TOTAL TRIIODOTHYRONINE (T3)
TOTAL THYROXINE (T4)
TSH – ULTRASENSITIVE
About Thyrocare T3 T4 TSH Blood Test (TFT):
The Thyrocare Thyroid Function Test is a critical profile for checking thyroid health. It assesses the levels of various thyroid hormones in the human body. The profile includes three critical tests and helps in the early detection of thyroid disorders.
T3 (Triiodothyronine): T3 is one of the two important hormones produced by the thyroid gland. It plays an important role in regulating the metabolism of the human body. It is directly connected to energy production and overall body temperature. The T3 test measures the levels of triiodothyronine in the blood.
T4 (Thyroxine): T4 is the second hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It is important for the overall health and well-being of the human body. The T4 test measures the level of thyroxine in the blood.
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) Ultra Sensitive: TSH is a hormone connected to thyroid health, but it is not produced by the thyroid gland. Instead, it is produced by the pituitary gland. TSH acts as a controller of T3 and T4 hormones, regulating their production from the thyroid gland. High TSH levels may indicate an underactive thyroid, while low TSH levels may indicate an overactive thyroid.
The Thyroid Function Test is a powerful tool that provides detailed insight into your thyroid health, which can directly impact overall well-being. With these three important tests, you will have the necessary information about your thyroid function and can take steps to regulate your thyroid hormone levels for better health.
Fasting for Thyrocare T3 T4 TSH Blood Test (Thyroid Function Test):
For the Thyroid Function Test, 10 to 12 hours of fasting is required before sample collection. We suggest scheduling your appointment for early morning to maintain overnight fasting easily. When the thyroid function test is done in a fasting state, the results have minimal effects from consumed food on test parameters. Keep in mind that fasting is essential but does not restrict you from drinking water during this period. Beverages like tea, coffee, or cold drinks should be avoided. If your health condition does not allow you to fast for 10 to 12 hours, consult your doctor before scheduling the test and follow their recommendations.
Can I Undergo Thyroid Tests During Pregnancy? Is It Safe for the Unborn Baby?
Absolutely, you can undergo thyroid testing during pregnancy. These tests are safe and are often recommended by gynecologists to monitor the health of both the mother and the growing baby. By undergoing a Thyroid Function Test during pregnancy, mothers can ensure their thyroid hormone levels are within a healthy range, which is vital for the baby’s overall health and development, especially during the first trimester when the baby entirely relies on the mother’s thyroid hormones.
Thyroid tests, including TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), T3, and Free T4 (Free Thyroxine), pose no risk to the unborn baby. However, it is crucial to follow your gynecologist’s or doctor’s instructions regarding the timing, preparation, and number of tests needed. Proper management of thyroid levels during pregnancy can help prevent complications such as preterm labor, low birth weight, and developmental delays. For newborns, we also offer neonatal thyroid testing, which includes Neonatal Total Thyroxine and Neonatal Thyroid Stimulating Hormone tests.
If you have any concerns or a history of thyroid issues, we encourage you to consult your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and personalized testing recommendations. You may also explore our comprehensive thyroid profiles, which include additional tests like:
TSH Receptor Antibodies
Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibody (ATG)
Anti-Microsomal Antibody (AMA)
Free Triiodothyronine (FT3)
Free Thyroxine (FT4)
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a result of an underactive thyroid gland that produces less than the required amount of thyroid hormone. The symptoms of hypothyroidism may vary depending on various factors in an individual. The general symptoms include fatigue with persistent tiredness and low energy, weight gain despite changes in diet and physical activity levels, and intolerance to cold, where a person is highly sensitive to increased cool temperatures.
Another symptom of hypothyroidism may be dry skin, where the skin becomes coarse and scaly. Significant hair thinning, hair loss, or brittle hair is also a symptom. Individuals with hypothyroidism may also experience constipation with slowed bowel movements. At times, hypothyroidism may also result in neuropsychiatric symptoms that include depression-like low mood or lack of motivation and can also result in memory loss, where the individual easily forgets things or has difficulty concentrating, often known as brain fog.
Hypothyroidism can also have cardiovascular symptoms that include bradycardia or a slow heart rate. Edema, especially on the face, hands, and feet, where the skin exhibits puffiness, can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism. Thyroid issues can have a significant impact on the reproductive system, where they can cause menstrual irregularities, such as heavy or irregular menstrual periods, as well as infertility, which can translate into difficulty in conceiving a baby.
In some instances, it can also cause musculoskeletal symptoms like myopathy, where the muscles weaken or experience regular cramps. Individuals may also exhibit joint pain or stiffness, like arthralgia. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include goiter, which is primarily the enlargement of the thyroid gland, and a voice that may become hoarse because of swelling and changes in tissues. In some cases, it may also impact reflexes, especially the Achilles reflex.
What are the tests for hypothyroidism?
To detect hypothyroidism, your doctor may recommend several tests. Thyroid function tests are considered the primary diagnostic tools to confirm hypothyroidism. A high TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) level indicates primary hypothyroidism, while low or normal TSH levels with low Free T4 and/or Free T3 suggest central hypothyroidism. Measuring Free T4 can confirm the diagnosis. Please note that Free T3 may remain normal in the early stages but decrease in severe cases.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend antibody tests and imaging. For autoimmune causes like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, testing for anti-TPO and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies is performed. High levels of these antibodies may confirm an autoimmune attack on the thyroid. Imaging, such as a thyroid ultrasound, may be used to identify structural abnormalities like nodules or goiter. Scans can also help differentiate between causes like iodine deficiency or malignancy.
Additional tests like a CBC, lipid profile, and ultrasound of the pituitary gland may be used to evaluate systemic effects or secondary causes. High LDL cholesterol and anemia may also occur concurrently with hypothyroidism.