Thyroid Function Test

High levels of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) indicate an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. This happens when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones and the body starts producing more TSH than usual in an effort to stimulate the thyroid gland.

An overactive thyroid leads to a condition known as hyperthyroidism, which is caused by the excessive production of the thyroxin hormone by the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism can increase the body's metabolism significantly, which may lead to unintentional weight loss and issues like a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

An underactive thyroid is unable to produce enough amounts of hormones, which leads to a condition known as hypothyroidism. The deficiency of these essential hormones can cause a number of issues like a decrease in the body’s metabolism leading to unintentional weight gain, joint pain, infertility, cardiovascular diseases, etc.

The total thyroid profile (serum) helps determine the functioning and health of the thyroid gland through 3 important markers. The total thyroid profile (serum) includes tests for measuring the levels of free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). These tests help evaluate the functioning of the thyroid gland and diagnose any disorders or issues that may be affecting the thyroid.

A thyroid profile test includes a series of tests for measuring the levels of hormones that are produced by the thyroid in the blood. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland are crucial for managing the body’s metabolism, which is affected adversely if the thyroid is not functioning properly. Using the thyroid profile test, doctors can get an overview of thyroid health and function.

Type of Checking Thyroid Function

• TSH Test: This test measures the levels of the thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood.
• Free T4 Test (FT4): T4 or thyroxine is the main hormone that the thyroid produces. In a free T4 test, the levels of thyroxine that are not attached to any protein are measured.
• Free T3 Test (FT3): Triiodothyronine is another hormone produced by the thyroid and is significant for metabolism control. The level of free T3 in the blood is another important marker for thyroid health.