World Thyroid Day: Care for Your "Butterfly Gland"

May 25th marks World Thyroid Day, an annual international health initiative launched by the Thyroid Federation International (TFI) in 2008 to raise public awareness of thyroid health and related diseases. Known as the "body’s metabolic control center", this butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck produces hormones that regulate energy metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, hair/nail growth, mood, and fertility. Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine conditions worldwide, affecting millions—yet many go undetected due to subtle symptoms.

Early detection and accurate diagnosis are vital for managing thyroid health. First, let’s clarify who needs thyroid function tests, common thyroid diseases, and their potential harms.

Who Needs Thyroid Function Tests?

Routine thyroid function testing is recommended for the following high-risk groups and people with related symptoms:

①People with a family history of thyroid disease;

②Pregnant or postpartum women;

③People with unexplained fatigue, weight changes, cold intolerance, heat intolerance, hair loss, or mood swings; 

④Individuals with goiter or thyroid nodules;

⑤People take medications that may affect thyroid function (e.g., lithium, amiodarone).

Common Thyroid Diseases and Their Harms

The most common thyroid diseases include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and thyroid nodules.

Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to fatigue, weight gain, depression, and even cardiovascular problems; hyperthyroidism may cause palpitations, insomnia, weight loss, and eye disorders. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a common autoimmune disease, can gradually damage thyroid function and lead to hypothyroidism. Thyroid nodules, though mostly benign, require regular monitoring to rule out malignancy, as untreated thyroid cancer may spread and affect overall health.

Comprehensive Thyroid Biomarkers

1. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Elevated TSH usually signals primary hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), while decreased TSH usually suggests hyperthyroidism or thyroid hormone excess. TSH alone may be misleading, so it must be paired with other thyroid hormone tests for accurate diagnosis. It also monitors the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement or suppression therapy.

2. Thyroid Hormones: T3, T4, fT3, fT4

Total T3/T4 are typically elevated in hyperthyroidism and decreased in hypothyroidism, but total T4 is rarely used alone (affected by Thyroxine-Binding Globulin[TBG], e.g., total T4 is slightly elevated in pregnancy). Elevated fT3/fT4 with decreased TSH confirms hyperthyroidism; Decreased fT4 with elevated TSH indicates primary hypothyroidism. Some hyperthyroidism cases show only elevated fT3 (T3-type) early on. fT4 is critical for pregnant women, as it reflects biologically active hormone levels independent of TBG changes.

3. Thyroglobulin (Tg)

Tg’s primary use is monitoring recurrence in differentiated thyroid cancer patients post total thyroidectomy, as levels correlate with tumor burden. It may also be elevated in conditions with thyroid follicular damage (e.g., subacute thyroiditis or Hashimoto's thyroiditis). 

Note: Tg levels can be affected by anti-Tg antibodies, so Tg should be tested alongside anti-Tg.

4. Thyroid Autoimmune Antibodies: Anti-Tg, Anti-TPO & Anti-TSHR

Anti-Tg and Anti-TPO are linked to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease. High Anti-TPO supports a diagnosis of active autoimmune thyroiditis. Anti-TSHR (activating type) causes Graves’ hyperthyroidism, while the (blocking type) is linked to some autoimmune hypothyroidism cases. All three antibodies aid in diagnosing Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases. Clinically, Anti-TSHR antibody is regularly applied to evaluate autoimmune activity, forecast disease relapse risk, and monitor therapeutic efficacy and recurrent tendency of Graves’ disease. High levels of Anti-TPO can also reflect ongoing autoimmune inflammation, yet neither Anti-Tg nor Anti-TPO is reliable for predicting relapse or tracking treatment response in Graves’ disorder.

Our Solution to Monitor Thyroid Health

We provide full-set integrated thyroid function testing solutions on Getein’s POCT & CLIA platform.

Thyroid health deserves universal attention. Take active screening, grasp physical conditions, and guard your delicate butterfly gland health!