How to check if endocrine testing is normal

Endocrine testing mainly determines whether it is normal through five methods: blood examination, urine examination, imaging examination, functional testing, and symptom assessment. The endocrine system involves hormone levels, metabolic functions, and target organ responses, and requires comprehensive analysis of multiple indicators.

1. Blood test:

Blood hormone testing is the core method for endocrine determination. Measure hormone levels such as thyroid stimulating hormone, cortisol, and insulin by extracting venous blood. Before the examination, it is necessary to fast for 8-12 hours to avoid vigorous exercise that may affect the results. The combination of five thyroid function tests and six sex hormone tests can systematically evaluate glandular function. Some hormones have circadian rhythm changes, and blood collection should be done according to the doctor's prescribed time.

2. Urine examination:

24-hour urine hormone testing can reflect the end products of hormone metabolism. Collect urine samples throughout the day to measure indicators such as catecholamines and 17 hydroxycorticosteroids, and evaluate adrenal and pheochromocytoma function. Use a specialized preservative container and record the total urine output. Urine iodine detection can help judge thyroid diseases, and urine sugar monitoring can help diagnose diabetes.

3. Imaging examination:

Ultrasound examination of endocrine gland structures such as thyroid and adrenal glands to observe for nodules or hyperplasia. CT/MRI is suitable for localization of pituitary tumors and pancreatic islet cell tumors, with a resolution of millimeter level. Nuclear medicine examinations such as thyroid iodine uptake rate tests can dynamically observe glandular function. Imaging abnormalities require comprehensive judgment based on hormone levels.

4. Functional test:

Dynamic functional test simulates physiological stimuli to evaluate glandular response. Glucose tolerance test was used to diagnose diabetes, and insulin release test was used to determine β cell function. Differential diagnosis of pituitary and hypothalamic hypothyroidism using thyroid stimulating hormone releasing hormone test. Before the experiment, it is necessary to stop using drugs that affect hormones and strictly follow the operating procedures.

5. Symptom assessment:

combined with clinical manifestations such as polydipsia, polyuria, sudden weight changes, and menstrual disorders. hyperthyroidism patients often experience palpitations and hand tremors, and Cushing's syndrome can be characterized by concentric obesity. Delayed growth in children may indicate a lack of growth hormone. When the symptoms do not match the examination results, repeat testing or adjust the plan. After endocrine examination, a balanced diet should be maintained, and seafood and nuts rich in zinc and selenium should be supplemented in moderation to avoid high sugar and high-fat diets interfering with metabolic indicators. Regular exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity, but blood should not be collected within 24 hours after intense exercise. Ensure sufficient sleep to maintain normal cortisol rhythm, and avoid staying up late for 3 days before the examination. Long term use of hormone drugs should inform women in advance that examinations should avoid periods of high hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Regularly review and dynamically monitor the trend of hormone changes, and seek medical attention promptly if any abnormalities are found.