Thyroid tests help in checking the functioning of your thyroid glands. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck, above the breastbone. It produces certain hormones that control different body systems.

Why Do You Need a Thyroid Function Test? 

Your doctor may recommend a thyroid function test if you have symptoms like: 

• Constant fatigue. 

• Sluggishness. 

• Restlessness. 

• Unexplained weight loss. 

• Irritability. 

The test helps in diagnosing: 

• Hyperthyroidism. 

• Hypothyroidism. 

• Thyroiditis. 

• Graves’ disease. 

• Hashimoto’s disease. 

What To Expect During Your Thyroid Function Test? 

The thyroid function test is a normal blood test. Your doctor will draw some blood from your arm and send this sample to a laboratory for test. 

Gestational diabetes is a common occurrence during pregnancy. It indicates that you have extra glucose, or sugar in your blood. A glucose test helps your doctor in analyzing the gravity of your situation. The test takes around 2-3 hours and involves taking your blood several times at specific intervals.  

Why Do You Need a Glucose Tolerance Test? 

You may need a glucose tolerance test if you: 

• Had diabetes in your previous pregnancies? 

• Had sugar in your urine during your prenatal visit. 

• Have obesity. 

• Have a family history of diabetes. 

• Have high blood pressure. 

• Are older than 35 years. 

• Have polycystic ovary syndrome. 

What Happens Before a Glucose Tolerance Test? 

Initially, your gynaecologist will run a glucose screening test to diagnose diabetes. If you fail the test, you will have to go for a glucose tolerance test. Before the test, your doctor will give you some instructions including: 

• Eating at least 150 grams of carbohydrates per day for 3 days before testing. 

• Limiting all food and drink for at least 8-12 hours before the test. 

• Going for the test first thing in the morning. 

What Happens During a Glucose Tolerance Test? 

During the procedure, your doctor will: 

• First, take your fasting blood glucose level. 

• Ask you to drink a sweetened liquid containing at least 100 grams of glucose. 

• Take blood samples after 1, 2, and 3 hours from the time you finish your drink. 

Hormone replacement therapy or HRT is a treatment that helps women with menopause symptoms. As you grow older, your ovaries stop making high levels of oestrogen, this may lead to several symptoms, including: 

• Hot flashes. 

• Vaginal dryness or painful sexual intercourse. 

• Mood swings. 

• Depression or irritability. 

• Insomnia. 

• Night sweating. 

The goal of HRT is to replace the hormones that your body is lacking or is not producing enough. 

What Are the Types of Hormone Replacement Therapies? 

Hormone replacement therapies are of two types: 

• Oestrogen Therapy. 

• Progesterone Therapy. 

• Combination (Oestrogen and Progesterone) Therapy. 

What Are the Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy? 

Although the therapy may help you with menopause, it may also involve certain risks, including: 

• Increased risk of breast cancer. 

• Increased risk of blood clots or stroke. 

• Increased risk of heart disease. 

• Increased risk of uterine cancer. 

In addition, the therapy may also cause: 

• Mood swings. 

• Bloating. 

• Headaches. 

• Skin discolouration. 

• Breast tenderness. 

Adrenalectomy or adrenal gland removal is a surgical procedure to remove one or both adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are located above each kidney and are responsible for growth, development, metabolism, and sexual function. 

Why Do You Need an Adrenalectomy? 

You may need an adrenalectomy, if you have: 

• Adrenal disorder. 

• Adrenal cancer. 

• Cushing syndrome. 

What Happens During an Adrenalectomy? 

During the procedure, your surgeon will: 

• Give you an anaesthesia. 

• Make 2-4 small incisions in your abdomen. 

• Insert a laparoscope attached to tiny surgical instruments.

• Remove one or both adrenal glands. 

What Happens After an Adrenalectomy? 

After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery area and you will be able to go home on the same day. 

What Are the Risks Associated with an Adrenalectomy? 

Adrenalectomy is safe. It may, however, cause: 

• Bleeding. 

• Blood clots. 

• Hernia. 

• Damage to surrounding organs 

• Infection.