If you are feeling lethargic or anxious and have gained weight, your doctor might recommend a thyroid function test. These are a series of blood tests that are used to measure how the thyroid gland is functioning. Thyroid hormone affects a persons physical energy, temperature, weight and mood.An estimated 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid diseases, so it is important to get a thyroid function test, especially if you are in the high risk category. Women and old people are at a higher risk of hypothyroidism.What are thyroid function tests?

The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine T4) and a thyroid function test is recommended to assess the levels of these two hormones.

The thyroid panel (test package) also includes a test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which is produced by the pituitary gland. This hormone helps in regulating the hormones produced by the thyroid gland.

A TSH test is used to determine the underlying cause of abnormal thyroid hormone levels. It is also used to screen for an underactive or overactive thyroid gland.

Are you at risk of thyroid?

T4 and TSH tests are routinely performed on newborns to identify low-functioning thyroid gland. If you are 35 and above or have any risk factors of thyroid disease, it is advised to undergo a screening for thyroid every five years or as prescribed by your doctor.

In addition to high-risk groups, doctors may recommend thyroid screening for patients:

-With a swollen neck (due to an enlarged thyroid gland).-Who have had surgery or radiation therapy, which might have affected the thyroid gland.-With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.-With family history of autoimmune thyroid disease.-With psychiatric disorders.-With Downs or Turner Syndrome.

What is the normal range of T3, T4 and TSH?T3: 100200 nanograms per deciliter of blood (ng/dL)

T4: 4.5 11.2 micrograms per deciliter of blood (mcg/dL)

TSH: 0.4 5.0 milli-international units per liter (mIU/dL)

However, if you already have thyroid disease, then the normal range of TSH should be 0.5 3.0 milli-international units per liter.

Overnight fasting is required before undergoing the test. Also, if you are on steroids or taking oral contraceptives, inform your doctor about the same as it might interfere with the test reports.

Understanding the test resultsUsually, T4 and TSH results are used to derive at a diagnosis. However, T3 can help if T4 and TSH suggest hyperthyroidism or if your thyroid levels are not elevated but you might be showing signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Patterns of thyroid function tests during an assessment of thyroid function are:

Normal thyroid (Euthyroid)

T3: Normal

T4: Normal

TSH: Normal

Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

T3: High

T4: High or normal

TSH: Low

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

T3: Normal or low

T4: Low

TSH: High

Thyroid tests next steps

If the test reports are normal, even then diet modifications such as vitamin and mineral supplements may be recommended by your doctor.

DISCLAIMER:This article is authored and provided by The Times of India Healthy India Fit India partner, 1mg.

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Thyroid function test: Know what T3, T4 and TSH mean - Times of India

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