Thyroid Check Advanced

The TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is a hormone manufactured in the pituitary gland (found in the brain). It s role is to stimulate thyroxine production in the thyroid gland (found in the neck). A high level within a health screening is associated with an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and a low level is found if the thyroid gland is over-active (hyperthyroidism). Changes in the TSH level alone can indicate underlying thyroid problems even if the thyroxine levels are normal.

FT4 (free thyroxine) is the active form of thyroxine, released from the thyroid gland in the neck. Its role is to control metabolism - release of energy from all cells of the body. A lack of thyroxine leads to, for example, tiredness and weight gain, whereas an excess will lead to weight loss, rapid heart rate and anxiety. It is generally believed that this level (FT4) is the most reliable indicator of thyroid status - ie whether the gland is over-active (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism).

FT3 (Free Triiodothyronine) - This is one of two hormones produced by the thyroid gland. This measures the level of T3 that is 'free' and is able to regulate metabolism.

This is an enzyme found in the thyroid gland mostly. This allows the production of thyroid hormones.

Vitamin D is an important vitamin, essential for good bone health. It is manufactured in the skin through sunlight exposure and is found in several foods. Prolonged Vitamin D lack can cause osteomalacia, a disease which causes severe structural deformities to the skeleton. Lower level Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a number of non-specific symptoms, including chronic pain, weak bones, frequent infections depression and fatigue. It has been estimated that between 50-70% of people living in the northern Europe (where daylight length reduces your chances of receiving adequate sunlight in the winter) are deficient in this vitamin by March each year which is why health screening for this important vitamin is essential.

Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin, essential for the normal functioning of many body processes. Deficiency can lead to anaemia (poor quality red blood cells) and neurological (nerve) disorders. It is most abundant in meat products so vegetarians are more vulnerable to deficiency of this vitamin. Pernicious anaemia develops if uptake of vitamin B12 into the blood from the gut is absent or severely impaired, and even if a diet rich in the vitamin is taken, deficiency will occur if this disease is present. Recent evidence suggests that mild deficiency is probably more common than previously thought. Mild deficiency may explain the presence of fatigue and a host of other limiting symptoms which is why we have included it within the PLUS V and PLUS X health screening profiles.

Folate, or Folic acid, is a B vitamin. It helps the body break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars to be used for energy.

Ferritin is a protein found in the blood which carries iron. Like TIBC/UIBC, and transferrin saturation, it can tell us how much iron is stored in the body. The higher the level within a health screening, the greater the amount of iron stored. This test can be used to detect iron deficiency, and also conditions of iron excess (such as haemochromatosis). Ferritin can also be raised if inflammation is present in the body somewhere.

Zinc is an essential component in cellular processes such as DNA replication + transcription. Zinc is also a co-factor from over 300 enzymes. Over 25% of the world's population has a low or marginal zinc status (these symptoms can be mild). Some include loss of appetite/taste or increased susceptibility to infection.

Magnesium is second most common intracellular cation, which is after potassium. Magnesium is a key element in more than 300 enzyme processes. Serum magnesium should be tested when a patient could have deficiency's such as malnutrition, alcoholism, diarrhoea (more are included). Some deficiency symptoms of magnesium include muscle cramps, weakness, vertigo, depression.

The selenium blood test allows us to measure the amount of selenium in the blood. This blood test allows us to identify deficiences or high levels of selenium. It can also be used to monitor the response the body is having to supplementation being taken.

Weight loss with increased appetite
Warm/clammy skin
Shortness/loss of breath
Feeling warm and sweating excessively
Feeling hyperactive
Rapid heartbeat
Insomnia
Osteoporosis
Raised libido
Irregular bowel movements
Diarrhoea
Thin hair
Fertility problems
Irritability

Fatigue
Feeling cold constantly
Weight gain and/or difficulty losing weight
Brain fog
Issues with Breathlessness
Low basal temperature
Insomnia
Hair loss
Raised cholesterol
Low basal temperature
Dry hair and skin
Loss of libido
Constipation
Depression
Mood swings
Fertility problems