Do women need to fast when checking their thyroid function?

When people catch a cold, they will feel particularly uncomfortable in their cheeks. This means that there is something wrong with their thyroid gland. At this time, we need to check the thyroid function. Do we need to be on an empty stomach to check the thyroid function? According to some time reports, it is necessary to fast when checking thyroid function, and we must also pay attention to dietary taboos. Next, let us understand whether it is necessary to fast when checking thyroid function? People who often have cheek pain should see this doctor.

The thyroid gland is an important endocrine organ in the human body. It is located below the thyroid cartilage in the neck, on both sides of the trachea. The human thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and is like a shield, hence the name. The thyroid gland controls the rate at which energy is used, makes proteins, and regulates the body's sensitivity to other hormones. The thyroid gland regulates these responses by producing thyroxine. T3 and T4 regulate metabolism, growth rate, and regulate other body systems. T3 and T4 are synthesized from iodine and tyrosine. The thyroid gland also produces calcitonin, which regulates calcium balance in the body.

The two most common thyroid disorders are overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Both diseases can affect a person's cardiovascular, digestive, reproductive, nervous and other systems. Special attention should be paid to pregnant women and newborns.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can cause the thyroid gland to release too much thyroxine. Due to pregnancy, the body's demand for thyroxine increases. Patients with mild symptoms will experience some relief, but if patients with moderate to severe hyperthyroidism do not receive proper treatment, complications such as miscarriage and premature birth will increase.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism requires more attention because it can cause the thyroid gland to secrete insufficient thyroid gland secretions, which can make women more susceptible to miscarriage. What is more noteworthy is that thyroid hormone is an indispensable component for the baby's brain development. During the early stage of neurodevelopment in pregnancy, if the baby does not have enough thyroid hormone, the baby may have problems such as dullness, brain damage, and may even become deaf after birth. After the first trimester, the baby can produce thyroid hormone on his own, so it doesn't matter if the mother has low thyroid hormone. In addition, low thyroid hormone levels are associated with maternal depression during pregnancy and postpartum.

The growth-promoting effects of thyroid hormones are most evident during infancy, with the greatest impact within the first four months after birth. It mainly promotes the growth and development of bones, brain and reproductive organs. Without thyroid hormone, the pituitary GH cannot function. Moreover, when thyroid hormone is deficient, the pituitary gland's production and secretion of GH also decreases. Therefore, congenital or childhood lack of thyroid hormone causes cretinism. Cretinism patients have stagnant bone growth and are short in stature. The length ratio of the upper and lower body is abnormal, with the upper body accounting for a larger proportion than that of normal people. Also, due to the growth disorders of nerve cell dendrites, axons, myelin sheath and glial cells, their brain is underdeveloped and they have intellectual disabilities, and their sexual organs cannot mature. When a newborn has hypothyroidism, he or she should be supplemented with appropriate amounts of thyroid hormone within one year of age. This is effective for the development of the central nervous system and the recovery of brain function. If it is later than this period, even if a large amount of T3 or T4 is supplemented, normal function cannot be restored and the treatment is often ineffective.

By answering the question of whether you need to be on an empty stomach when checking thyroid function, we can see that many diseases are caused by relatively minor diseases. Therefore, this reminds us that no matter what disease we suffer from, we must pay attention to our own health problems, go to a regular hospital for examination and treatment in time, and choose the right medicine to be cured.