Thyroid under control

Thyroid tests

Does your family have a history of thyroid problems? Is your diet unbalanced, and are you unsure whether you're getting all the necessary minerals? Are you undergoing long-term treatment? A combination of these factors, along with the irregularities of modern life and stress, can negatively affect your health, especially your thyroid condition.

It is estimated that one out of every five Poles suffers from thyroid problems. Over half of this group is unaware that they have hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or Hashimoto's disease. Thyroid disorders are often painless, and their symptoms are nonspecific. This means that diagnosis and treatment are often delayed.

Symptoms of thyroid problems include:

• weight gain or loss;
• dry skin;
• excessive sweating;
• hair loss;
• constipation;
• fatigue or excessive irritability;
• insomnia.

Depending on whether a patient develops Hashimoto's disease, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism, the symptoms may vary. This means that not all patients experience all of the characteristic conditions.

Thyroid hormones also play a very important role during pregnancy. The concentration of these hormones in the mother's blood, especially during the first trimester, affects the proper development of the baby's brain and skeletal system because the baby is not yet producing its own hormones. As a preventive measure, women who are planning to become pregnant or are in the early stages of pregnancy should have their thyroid tested.

Thyroid tests – scope of the package:

• Anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO): a significant increase in antibody levels is observed in Hashimoto's disease, while lower but still abnormal levels occur in patients with other thyroid diseases;
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): this is a basic test for diagnosing thyroid disorders. Low TSH levels occur in patients with hyperthyroidism, while elevated levels occur in patients with hypothyroidism;
• FT3 (free triiodothyronine): along with thyroxine (T4), FT3 is one of the main hormones produced by the thyroid. However, most T3 is produced from T4 in target tissues. Measuring FT3 levels is helpful mainly in diagnosing hyperthyroidism and is often carried out after abnormal TSH or FT4 levels are detected.
• FT4 (thyroxine): abnormal concentrations, along with worrisome TSH test results, indicate thyroid dysfunction. This test only has diagnostic value when combined with TSH level measurement.

Blood tests can help determine:

• whether your thyroid is functioning properly;
• whether weight gain or hair loss is caused by an endocrine disorder.

Why are the tests crucial?

• You will ensure that your thyroid is functioning properly. In case of abnormal results, you will have the opportunity to quickly start treatment and prevent complications;
• No doctor's referral is necessary to take the tests;
• The tests will confirm or rule out Hashimoto's disease, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism;
• If you are concerned about your health, you can find out if your symptoms are caused by an endocrine disorder;
• In the event that the results are abnormal, you will be referred to an endocrinologist. Depending on the results, the doctor can begin treatment or suggest additional tests to identify the cause of the disease, such as a thyroid ultrasound or complete blood count;
• Save time by arriving at the collection point in the morning instead of waiting for an appointment;
• Save money that you would otherwise have to spend on a doctor's appointment to qualify for the tests. The package includes tests at a lower cost than individual tests;
• The tests will be carried out during one visit at a Medicover Centre.

How to make use of the package?

First, select the city or town and medical centre where you wish to perform the tests included in the package. Then, fill out the form with your personal details and confirm your purchase.

How do I book appointments for these tests? You don't need to book any appointments. Please arrive at the collection point in the morning, with your ID. Click HERE to check the exact opening hours of the collection points at the selected Medicover Centres.

Test results You will receive your test results at the collection point within three working days. If you are a Medicover patient and have a password to log in to the Medicover OnLine platform, you can check your test results online.

Normal values of thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormone levels may vary depending on the laboratory's testing methodology, so compare your results with the reference values provided on the form. It is crucial to consider the interrelationships between TSH, fT3, and fT4, so the results should be interpreted together.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Preventive thyroid tests can be carried out during one visit at the Medicover Centre of your choice;
• The package expires after 3 months after the date indicated in the order confirmation.

How to prepare for a blood test?

• Please restrict physical activities, follow an easily digestible diet and refrain from consuming alcohol on the day before the blood test;
• There is no need to fast unless the blood test is being performed with other tests for which such preparation is necessary;
• It is important to inform the medical staff about any medications, supplements, or herbal preparations you are currently taking, as some of them may affect the results of the test;
• For best results, the test should be carried out before taking your morning medications – make sure to consult with your doctor about this;
• The test should be carried out before 10:00 a.m.;
• Before blood sample collection, it is recommended to drink a glass of still mineral water;
• The blood sample for laboratory testing should be collected after a short rest. Please arrive at the collection point a few minutes before your scheduled blood draw time.

Click HERE to learn more about the collection point opening hours, or contact the Medicover Client Contact Centre at +48 500 900 550.