Different Types of Thyroid Tests
The thyroid is a small gland below the skin and muscles at the front of the neck, at the spot where a bow tie would rest. It makes two types of thyroid hormones: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). It helps the body do many things, such as get energy from food, grow, and go through sexual development. Some diseases of the thyroid or pituitary gland cause the thyroid to make too much or not enough thyroid hormone. If the thyroid is overactive, it releases too much thyroid hormone, causing hyperthyroidism. The body use up energy more quickly than it should, and chemical activity (like metabolism) in the cells speeds up. Symptoms include sweating, trembling, weight loss, and fast heartbeat. If the thyroid is underactive, it makes too little thyroid hormone, causing hypothyroidism. The body uses up energy more slowly, and chemical activity (metabolism) in the cells slows down. Symptoms include tiredness, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin, and slow height growth in children. Fo