Thyroid Profile
Balancing Hormonal
Health
With Thyroid Profile
A thyroid profile or thyroid
panel is a group of blood tests done to measure the levels of various hormones
produced by the thyroid gland. Located in the neck, thyroid gland is a crucial
part of the endocrine system and is responsible for producing hormones that
regulate metabolism, energy production, and various bodily functions. A thyroid
profile typically includes tests for several key thyroid hormones and related
markers. A thyroid profile helps in the comprehensive assessment of thyroid
function and aids in diagnosis and monitoring of thyroid disorders such as
hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune thyroid diseases, and thyroid
cancer, among others.
Components of the Thyroid Profile:
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone):
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
is produced by the pituitary gland and its major function is to stimulate the
thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones - triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine
(T4). Elevated TSH levels often indicate an underactive thyroid
(hypothyroidism), while low TSH levels can indicate an overactive thyroid
(hyperthyroidism). Normal range of TSH is 0.5-5.0 mIU/L.
Free T4 (Thyroxine):
Thyroxine (T4) is the primary
hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It plays a crucial role in metabolism
and energy regulation. Free T4 generally represents the amount of T4 that is
available and active in the body. The normal range of FT4 is 0.7 to 1.9ng/dL.
Free T3 (Triiodothyronine):
Converted from T4, triiodothyronine
(T3) is a more potent thyroid hormone present in various tissues. Free T3
represents the portion of T3 that is available and active in the body. The
normal range of free T3 in blood is 260 to 480 pg/dL. High levels of free T3
can indicate hyperthyroidism while low levels can be an indication of
hypothyroidism.
Total T4 and Total T3:
These tests measure the total
amount of T4 and T3 in the blood, including both the free and bound forms.
Total T4 and Total T3 are useful for evaluating the overall production of
thyroid hormones. Normal range of total T4 level in adults is from 5.0 to
12.0μg/dL and normal range of total T3 level in adults is from 80-220 ng/dL.
Thyroid Antibodies:
Anti-TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase
Antibodies) and anti-Tg (Thyroglobulin Antibodies) tests check for antibodies
that attack the thyroid gland, leading to tissue damage or thyroid function
disruption. Elevated levels of these antibodies may indicate an autoimmune
thyroid disorder, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease. Normal
TPO antibodies range is less than 34 international units per millimetre
(IU/ml).
Reverse T3 (rT3):
Reverse T3 is an inactive form of
T3 that is produced in small amounts during the conversion of T4 to T3.
Elevated levels of reverse T3 may indicate certain conditions, including
illness or stress, which can affect the conversion of T4 to active T3. The
normal range of reverse T3 is 9.2 - 24.1 ng/dL.
Calcitonin:
Calcitonin is a hormone produced
by specific cells in the thyroid gland (parafollicular cells) and plays a role
in calcium regulation. It opposes the role of the parathyroid gland, which
releases a hormone that increases the levels of calcium in the blood. The
normal range of calcitonin is less than 25 pg/ml in male adults while it is
less than 20 pg/ml in adult females. High levels of calcitonin may indicate
certain thyroid conditions, including medullary thyroid cancer.
Thyroglobulin:
Thyroglobulin is a protein
produced by the thyroid gland and is used as a marker in the management of
thyroid cancer. Thyroglobulin levels can help monitor the recurrence of thyroid
cancer after treatment. The normal level of thyroglobulin is in the range of
3-40 ng/ml.
Procedure:
●
Patients may be asked to fast for 8-10 hours before the
test to get accurate results.
●
A trained healthcare professional such as a
phlebotomist will prepare a patient's arm for the venepuncture.
●
A tourniquet is tied to the arm and the area to be
punctured is cleaned with an antiseptic or rubbing alcohol to make it sterile.
●
A needle is then inserted into the vein in the arm of
the patient and blood is drawn into tubes lined with anticoagulants to prevent
damage to the blood sample.
●
The tourniquet is removed and a cotton swab is placed
to stop the bleeding.
● The sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis
with each vial containing a different sample for different components of
thyroid profile such as T3, T4, thyroid antibodies, etc.
● The laboratory will then utilise specialised equipment
to analyse the levels of various thyroid hormones and markers in the blood.
● The results are then interpreted by the healthcare
professionals and discussed with the patient to determine the appropriate
treatment options.
Reasons for Getting a Thyroid Profile Done:
●
If you are at-risk for thyroid disorders due to family
history, certain medical conditions, or are taking medications that affect
thyroid functions.
● For evaluating overall functioning of thyroid gland and
diagnosis conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and determining
correct treatment measure.
● Patients on thyroid hormone replacement therapy must
get a regular thyroid profile done to monitor the effectiveness of the
treatment.
●
For determining any fertility or menstrual issues in
women with thyroid disorders.
●
For monitoring thyroid health during pregnancy to
ensure proper levels of thyroid hormones to support normal development of the
baby's brain.
