Thyroid Panel-1 Test (T3/T4/TSH)

The thyroid panel primarily assesses thyroid gland function and is commonly employed in the following scenarios:

• Suspected hypothyroidism, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, muscle weakness, and facial puffiness.
• Suspected hyperthyroidism, presenting symptoms like unintentional weight loss, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, increased appetite, nervousness, and irritability.
• Monitoring thyroid patients to gauge the effectiveness of their treatment regimens.

Thyroid test measures thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels in the blood.

A blood sample is required for this test. On the upper arm, a tourniquet (elastic band) is firmly fastened. A fist is then requested from the patient. This aids in the veins filling up with blood. Before inserting the needle, the skin is cleaned. A vacutainer is used to collect the blood sample. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Results of TSH in combination of T4 are often used to diagnose primary and secondary causes of hypothyroidism & hyperthyroidism.

• TSH high: T4 low (primary hypothyroidism), T4 high (secondary hyperthyroidism)
• TSH low: T4 low (secondary hypothyroidism), T4 high (primary hyperthyroidism)

There are no specific preparations required for the test. However, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking the test, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual medical history and current health status.

Hypothyroidism is when excessively low thyroid gland activity causes metabolic abnormalities in adults and children. It also causes a slowdown in growth and cognitive development in children.

In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is overactive. This causes a rapid heart rate and a faster metabolism.

The most typical cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition. The thyroid gland is attacked by this illness. This causes it to produce an excessive amount of thyroid hormone.

The most typical cause of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune illness. It is known as Hashimoto's disease. Your thyroid is attacked by this illness by your immune system. Thyroid inflammation prevents the thyroid from producing enough thyroid hormones.

If you exhibit signs of a hyperactive or underactive thyroid, your doctor will typically check your TSH level to see if it is within the normal range. If you are on hormone therapy for a thyroid issue, you might also need to go for routine TSH or T4 blood tests.

• Thyroid Profile Total Test
• Thyroid Function Test
• Triiodothyronine (T3) Test
• Thyroxine (T4) Test
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test

Primary and secondary hypothyroidism refers to different underlying causes and mechanisms affecting the thyroid gland and its hormone production.

1. Primary Hypothyroidism:

• Cause: Primary hypothyroidism occurs when there is a problem directly within the thyroid gland itself, leading to insufficient production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
• Examples of Causes: The most common cause of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), where the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and decreased hormone production. Other causes include thyroid surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, and congenital thyroid disorders.
• Effect: The insufficient production of thyroid hormones results in a slowdown of metabolic processes in the body, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and dry skin.

2. Secondary Hypothyroidism:

Cause: Secondary hypothyroidism occurs due to dysfunction of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain, which affects the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Decreased TSH levels result in reduced stimulation of the thyroid gland, leading to decreased thyroid hormone production.

Examples of Causes: Secondary hypothyroidism can be caused by pituitary tumors, hypothalamic disorders, pituitary surgery, or radiation therapy affecting the pituitary gland.

Effect: Similar to primary hypothyroidism, secondary hypothyroidism results in decreased thyroid hormone levels and manifests with similar symptoms. However, the underlying cause originates from dysfunction in the pituitary or hypothalamus rather than the thyroid gland itself.

Primary and secondary hypothyroidism refers to different underlying causes and mechanisms affecting the thyroid gland and its hormone production.

1. Primary Hyperthyroidism:

• Cause: Primary hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) due to various reasons.
• Examples of Causes: The most common cause of primary hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder where antibodies stimulate the thyroid gland to produce excess hormones. Other causes include toxic multinodular goiter, toxic adenoma, and thyroiditis.
• Effect: Excess thyroid hormone levels lead to an increase in metabolic rate and can manifest with symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heart rate, palpitations, heat intolerance, tremors, and anxiety.

2. Secondary Hyperthyroidism:

• Cause: Secondary hyperthyroidism occurs due to increased stimulation of the thyroid gland by excessive production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland.
• Examples of Causes: Secondary hyperthyroidism can be caused by pituitary tumors that secrete excess TSH or by hypothalamic disorders leading to increased secretion of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates TSH production.
• Effect: Similar to primary hyperthyroidism, secondary hyperthyroidism results in excess thyroid hormone production and manifests with similar symptoms, but the underlying cause originates from dysfunction in the pituitary or hypothalamus.