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The thyroid panel consists of tests to analyze the functioning of the thyroid gland which is one of the main glands in the body that controls several functions. The thyroid gland in the body synthesizes hormones that are necessary for many functions in the body. The thyroid panel diagnoses the main disorders of the thyroid gland: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Getting a thyroid panel in Houston is very convenient with Labwork360’s testing services as we also provide at-home sample collection so that you can also opt to remotely have diagnostic tests.
Moreover, the thyroid function panel is used to determine the effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy. This therapy supplements or replaces thyroid hormones that are absent or reduced because of hypothyroidism, goiters, thyroid nodules, or thyroid cancer.
The thyroid panel only uses one blood sample to analyze multiple factors associated with the thyroid gland. Specifically, the thyroid panel tests measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH) and thyroid hormones in the body. Most of the time, the doctor prescribes a complete thyroid panel to the patient.
Generally, thyroid panel tests take place on the same blood sample, if an initial test shows abnormal TSH levels. Moreover, the thyroid panel consists of the most common tests for diagnosing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, the T4 test, and the TSH test. The TSH test is a part of the thyroid panel and it is a useful preliminary testing procedure as it determines whether an individual has hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
The standard thyroid panel measures the following three hormones:
Total T3 (triiodothyronine) or Free T3
Free T4 (thyroxine)
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
Labwork360 provides all these thyroid panel tests separately too. The TSH test is generally prescribed along with the free T4 and the free T3 tests to provide an accurate analysis of the functioning of the thyroid gland.
TSH hormone regulates the mechanism of the utilization of energy in the body. This hormone has a significant role in the regulation of many other important functions such as:
Weight
Muscle strength
Body temperature
Mood
The pituitary gland is the gland in the body that is involved in the synthesis of TSH. The pituitary gland synthesizes more TSH in the situation of low thyroid levels.
High TSH levels are signs of hypothyroidism and this means the gland is not making enough thyroid hormones. In contrast, low TSH levels mean excessive synthesis of thyroid hormones, which is called hyperthyroidism.
However, the TSH test does not provide reasons for abnormal TSH levels, and this is why the healthcare provider prescribes further tests to determine the causes of thyroid disorders. Those tests are as follows:
T3 thyroid hormone tests
T4 thyroid hormone tests
Tests for diagnosing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune disorder that results in hypothyroidism
Tests for diagnosing Graves’ disease. This autoimmune disorder causes hyperthyroidism
Labwork360 is a licensed lab that provides secure testing services for a range of lab tests, including different types of thyroid tests and thyroid panel in Houston.
Before having the thyroid panel, make sure to discuss with the healthcare practitioner any over-the-counter or prescription medications that you take. The tests have to take place before taking any dose of thyroid hormones for the treatment of thyroid diseases. However, no further preparation is necessary for the thyroid panel.
Changes in thyroid function can occur during pregnancy. These changes are generally not significant, however, some women can experience thyroid disorders during pregnancy. Hyperthyroidism affects 1 in every 500 pregnancies, whereas hypothyroidism affects 1 in every 250 pregnancies. In the situation of thyroid disorder during pregnancy, the healthcare practitioner monitors the health condition of the mother after the birth of the baby.
The T3 test is used for diagnosing disorders of the thyroid gland hyperthyroidism, in specific. This test often takes place in addition to other tests for assessing thyroid function.
T3 hormone has an essential function in regulating the metabolism of the body. Metabolism regulates the rate of activity in the tissues and cells. Generally, lab tests measure the quantity of T3 hormone present in blood specimens.
T4 test measures the thyroxine or T4 hormone which regulates growth and metabolism in the body. The T4 test helps evaluate the function of the thyroid gland.
It is possible to have abnormally high TSH levels and normal TSH levels at the same time. Such a condition is termed subclinical hypothyroidism which is an initial phase of hypothyroidism.
The deficiency of thyroid hormones can impair the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep for a sufficient time. Hypothyroidism affects sleep by causing muscle or joint pain and increased sensitivity to cold. Moreover, hyperthyroidism may cause the patient to wake up having night sweats or feeling cranky or nervous.
In contrast, hypothyroidism increases sleepiness during the daytime, to the extent that it is hard to remain awake. Such a disorder is called hypersomnia.
However, it could be difficult to diagnose whether the sleep function is affected due to thyroid gland problems as they cause several other signs besides affecting sleep.
Levothyroxine is generally prescribed for treating insomnia due to hyperthyroidism. Daily taking this medication keeps the thyroid hormones within the normal range. However, age as well as other factors can affect the thyroid hormones, and the patient has to consult with the doctor to ensure that they are getting the right amount of this medication.
Radioactive iodine is generally the prescribed treatment for hyperthyroidism. This treatment can shrink the thyroid gland so anti-thyroid medications are used to prevent the synthesis of excess thyroid hormones.
The following are the signs of hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland:
Insomnia
Bulging eyes
Increased heart rate
Weight loss
Anxiety
The following are the symptoms of hypothyroidism:
Fatigue
Weight gain
Hair loss
Constipation
Lack of tolerance for cold temperatures
A full thyroid panel with antibodies is useful for diagnosing hyperthyroidism caused due to autoimmune thyroiditis. Thyroiditis is a condition that causes inflammation of the thyroid gland. Autoimmune thyroiditis causes the antibodies to attack the thyroid gland by mistake. The symptoms of thyroiditis are fatigue, muscle weakness, weight gain, and an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).
Labwork360 provides comprehensive medical diagnostic laboratory testing services in Houston consisting of many tests. We provide secure and reliable testing as well as mobile phlebotomy so you can get any test without visiting the lab as the phlebotomist from the lab visits you to take the specimens. If you have any queries about diagnostic tests and our services, consult with us on our helpline.