Is fasting necessary to check thyroid function?

The thyroid gland is a very important endocrine organ in the human body. It is shaped like a butterfly and is located in the front of the neck. Thyroid function tests are an important way to assess thyroid health. So, is it necessary to fast when doing a thyroid function test? This is a question that concerns many people. Generally speaking, it’s best to do a thyroid function test on an empty stomach. Fasting can avoid the interference of food on test results, especially for some test items that require the measurement of thyroid hormone levels in the blood, such as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) wait. Certain components in food, such as protein, iodine, and certain medications, may affect thyroid hormone levels. After eating, the gastrointestinal tract will begin to digest food, resulting in increased gastric juice secretion, which may affect the absorption and metabolism of thyroid hormone, thereby affecting the accuracy of test results. In addition, fasting can also help doctors more accurately assess the functional status of the thyroid gland. In a fasting state, thyroid hormone secretion is relatively stable, and doctors can better judge whether the thyroid function is normal. However, not all thyroid function tests require fasting. For example, thyroid ultrasound examination usually does not require fasting because it mainly uses sound waves to observe the shape and structure of the thyroid gland, and food has less impact on the examination results. If you are not sure whether you need to fast, it is best to consult your doctor or laboratory staff before the examination to understand the specific examination items and requirements. They will give you the most accurate advice based on your situation. Classic saying: \”Health is the main factor of happiness, and exercise is an important guarantee of health.\” – Plato In short, in order to obtain accurate thyroid function test results, it is generally recommended to maintain a fasting state before the test. This can reduce the interference of food on test results and help doctors more accurately assess thyroid function. At the same time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a reasonable diet and appropriate exercise, is also very important to maintain thyroid health. Remember to seek your doctor’s advice before having a thyroid function test and follow your doctor’s instructions to prepare.