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What Do the Lab Tests Mean in Hashimoto (Haşimato) disease?

TSH: When there is not enough thyroid hormone in the circulation, your pituitary gland will release and TSH will be high.

Free T4 and T3 test: Low levels suggest hypothyroidism.

Thyroid Peroxidase (anti-TPO) Antibody / Anti-Tyroglobulin Blood Test: This test detects the presence of antibodies to the thyroid. Most people with Hashimoto's disease have these antibodies, but people who have other conditions that cause their hypothyroidism may not. It can also be found in healthy people who are not Hashimoto's.

Thyroid Ultrasonography: It shows the structure of the thyroid gland and its inflammation / destruction, if any. If there are nodules, it also detects them.

Who is at high risk of type 2 diabetes (diyabet)?

* Excess weight in the family, especially those whose weight is prominent around the abdomen.

* Those with a family history of cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure.

* People with high blood fats such as cholesterol, triglycerides.

* Those who are overweight (the risk of developing diabetes in an overweight person is 20 times higher).

* Hypertensive patients.

* Those who gave birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg in their previous pregnancies.

* Women with a family history of polycystic ovary syndrome (increased hair growth and acne symptoms due to cyst formation in the ovaries)

* Anyone who is overweight is at risk. An overweight person is 20 times more likely to develop diabetes.

What is a Thyroid Nodule / Nodular Goitre  (guatr)?

A thyroid nodule is a lump in the thyroid gland as a result of growth of thyroid tissue or a fluid-filled cyst. Nodules are very common and increase with age. A nodule usually does not cause complaints; however, if it is large, there may be pain, hoarseness, difficulties in swallowing or breathing.

Most thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous), with only 7% having cancer.

Although thyroid nodules are a structural problem, they usually do not affect the functioning of the gland; therefore, most patients have normal hormone levels. There are different types of thyroid nodules:

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Thyroid cysts: They only contain fluid and are usually benign; and typically do not affect thyroid function. When they cause discomfort, they can be drained with a needle, or surgically removed.

Solid thyroid nodules: Most thyroid nodules are solid (solid, fluid-free), and most are cancer-free. These typically do not affect thyroid function and are evaluated with ultrasound.

Overactive 'toxic' thyroid nodules: Only a small percentage of thyroid nodules produce high levels of thyroid hormone and these are called 'toxic adenomas'. Toxic adenomas are usually benign, and the options for treating them are similar to other causes of hyperthyroidism.

The cause of most benign nodules is unknown, but they are usually found in members of the same family. Worldwide, dietary iodine deficiency is a very common cause of nodules. Thyroid nodules become more common with increased age.