THYROID FUNCTION TEST (T3 T4 TSH) / THYROID PROFILE

THYROID FUNCTION TEST (T3 T4 TSH) / THYROID PROFILE

Thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located in the neck of humans. It produces two hormones - T3 and T4 which regulate multiple functions of the body including metabolism, energy generation and mood control. If the thyroid gland does not produce the right amount of T3, T4 hormones, conditions called hypothyroidism (low levels of hormones) or hyperthyroidism (high level of hormones) may occur. Women are 10 times more likely than men to suffer from thyroid disorders.

Thyroid Function Test (T3, T4, TSH) or Thyroid Profile Test is ordered in patients who manifest either symptom of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

If excessive hormones are produced, then a person may lose weight, have tremors or feel anxious. This condition is called hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism:

Hypothyroidism

If the thyroid gland does not produce enough levels of T3 and T4, a condition called hypothyroidism, a person may experience weight gain, lack of energy, depressive mood, dry skin and some other ailments. 2% of population suffer from hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

WHAT IS BEING TESTED IN THYROID PROFILE

• TSH- Thyroid stimulating Hormone
• T4- Thyroxine ( produced by thyroid )
• T3- Triiodothyronine ( produced by thyroid )

Free forms of T4 and T3 are also measures as FT4, FT3

INTERPRETATION OF THYROID PROFILE TEST RESULT

Disease /Condition	TSH	FT4	T4	FT3	T3
Euthyroid	N	N	N	N	N
Subclinical Hypothyroidism	H	N	N	N	N
Hypothyroid	H	N	L	N/L	N/L
Subclinical Hyperthyroidism	L	L	N	N	N
Hyperthyroid	L	H	H	H	H
Pregnancy (high TBG)	N	N	H	N	H
T3 Thyrotoxicosis	L	N/L	N/L	H	H

Note: N = normal; L = low; H = high;

REFERENCE RANGE FOR THYROID FUNCTION TEST

Typical reference ranges for normal thyroids.

Test	From	To	Units
TSH	0.4	4.5	mU/L (milliunits per litre)
FT4	9.0	25.0	pmol/L (picomoles per litre)
FT3	3.5	7.8	pmol/L (picomoles per litre)

For more information on Thyroid Function Test, Thyroid Stimulating Hormones, Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism check out other resources:

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Know Cost of TFT/Thyroid Function Test in Different Cities In India