Free Thyroid Profile Test

The Thyroid Profile Test is recommended by doctors to measure Free T3, Free T4, and TSH levels in the blood.. Here “free” refers to the hormones that are not attached to a protein, which is the case with bound T3 and T4 hormones.

The thyroid gland in our body is a pivotal part of the endocrine system. The butterfly-shaped gland is located on the front side bottom part of the neck and produces two main thyroid hormones, namely triiodothyronine and thyroxine.

These hormones play a major role in regulating and maintaining the body’s energy levels and metabolism. Besides this, they also contribute to controlling internal body temperature, hair, skin, weight and several other organs  & functions.

Anyone troubled with thyroid-related issues may find themselves frustrated over a slew of symptoms: weakness, anxiety, hair loss, sweating, weight gain, memory loss, constipation, etc, depending on the type of thyroid disorder.

Other names of Thyroid Profile Tests (Free T3, Free T4, TSH)

Thyroid Function test with FT3, FT4 and TSH

What does the Thyroid Profile Test detect, measure and who is it prescribed to?

The free T3 T4 thyroid profile test is conducted to measure free T3, free T4 and TSH levels. Note that the free T3 and T3 plus free T4 and T4 hormones are different.

Usually, in a thyroid profile test, all the hormones associated with the thyroid gland are measured. But if the doctors prescribe or ask for the levels of free T3 or T4 levels separately, special attention is given to check their levels.

The test may be prescribed to someone who is dealing with the following issues;

• Anxiety
• Hyperactivity
• Hair loss, thinning of eyebrows
• Sweating
• Irregular periods
• Memory issues
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Unexplained Weight gain/ loss
• Tremors
• Shaking
• Unexplained Fatigue
• Constipation/ frequent motion
• Swelling on face
• Dry skin
• Feeling irritated

Doctors prescribing thyroid profile tests can clear a few things out, especially in people who suffer from these issues. Besides the above symptoms, the free T3 and free T4 tests can also be asked if;

• The doctor sees signs of hypopituitarism.
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism
• You are taking medicines for hypothyroidism
• Graves disease
• Thyroiditis
• Toxicity in thyroid nodules
• In rare cases, if there are tumours in the testes or ovaries
• Malnutrition
• Not able to get pregnant

The thyroid profile test for free T3 T4 frequency can change according to the severity of the above-written conditions and symptoms. Mostly an endocrinologist or thyroidologist prescribes thyroid profile tests.

But an MD Physician can also ask you to get the thyroid tested to overview the gland, hormone production and regulation. The test can be prescribed for anyone, including males and females, irrespective of age, gender, culture, etc.

However, there may be a few reservations and anomalies in the test results if the person undergoing the test is taking medicines like birth control pills, estrogens, methadone, clofibrate and other herbal remedies.

Taking the medicines above can increase the free T3 and T3 count. On the other hand, medicines like androgens, lithium, phenytoin, amiodarone, anabolic acids, propranolol and antithyroid drugs decrease free T3, T4 levels.

The thyroid profile-free T3 and T4 test results are gathered after collecting your blood sample. One vial of blood is enough to get conclusive results for all three segments of the thyroid profile test.

Test Preparation

There aren’t any special considerations required to take the thyroid profile test for free T3 or T4. However, the prescribing physician may ask you about the prior medicines you are taking and can even ask you not to take them before the test.

Besides this, you don’t need to fast or take some special diet before taking the test.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included?

The free T3 T4 thyroid profile test tests the levels of:

• Free T3 and T4 hormones quantity in the body.
• The level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

The high levels of free T3 and T4 hormones are associated with a hyperactive thyroid gland. In addition to this, the TSH hormone levels are checked as it acts as an early warning system. The TSH hormone levels increase before the other more active hormones can face an imbalance.

High TSH levels mean that the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone. Low TSH levels, however, suggest the opposite. TSH or thyrotropin is a product of the pituitary gland. Further, TSH dictates the production of T3 and T4 hormones.

So, if there’s an issue with the TSH levels, the production of T3 and T4 hormones will also be affected. It is even more important to check and monitor the thyroid during pregnancy. Good thyroid is vital to ensure the healthy development of the fetus. Hence, the free T3 T4 thyroid profile test is crucial in identifying everything that’s wrong with the thyroid gland and the body parts associated with the same.

How frequently should you take a thyroid test?

Taking a thyroid profile test depends on your condition. A chronic issue might require taking the test after every six weeks as the doctor needs to check the effectiveness of the medicine. Once the medicine starts to work, the frequency of thyroid profile test might increase to once in three months. After the thyroid levels are normalized, you can take the test once a year to ensure problems are not reprising.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

The final value of free T3 and T4 might differ if you take a few types of medicines. These medicines might increase or decrease the Free T3 and T4 levels.

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.