| |  |
Thyroid
Function
|
What does the thyroid do?
Critical to your metabolism, thyroid function affects your energy
level, heart rate, weight control and more. The thyroid-stimulating
hormone is produced in the pituitary gland and serves to stimulate
the production of thyroid hormones. The TSH helps to diagnose an over-
or underactive thyroid state. |
 |
|
What tests are done to determine thyroid function?
|
- T-3 uptake determines whether the thyroid is performing properly,
and is used mainly to diagnose hyperthyroidism, since T-3 can become
abnormal earlier than T-4 and return to normal later than T-4. T-3
is not usually helpful if your doctor thinks you have hypothyroidism.
- T-4 tells whether the thyroid is performing properly. In adults,
the T-4 usually aids in diagnosis of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
This test may also help evaluate a patient with an enlarged thyroid,
called a goiter. It may also aid in the diagnosis or monitoring
of a female with infertility problems. High free or total T-4
results may indicate an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
or an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).
- T-7 is a calculation using the T-3 and T-4 values, also known
as the free thyroxin index.
- TSH High Sensitivity Thyroid stimulating hormones the test most
doctors prefer along with the panel to detect underactive (hypothyroidism)
or overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid.
|
|
What symptoms will I experience if my
thyroid is not functioning properly?
|
- Abnormal pulse rate
- Excess fatigue
- Abnormal weight gain or loss
- Hair loss
- Uncomfortable at room temperature (too hot or cold)
|
|
