. An immune system that functions properly requires energy.Suppose there is too much inflammation in the body (as a result of injury, being exposed to a lot of viruses and toxins, etc.). In that case, this system will work overtime to protect your health, and it will consume vast amounts of energy, leaving you tired and in a bad mood. A complete fatigue panel includes tests that measure the number of white cells in the bloodstream. These cells are responsible for neutralizing viruses and bacteria as well. In some rare cases, the bone marrow might not produce sufficient white cells, which can signify a more severe problem.   Iron tests Iron is an essential element in the body, as it produces red blood cells that help carry oxygen to organs and tissues. Anemia, which is characterized by exhaustion, wooziness, and a general feeling of weakness, can result from not having enough iron in one's body. A fatigue panel looks at different hormones in the body which are responsible for metabolizing and storing iron. For example: The ferritin test looks at the ferritin levels in the bloodstream. This protein is responsible for storing iron, and if its levels are insufficient, one can develop anemia, which leads to excessive tiredness. One reason ferritin levels might be low is that one donates too much blood each year. Studies show that donating blood more than twice a year can deplete ferritin levels, leading to anemia. The TIBC test (total iron binding capacity) looks at the absolute levels of iron available in the bloodstream. If this value is too high, then the amounts of iron in the body are insufficient, which can cause excessive fatigue. FAQ 1. Do I need to fast before getting tested? Doing a fasting session of 8-12 hours is recommended before drawing blood. Also, biotin supplementation should be stopped 72 hours before being tested. 2. How quickly are the results delivered? You will usually get the results by email in a few business days. 3. What specimens are submitted for testing? Fatigue panels require patients to submit a blood specimen and, in some cases, a saliva specimen for testing. The instructions on managing and properly collecting these samples are provided within the package, so you will know precisely what to do. 4. What should I do after I get the results? Your healthcare provider will interpret your results and, if necessary, will suggest effective treatment options. For example, if you have iron deficiency and this is the leading cause of your fatigue, you’ll be guided to supplement with iron for some time. Similarly, suppose low testosterone or thyroid hormone blood levels cause your fatigue. In that case, you'll be advised to explore solutions such as Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) or thyroid hormone replacement to help deal with your fatigue problem. 5. Is this test safe? Yes! The submission of samples and results analysis is entirely confidential, and you’ll be drawing blood in a medical setting under specialized supervision.   Conclusion Diagnosing chronic fatigue is not easy, but you’re one step closer to feeling better by ordering a comprehensive fatigue panel. Order the complete fatigue panel today from Discounted Labs, and you can drastically improve the quality of your life!   BUY THE COMPREHENSIVE FATIGUE BLOOD TEST PANEL HERE    

Thyroid problems are prevalent in the United States and the entire world. In some cases, the thyroid makes too many hormones and patients take drugs for hyperthyroidism. In other cases, the thyroid is sluggish and makes insufficient amounts of T3 and T4. This is called hypothyroidism and there are drugs prescribed for this disease too. Although thyroid problems can be kept under control with thyroid drugs, other medications that patients might take can interfere with these drugs. 5% of people in the US are treated for thyroid problems, so it's important to know what drugs might affect these treatments. Keep reading this article to find out more, especially if you're currently taking thyroid medication for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Table of Contents What Drugs Are Used to Treat Thyroid Problems? How Do Meds Interfere with Thyroid Drugs? Medicines That Make the Body Eliminate Levothyroxine Too Quickly Drugs That Decrease the Absorption of Levothyroxine in the Body Medications That Might Increase Thyroxine-Binding Globulin (TBG Lab Test) Levels Blood Thinners Might Severely Interact with Levothyroxine Treatment Conclusion Always Keep Your Thyroid Hormones in Check What Drugs Are Used to Treat Thyroid Problems? If you're struggling with an underactive thyroid, your doctor might prescribe levothyroxine as an ongoing medication for your hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is also known as Levoxyl, Levo-T, Thyro-Tabs, Unithroid, and so on as these are the brand names used to sell the drug. On the other hand, if you're dealing with a hyperactive thyroid, you need medication to reduce the amount of T3 and T4 produced by your thyroid. In this case, you might be prescribed propylthiouracil and/or methimazole. The latter drug is also known as Tapazole. How Do Meds Interfere with Thyroid Drugs? Various drugs and medications interfering with each other is a well-known fact. In many cases, the labels of various drugs instruct patients what meds or substances to avoid ensuring the efficiency of their treatment. This is also the case for thyroid drugs. For example: Some drugs might make the body eliminate levothyroxine from the body too quickly, reducing the effectiveness of the thyroid treatment Certain drugs might alter the way levothyroxine interacts with tissues in the body Other drugs might prevent tissues from absorbing levothyroxine properly Levothyroxine itself might increase the levels of other drugs in the blood, reducing their safety and efficiency As an analogy, it has been discovered that black pepper increases the absorption rate of various vitamins and minerals in the blood. That's why certain supplements such as curcumin are usually formulated with black pepper to be absorbed by the body more effectively. Similarly, certain drugs might make levothyroxine ineffective, so the efficiency of your thyroid treatment is decreased. It's recommended to keep a list of medicines you regularly take and run it by your doctor if your thyroid treatment is ineffective Medicines That Make the Body Eliminate Levothyroxine Too Quickly When the body has an excess of a substance, it eliminates it in several ways such as through perspiration, urine, or feces. Certain drugs can make the body produce more enzymes and accelerate the speed at which certain substances are eliminated. If you have a thyroid gland that functions properly, your body can compensate for this mechanism by making more thyroid hormones. However, people with hypothyroidism cannot make more T3 and T4, and the levothyroxine taken through medicine is eliminated from the body too quickly. Various drugs can make the body produce more enzymes such as antiseptic drugs that are prescribed to counteract seizures. For example,  phenobarbitals, primidone, and phenytoin (aka Dilantin) can increase the metabolism of levothyroxine in the body. Other drugs such as antimicrobial agents can also increase enzyme levels in the body and cause the elimination of levothyroxine too quickly. For example, rifampin, efavirenz, and nevirapine (aka Viramune) are enzyme inducers and some of them even cause hypothyroidism in patients on levothyroxine therapy. Some drugs that are used in the treatment of leukemia and certain cancers might also cause hypothyroidism when used in combination with levothyroxine. For example, imatinib, aka Gleevec, might have this effect on certain patients. Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft) might make levothyroxine treatment become ineffective. These are drugs used to treat depression and millions of Americans use them. Drugs That Decrease the Absorption of Levothyroxine in the Body Some drugs that are administered to treat a certain disease might make the body absorb less levothyroxine when the two medicines are combined. That's why it's advisable to take your thyroid drugs at least 4 or 6 hours before or after taking the other drugs. For example, antacids are a category of medicines that can reduce the effectiveness of levothyroxine. These drugs are administered to treat heartburn. Calcium products such as Rolaids can also interfere with the correct absorption of levothyroxine. Sucralfate, aka Carafate, is a drug given to treat stomach ulcers. It has been discovered that it reduces the absorption of levothyroxine in the body. However, if patients take their thyroid drugs 8 hours after taking sucralfate, this problem can be avoided. Iron supplements such as Feosol are another category of drugs that might interfere with levothyroxine absorption. Sevelamer, a drug administered to people with chronic kidney disease, has a similar effect. It should be given after at least 6 hours of taking levothyroxine medication to avoid negating the impact of the thyroid drug. Certain antibiotics can also reduce the absorption of levothyroxine. Although more research is needed, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and lomefloxacin might interfere with a patient's thyroid medication, and these two categories of drugs should be separated by at least 4 hours. Drugs that help the body transform cholesterol into bile acids should also be separated from thyroid medications by at least 6 hours. For example, Cholestyramine, Colestipol (aka Colestid), and colesevelam are bile acid binders and shouldn't be combined with levothyroxine. Finally, drugs used to treat osteoporosis, such as Evista (Raloxifene), might also decrease the absorption rate of levothyroxine in the body. Although more evidence is needed, specialists recommend separating the two drugs by at least 12 hours. Medications That Might Increase Thyroxine-Binding Globulin (TBG Lab Test) Levels TBG is a particular type of protein that carries thyroid hormones through the body via your bloodstream. Tissues absorb the required amount of thyroid hormones as they "detach" from TBG. However, when TBG levels are high, more thyroid hormones remain bound to TBG, and they cannot reach the tissues where they are most needed. If a person has a normally functioning thyroid, this is not a problem. The thyroid gland makes more hormones to compensate. However, most people with hypothyroidism cannot "afford" to produce more thyroid hormones. Certain drugs or substances might increase TBG levels and reduce your levothyroxine treatment's effectiveness. For example, oral contraceptives contain estrogens that increase the levels of TBG in the bloodstream. Estrogen replacement therapy might also increase TBG levels, but this can be avoided by using transdermal estrogen medication. This administration method doesn't affect the TBG lab test and and it doesn't interfere with your thyroid drugs. Blood Thinners Might Severely Interact with Levothyroxine Treatment Blood thinners are medications administered to people who are at risk of developing blood clots. If a blood clot forms in an essential part of the body, it can be life-threatening. Strokes are good examples in this case. Those who struggle with pulmonary embolism, vein thrombosis, or heart disease might be on a dose of blood-thinning medication such as warfarin. This medication is an anticoagulant, and it might interact with levothyroxine treatment. For example, if a person has an overly active thyroid (hyperthyroidism), the warfarin dose might make the blood thinner than usual. This can lead to bleeding, and it can be life-threatening in some instances. The warfarin anticoagulant might be ineffective if a person has an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). In this case, the blood becomes somehow resistant to the effects of warfarin, and it remains too thick, increasing the risk of developing blood clots. That's why it's essential to carefully manage your intake of levothyroxine and warfarin or other types of blood thinners. If you feel your thyroid medication is ineffective, talk to your doctor and see if warfarin could interfere with it. Conclusion As mentioned earlier, levothyroxine is widely prescribed to patients, particularly in the United States. Although it can work wonders in the correct dosage for suitable patients, levothyroxine can easily interact with other drugs you might take daily. Your responsibility is to pay attention to potential symptoms and talk to your doctor if you feel your thyroid treatment should be more effective. Keep a list of all the drugs you take and show it to your doctor during your next meeting. This will help you make the proper adjustments and find a balance between levothyroxine and other drugs you might take. Always Keep Your Thyroid Hormones in Check The thyroid gland doesn't get as much credit as it deserves, but it's solely responsible for how much energy you have throughout the day and how your body metabolizes substances. It's recommended to keep your thyroid hormones in check using affordable blood tests from a reputable provider. For example, you can go to DiscountedLabs.com and look at the inexpensive thyroid panels available online. This test requires a single blood sample and gives you more details about your T3, T4, and TSH levels, so you know whether your thyroid is usually workingor not.    

Did you know that approximately 5 percent of all people in the US struggle with some form of Hashimoto's disease? This ailment seems to be quite prevalent and it leads to an underperforming thyroid gland. The thyroid gland controls most of the body's metabolic processes. If it gets damaged, you might feel a lack of energy, and your regular metabolism would slow down. However, there are differences between Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism. Keep reading to learn more about Hashimoto's disease, how to test for it and what you can do if you have it. Table of Contents What Is Hashimoto's Disease? What is Hypothyroidism? What Are the Differences Between Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism? What Are the Symptoms of Hashimoto's Disease? Free Triiodothyronine (T3) Free Thyroxine (T4) Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO) Comprehensive Thyroid Panel What Are the Causes of Hashimoto's Disease? How is Hashimoto's Disease Treated? Order Your Thyroid Tests Today! What Is Hashimoto's Disease? Hashimoto's disease is a type of autoimmune disease. This means that the body doesn't recognize certain organs or tissues as its own and starts attacking them. In the case of Hashimoto's disease, the body attacks the thyroid gland. It does this by producing certain antibodies to hormones normally found in the thyroid gland. For example, thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is a hormone typically found in the thyroid gland. In Hashimoto's disease, your system starts to produce antibodies to thyroid peroxidase. What is Hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism happens when your thyroid gland doesn't function properly. This can happen for various reasons and it might be caused by Hashimoto's disease. A doctor would run several tests to see why your thyroid gland is not producing thyroid hormones correctly. In some cases, your thyroid gland might fail to produce enough hormones because it doesn't receive enough TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone. This substance is produced by the pituitary gland and it tells your thyroid gland how many hormones to produce. What Are the Differences Between Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism? It's important to know the main differences between these two types of health problems. For example: Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune illness that affects the thyroid gland As the thyroid gland is affected by Hashimoto's disease, it starts producing fewer hormones Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones This could happen as a result of an underperforming pituitary or other factors As a similarity, both health issues (Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism) can lead to symptoms commonly associated with a poorly functioning thyroid gland. What Are the Symptoms of Hashimoto's Disease? Hashimoto's disease develops over years, so it's not something you acquire overnight. You will eventually notice some symptoms at first. Some people even develop swelling in the thyroid region of the neck. This is called goiter. Here are the main symptoms of Hashimoto's disease: Constipation and slow bowel movement Fatigue and lack of energy, even after a good night's sleep Dry skin that is prone to breaking Hair loss and brittle nails, especially in women Joint pain Weight gain without making major changes in diet Memory problems Confusion and lethargy that could lead to depression As you can see, the list of symptoms is pretty comprehensive. Many of these symptoms are common for other types of health problems, so the only way to accurately diagnose Hashimoto's disease is through a blood test. There are multiple types of blood tests available. All of them look at the hormones of your thyroid gland. For example: Free Triiodothyronine (T3) T3 is the active thyroid hormone. It gets secreted by the thyroid gland on a regular basis and it controls most of your metabolic and cellular processes. Low levels of T3 are commonly associated with hypothyroidism and could also indicate Hashimoto's disease, if other thyroid hormones are also deficient. You can order a free T3 blood test from DiscountedLabs.com and get the results back by mail in a few business days. Free Thyroxine (T4) This is another hormone produced by your thyroid gland. Doctors use this test in correlation with a T3 test to detect if your thyroid gland is underperforming. The thyroxine test is usually considered to be a more sensitive thyroid test, so it's paramount to diagnose hypothyroidism and potentially Hashimoto's disease. You can order a freeT4 test from DiscountedLabs.com as well. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) As mentioned earlier, the pituitary gland produces the thyroid-stimulating hormone. This substance tells the thyroid to produce T3 and T4. If the thyroid gland is poorly functioning, doctors also look at the TSH to see if this is causing the problem. For example, too much TSH in the blood is commonly associated with low levels of T3 and T4 (hypothyroidism). This means that the pituitary is trying to make the thyroid gland produce more hormones, but it fails for some reason. Similarly, too little TSH is commonly associated with high levels of T3 and T4 which is known as hyperthyroidism. A TSH test is routine in diagnosing thyroid problems as well as Hashimoto's disease. You can check your TSH level on your own by ordering this TSH test from DiscountedLabs.com. Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO) Thyroid peroxidase is normally produced by your thyroid gland. In the case of some autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto's disease, your system produces antibodies to thyroid peroxidase. These are known as TPOs and in most cases, they indicate the presence of an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. Doctors run the TPO test to accurately determine if the patient's hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto's disease or not. You can also order this TPO test on your own from Discountedlabs.com. Comprehensive Thyroid Panel The above tests are individual and can be ordered separately. However, it's advisable to go for a comprehensive thyroid panel that looks at all these tests and others together. This is commonly known as the comprehensive thyroid panel and you can order one from DiscountedLabs.com. For example, this panel checks your T3, T4 as well as TSH levels. It also measures thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies. There are other adjacent thyroid tests included in the panel. They will help you get a clearer and broader picture related to the health of your thyroid gland. Your doctor might order some of these tests anyway to determine if you really have Hashimoto's disease or not. Ordering the comprehensive panel on your own might save you time and money. What Are the Causes of Hashimoto's Disease? It's unclear what exactly triggers Hashimoto's disease. Doctors believe that a virus or bacteria makes the body think that the thyroid gland is a foreign organ. This automatically kickstarts the production of antibodies and that's how the thyroid gland gets damaged. Some people are more likely to develop Hashimoto's disease than others. For example, this disease tends to run in families, so if your close relatives had it, you might develop Hashimoto's disease in the future too. At the same time, women are more likely to develop Hashimoto's disease and other types of autoimmune diseases in comparison with men. This ailment also runs more often in middle-aged men and women, but it can develop at any stage of life. If you have other types of autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis then you are more likely to develop Hashimoto's disease. One autoimmune problem usually facilitates the development of another, but you can prevent this with early blood tests and treatment. Finally, Hashimoto's disease might also appear as a result of radiation exposure. The thyroid gland is very sensitive, so mild exposure to dangerous radiation might trigger the abnormal production of hormones. How is Hashimoto's Disease Treated? Once your doctor runs a few thyroid tests, you will know for sure if you have Hashimoto's disease or not. If the diagnosis is positive, this problem is usually solved with certain types of medications such as Levoxyl or Synthroid. There are other types of thyroid medications as well. These drugs basically give your body synthetic thyroid hormones. You will continue to function normally and you need to take your medications daily. Contrary to the popular belief, you will not have your thyroid gland removed. Your doctor also needs to monitor your drug dosage and make small adjustments over time. You might need to check your T3, T4, and TSH levels once every 6 or 12 months. In some cases, certain medications or foods might reduce the effectiveness of your thyroid drugs. For example, iron supplements could interfere with Levoxyl or similar drugs. You should talk to your doctor to find the best approach in this case. At the same time, taking your drugs on an empty stomach or for at least 4 hours before consuming high-iron foods could be beneficial for the effectiveness of the treatment. Soy products and calcium supplements might also need to be reduced during the treatment. Order Your Thyroid Tests Today! Keep in mind that Hashimoto's disease doesn't cause a major disturbance in your life, but it can develop into serious complications if left untreated. For example, heart problems and life-threatening autoimmune disorders might result from untreated Hashimoto's disease. All you have to do to prevent this illness is to check your thyroid hormones regularly. Go to DiscountedLabs.com and order the thyroid tests you need. Based on the results you get; you will know for sure if you're at risk of developing Hashimoto's disease or not.    

Determining if you have an underlying thyroid issue can be difficult, as many of the symptoms associated with thyroid disease are also common to other medical conditions. However, a thyroglobulin antibody test can help determine whether you have an autoimmune disease that targets the thyroid, thyroid cancer, or other thyroid issues [1]. In this article, we will explore what thyroglobulin antibodies are, what a thyroglobulin antibody test entails, and how to interpret the results of such a test. Table of Contents What are Thyroglobulin Antibodies? Why You May Need This Test What is a Thyroglobulin Antibody Test? How to Interpret the Results of a Thyroglobulin Antibody Test Conclusion References: What are Thyroglobulin Antibodies? Thyroglobulin is a protein that the thyroid gland creates. This protein is responsible for helping the body create, store, and release thyroid hormone [4]. Thyroglobulin antibodies, on the other hand, are antibodies that the immune system creates to attack this specific protein [4]. While some people may have naturally occurring thyroglobulin antibodies, their presence can also suggest the presence of an autoimmune disease that targets the thyroid, thyroid cancer, or other thyroid issues [2]. Why You May Need This Test If your doctor suspects you have a thyroid issue, you might need this test. Those with thyroid issues may develop thyroglobulin antibodies. You can have an overactive thyroid or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) (hyperthyroidism). The thyroid gland can be destroyed by thyroglobulin antibodies, which target thyroglobulin proteins. To verify the outcomes of a thyroglobulin test, you could undergo this examination. The thyroglobulin protein is measured in this assay. This test may be included in follow-up exams if you've had thyroid cancer treatment to monitor your health. Overactive thyroid symptoms include: I feel weak and exhausted. trembling fingers and hands shedding pounds Feeling uneasy, tense, or agitated sweating profusely rapid or erratic heartbeat low heat tolerance Underactive thyroid symptoms include: gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation issues with the menstrual cycle fatigue and a lack of enthusiasm Dry skin and hair inflammation around the eyes a persistent sensation of being chilled gaining weight Depression Forgetfulness aching joints What is a Thyroglobulin Antibody Test? A thyroglobulin antibody test, also known as a TgAb test, is a blood test that checks for the presence of thyroglobulin antibodies in the bloodstream [2]. The test is typically ordered by a physician if they suspect the presence of a thyroid issue based on symptoms, medical history, or other diagnostic tests. The test is simple and requires only a small sample of blood, typically taken from a vein in the arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. How to Interpret the Results of a Thyroglobulin Antibody Test Interpreting the results of a thyroglobulin antibody test can be complicated, as there are a number of factors to consider. In general, however, a positive result (i.e., the presence of thyroglobulin antibodies) can suggest the presence of an autoimmune disease that targets the thyroid, thyroid cancer, or other thyroid issues [2]. It is important to note, however, that a positive result does not necessarily mean that a person has a thyroid issue. Some people may have naturally occurring thyroglobulin antibodies without any underlying thyroid issues [4]. If a person receives a positive result on a thyroglobulin antibody test, their physician will likely order additional diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out the presence of a thyroid issue. These tests may include a thyroid function test, a thyroid ultrasound, or a biopsy of the thyroid gland [1]. Conclusion If you are experiencing symptoms associated with thyroid disease, such as fatigue, weight gain, or hair loss, it may be worth discussing a thyroglobulin antibody test with your physician. This simple blood test can help determine whether you have an autoimmune disease that targets the thyroid, thyroid cancer, or other thyroid issues. However, it is important to remember that a positive result on a thyroglobulin     References:   [1] "A thyroglobulin antibody test is used to determine if you have an underlying thyroid issue. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the front of your neck. It creates essential hormones for the body to function correctly. Thyroid hormones play a role in your bodys metabolism, growth, and development." Reference [2] "The TgAb test checks for the presence of thyroglobulin antibodies. These antibodies can suggest the presence of an autoimmune disease that targets the thyroid, thyroid cancer, or..." URL: Reference [3] "Thyroglobulin is a protein that your thyroid makes. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It makes hormones that control many activities in your body, including your heart rate and how fast you burn calories from food. A thyroglobulin test is a type of tumor marker test." URL: Reference [4] "Thyroglobulin is an important protein found directly in your thyroid gland. This protein plays an important role in helping your body CREATE thyroid hormone, STORE thyroid hormone, and RELEASE (1) thyroid hormone. Thyroglobulin antibodies are antibodies that your own immune system creates which ATTACK this particular protein." URL: Reference

Table of Contents Serum Thyroid Function, Mortality and Disability in Advanced Old Age: The Newcastle 85+ Study. The association between changes in thyroid hormones and incident type 2 diabetes: A 7-year longitudinal study Buy Thyroid Tests References: Serum Thyroid Function, Mortality and Disability in Advanced Old Age: The Newcastle 85+ Study. Perturbations in thyroid function are common in older individuals but their significance in the very old is not fully understood.A study called "Serum Thyroid Function, Mortality and Disability in Advanced Old Age: The Newcastle 85+ Study" published in the November 2016 edition of theJournal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism sought to determine whether thyroid hormone status and variation of thyroid hormones within the reference range correlated with mortality and disability in a cohort of 85-year-olds.This study included a cohort of 85-year-old individuals were assessed in their own homes (community or institutional care) for health status and thyroid function, and followed for mortality and disability for up to 9 years. Six hundred and forty-three 85-year-olds registered with participating general practices in Newcastle and North Tyneside, United Kingdom.The study tracked all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and disability according to thyroid disease status and baseline thyroid hormone parameters (serum TSH, FT4, FT3, and rT3). The data were adjusted for age, sex, education, body mass index, smoking, and disease count. The study found that after adjustment for age and sex, all-cause mortality was associated with baseline serum rT3 and FT3 (both P < .001), but not free T4 or TSH. After additional adjustment for potential confounders, only  reverse T3 remained significantly associated with mortality. Baseline serum TSH and reverse T3 predicted future disability trajectories in men and women, respectively. In conclusion, this study is reassuring that individuals age 85 years old with both subclinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism do not have a significantly worse survival over 9 years than their peers with normal thyroid function. However, thyroid function tests did predict disability, with higher serum TSH levels predicting better outcomes. These data strengthen the argument for routine use of age-specific thyroid function reference ranges.   The association between changes in thyroid hormones and incident type 2 diabetes: A 7-year longitudinal study Thyroid hormones are important regulators of glucose metabolism and stability; however, the association between thyroid hormones within the reference range and type 2 diabetes remains unclear. A study named "The association between changes in thyroid hormones and incident type 2 diabetes: A 7-year longitudinal study" published in the Thyroid Journal on November 201 was designed to clarify the incidence of type 2 diabetes according to the baseline levels and changes of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (free thyroxine [FT4] and free triiodothyronine [T3]) in euthyroid (normal thyroid function) people. Among the participants who consecutively underwent thyroid function tests between 2006 and 2012 through a yearly health check-up program, 6,235 euthyroid subjects (3,619 men and 2,616 women) without diabetes were enrolled in the study. The change in each hormone was calculated by subtracting the baseline value from the level at the end of follow-up or 1 year before the diagnosis of diabetes.The study found that during 25,692 person-years of follow-up, there were 229 new cases of type 2 diabetes. After full adjustment for potential confounders including HbA1c and fasting glucose in Cox proportional hazards models, the individuals in the highest tertile of TSH change (2.5 to 4.2 μIU/mL) had a greater risk of incident type 2 diabetes  in comparison with individuals in the lowest tertile (-4.1 to -0.5 μIU/mL). Simultaneously, the highest tertile of T3 change (16.3 to 104.7 ng/dL) and  free T4 change (0.2 to 1.6 ng/dL) conferred protective effects against diabetes compared to those in the lowest tertile (-76.5 to -1.8 ng/dL and -0.6 to 0.0 ng/dL, respectively). These associations remained significant when each of the hormones was analyzed as a continuous variable. However, baseline levels or tertiles of TSH and thyroid hormones were not associated with the risk of diabetes. This study showed that individual changes in TSH and thyroid hormones even within the normal reference range were an additional risk factor of incident type 2 diabetes.   Buy Thyroid Tests   References:   1- J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Nov;101(11):4385-4394. Epub 2016 Aug 23 2- Thyroid. 2016 Nov 3.