Thyroid conditions can be diagnosed with a simple blood test, but unfortunately, those who have them often don’t realize it because they have not received the proper testing. At Patient’s Choice Medical Center, the low cost test, and no insurance clinic in Las Vegas, patients can receive a simple blood test that could make a world of difference in their life.
Normally, thyroid testing is done every five years after the age of 35, but if you have other risk factors, such as depression, obesity, or a family history of thyroid conditions, you can be checked sooner. The symptoms of thyroid disorders resemble those of many other medical problems; a few examples include fatigue, unexplained weight gain, constipation, and depression.
The thyroid gland is responsible for maintaining the body’s metabolism and other vital functions, so ignoring these conditions can have damaging effects, including obesity, infertility, and heart disease. However, synthetic thyroid hormone medications have been developed to help those with thyroid problems maintain proper levels.
Testing
Patient’s Choice Medical Center in Las Vegas can conduct thyroid tests at a low cost; in fact, lab fees are estimated to be between 60-80% less than lab work fees at other local facilities. You can receive a comprehensive thyroid/obesity panel for just $70, which covers TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and T4 (thyroxine) blood work. These hormones are secreted by the thyroid gland to keep the body’s metabolism balanced.
If cost is a major concern, the TSH test is also available individually for just $30. In many labs, this test is done before more extensive exams to diagnose thyroid conditions. Fortunately, this simple blood test can easily detect imbalanced thyroid hormone levels. Treatments vary between thyroid disorders and doses are measured according to what will restore proper hormone levels.
There are several risk factors associated with thyroid conditions, including heredity, age, and gender (women are more likely to get them). Common disorders are overactive and underactive thyroids, which are referred to as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, respectively. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid produces too much TSH. Symptoms include weight loss, irritablility, and intolerance to heat. Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid releases too little TSH, whcih can lead to lowered metabolism. Symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, and memory loss.
Other thyroid conditions include goiter (enlarged thyroid), Grave’ disease, and Hashimoto’s disease. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body’s immune system mistakes healthy cells as a threat and treats them as such by creating unnecessary antibodies. Hashimoto’s disease is also an autoimmune disorder, but unlike Graves’ disease, it often causes hypothyroidism.
Treatment
There are many different treatments for thyroid conditions. Those who have had their thyroid removed or were born without one typically depend on an artificial thyroid hormone for life. Most thyroid conditions are treated with synthetic hormones which are usually marketed under the trade names Levothyroid and Synthroid.
Initial treatment might require occasional changes to dosage, so if you feel that your medidcation is not helping, contact your doctor, and if you do notice an improvement, you should still get your TSH levels checked at least once a year.
If you are concerned about the possibility of a thyroid condition, contact Patient’s Choice Medical Center, where you will be treated, even if don’t have insurance. Thyroid conditions do not have a cure, but prompt diagnosis and treatment can help to control the effects and allow you to live a normal healthy life. To make an appointment today call (702) 474-6300.