The thyroid is the bodies thermostat, controlling body temperature, growth rate and energy use. It controls the rate at which the body uses food and affects the operation of almost all bodily processes and organs. An under-functioning of the thyroid gland can result in a condition known as hypothyroidism.
This disorder can produce many diverse symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, depression and constipation. The thyroid gland can also over-secrete thyroid hormones, resulting in hyperthyroidism with symptoms ranging from weight loss and palpitations to anxiety and diarrhoea.
The total thyroid screen analyses serum levels of TSH, total T4, free T4, free T3, anti-TG antibodies, and anti-TPO antibodies to assess central and peripheral thyroid function, as well as thyroid auto-immunity. This test gives the full picture of thyroid health status.
Thyroid imbalances have far reaching effects and elicit fatigue, depression, coldness, constipation, poor skin, headaches, PMS, dysmenorrhea, fluid retention, weight gain, anxiety/panic attacks, decreased memory and concentration, muscle and joint pain, and a low sex drive.
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