BLOOD TEST RESULTS CONFIDENTIALLY AVAILABLE TO YOU:  Usually within 24- 48 hours 

Thyroid gland is important in the regulation of body energy and metabolism.  The thyroid gland may be overactive (hyperthyroidism) or under active (hypothyroidism)   Proper metabolism helps maintain energy (minimizing fatigue), strength, ideal weight and temperature and influences mood.

Metabolism alterations often occur slowly over months or years and are therefore overlooked.  Often people often don’t think of their symptoms as unusual or mistake them as a sign of advancing age. 

WHO SHOULD HAVE THEIR METABOLISM / THYROID LEVELS TESTED?

(1) Anyone with a family history of thyroid disorders; Grave’s disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

(2) Anyone with a past thyroid inflammation or tumor. 

Metabolism disorders are found in both men and women though, women are more likely to be affected.
    Symptoms include:

      ·      Fatigue or muscle weakness
·      Depression or irritability
·      Mental lethargy
·      Sensitivity to cold or unusual perspiration
·      Unexplained weight gain or loss
·      Abnormal heart rate
·      Dry hair or hair loss
·      Constipation or diarrhea
·      Swelling of feet, hands or breasts 

BLOOD TEST FOR THYROID / METABOLISM LEVELS HOW OFTEN?
When symptoms appear and annually if symptoms persist 

BLOOD TESTING FOR THYROID / METABOLISM LEVELS INCLUDES: 

Measuring the level of hormone secreted by the pituitary to stimulate the thyroid gland (TSH) , and measure of free thyroxin (thyroid hormone) and protein bound thyroxin in the blood.

BLOOD TESTING FOR THYROID / METABOLISM LEVELS WILL TELL YOU: 

This test will measure the current functioning of both the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland and will identify whether  the thyroid gland is producing too much or too little hormone. 

An under-active thyroid creates a slow metabolism creating weight gain or fatigue and depression.  An overactive thyroid speeds metabolism creating weight loss or muscle fatigue. 

Thyroid disorders adversely affect cholesterol and can increase the hearts workload leading to heart disease.

Blood tests that indicate abnormalities in your blood system- i.e., you are "out of normal range" - can alert you to take action.  That action might be a visit to a physician or simply a different diet and exercise.  In any case, "knowing" if something is wrong with you - and what is wrong - are the first steps to correction of a poor health condition.  A blood test can "keep you in the know" about your personal health!