Kidney, Liver & Thyroid Function
What do I need to know about Kidney Function?
Kidneys are a natural filter for the blood. They are responsible for keeping the right amount of fluid in the body, reabsorbing water, amino acids and glucose. They help make red blood cells and keep your blood pressure under control.
What do I need to know about Liver Function?
The liver is the second largest organ in the body and plays an important role in our metabolism. It has many functions. It processes our intake of food and beverages and turns it into energy and nutrients. The liver also filters your blood eliminating harmful substances and aiding in digestion.
Why is the CMP blood test so important?
The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a panel of 14-17 blood tests. It includes important information about the current status of your kidneys, liver, blood glucose, blood proteins, electrolyte and acid/base balance. Used to evaluate conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, liver and kidney disease it also monitors the use of medications to check for any kidney or liver related side effects.
What do I need to know about Thyroid Function?
The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands located in the lower front of the neck. It is responsible for making hormones that are secreted into the blood and dispersed to every tissue in the body. It controls the body's metabolic rate as well as heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development and bone support. Hormonal output from the thyroid is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland, a tiny organ located below the brain and behind the sinus cavities. TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to release the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) into the blood. The rate at which the body uses energy is controlled by the thyroid hormones. This test measures the amount of TSH in the blood.
What is TSH testing used for?
The Thyroid Stimulation Hormone (TSH) blood test is used to help diagnose thyroid disorders, monitor treatment of hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) and hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone). It also is used for:
- Screening adults for thyroid disorders
- Diagnosing a thyroid disorder in a person with symptoms
- Screening newborns for an underactive thyroid
- Monitoring thyroid replacement therapy in people with hypothyroidism
- Monitoring anti-thyroid treatment in people with hyperthyroidism
- Helping to diagnose and monitor infertility problems in women
- Helping to evaluate the function of the pituitary gland (occasionally)
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is a condition when too much of the hormone thyroxine (T4) is produced.
What are the signs and symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety
- Sudden weight loss even with increased appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Tremors in the hands
- Weakness
- Sweating
- Thinning skin
- Diarrhea (sometimes)
- Light sensitivity, visual disturbances
- The eyes may be affected: puffiness around the eyes, dryness, irritation, and, in some cases, bulging of the eyes
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) occurs when your thyroid does not produce enough important hormones.
What are the signs and symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
- Weight gain
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Cold intolerance
- Puffy skin
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Menstrual irregularity in women
- Elevated blood cholesterol
- Depression
- Slowed heart rate
- Muscle weakness and joint pain