Thyroxine (T4) Test

Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Thyroid cancer

Metabolism is how the human body generates energy. Metabolism, or the conversion of food into energy, is assessed by the basal metabolism rate (BMR). The thyroid hormones, including T4, have a direct impact on the BMR levels. The T4 hormone by the thyroid gland plays a vital role in metabolism, growth, and development.

The T4 test is used in the diagnosis of clinical as well as subclinical thyroid disorders.

The thyroid gland is a type of endocrine gland at the lower front part of the neck. It regulates several bodily functions, including metabolism, energy production, and mood. The thyroid gland produces T3 and T4 under the effect of thyroid-stimulating hormones. T3 and T4 hormones are produced by the thyroid gland using iodine obtained from meals.

T3 and T4 are present in the blood in two forms:

• Bound form
• Freeform

One blood test that is part of a T4 test report:

• Total T4

Total T4 measures the total amount of tetraiodothyronine in the blood. This T4 test report includes the amount of T4 bound to blood proteins.

These proteins help in the transport of the hormone:

• Free T4

Free T4 test report measures the thyroxine that is not bound to proteins. Free T4 is the portion of T4 that is available to other body cells for functioning. If the symptoms point to a thyroid problem, the doctor may prescribe a T4 test.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid is more active. Hyperactive thyroid causes weight loss, a rapid heart rate, and increased perspiration.

Hypothyroidism is a condition characterised by an underactive thyroid gland. It can result in weight gain, weariness, and a feeling of being cold, and can cause medical complications if left untreated. The proper diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to avoid complications in thyroid disorders.

Thyroid diseases are endemic in certain parts of India where there is a lack of naturally available iodine. Goitre or hyperthyroidism can develop due to a lack of iodine in the diet. T3 and T4 are frequent deficits in the sub-Himalayan region. It is a crucial test to have during and before pregnancy since poor thyroid function might impact the growth of the foetus.

Other names of the T4 test

• Thyroxine
• Total T4 concentration
• Thyroxine screen
• Tetraiodothyronine

What does the T4 test/measure, and who is this prescribed to?

The T4 test measures the levels of hormones in the blood sample. The doctor recommends the T4 test procedure in people with symptoms of low or high thyroid hormones.

The T4 test is indicated if a person is experiencing the following symptoms:

• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Lack of energy or restlessness
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Oversensitive to cold or heat
• Hairfall, brittle hair
• Swelling, lump in the throat
• Laziness
• Cramps in the hands and feet
• Tremors in the hands
• Puffiness
• Bulging of the eyes
• Insomnia or excessive sleepiness
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Increased or decreased heartbeat
• Irregular menstrual cycles

The T4 test along with T3 and TSH is advised for people with a high risk of thyroid disorder. It includes:

• People with a family history of autoimmune illnesses
• People with diabetes
• For people who have had neck surgery, the thyroid gland might be affected in postsurgical conditions
• People undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy too could be at risk of thyroid dysfunction
• People with psychiatric disorders need screening for thyroid profile
• Newborn babies with chromosomal anomalies

The normal levels of T4 are mentioned in the table below:

The T4 normal range in pregnancy:

The T4 normal range in newborns:

The T4 test values are in two forms:

• Total T4
•  Free T4

Various metabolic dysfunctions begin due to increased or decreased amounts of T4 in the blood. The doctor may not be able to diagnose the underlying issue based only on abnormal T4 test values. T4 levels might potentially be affected during pregnancy. The obstetrician may recommend more tests if T4 levels are abnormal during pregnancy.

An abnormal level of T4 means some underlying cause that is affecting T4 values.

A low value in the T4 test means

• Dietary issues

Iodine is essential for the production of T4. A diet lacking in iodine can affect T4 synthesis.

• Prolonged fasting

Fasting involves a diet that does not contain salt. Salt is a rich source of iodine. Prolonged fasting affects overall thyroid hormones due to the lack of iodine.

• Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a condition where the person lacks both major and minor nutrients in their diet. The deficiencies of nutrients such as iodine, iron, selenium, and zinc may affect T4 values.

• Iodine deficiency

Iodine is an essential element for thyroid hormone production. The human body does not synthesise iodine. Iodine has to be consumed through food substances in the diet. Decreased amount of iodine in the body leads to a reduction of T4 levels.

• Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition where thyroid production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 becomes low. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is in an underactive state. Low thyroid hormones reduce the overall basal metabolic rate.

• Pituitary disorders

Secondary hypothyroidism can develop due to pituitary disorders. The pituitary gland secretes a hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is essential for the production of T3 and T4.

Lack of TSH could be a potential cause for lowered T4 levels. Increased T4 levels mean some underlying cause that is affecting T4 levels.

Elevated values in the T4 test mean

• Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces an excess T3 and T4.

Hyperthyroidism increases the overall basal metabolic rate.

• Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is a condition characterised by swelling and inflammation of the thyroid gland. Thyroiditis can increase or decrease thyroid hormone production. An advanced phase is known as thyrotoxicosis.

• Toxic multinodular goitre

Toxic multinodular goitre is a disorder characterised by enlargement of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency or excess iodine or toxin. Some autoimmune diseases could also be a cause of multinodular goitre. The goitre affects levels of thyroid hormones.

• Excess iodine

consumption of iodised salt affects the thyroid gland and its function of producing thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

• Increased dose of thyroid replacement medication

In low T3 and T4 levels, people are advised with hormone replacement therapy for a short duration. These therapies, if prolonged or if taken in high doses, can lead to low T4 levels.

The T4 test results are based on the analysis of a blood sample.

Test Preparation

The T4 test procedure is a simple blood test. It does not require fasting or any specific preparation. But before the T4 test, make sure to inform the concerned doctor about your ongoing medicines. The procedure lasts for 5 minutes.

What are the parameters included in the test?

The T4 test chart includes two parameters. The T4 test values give an idea about the decrease and increase in the T4 values.

The T4 test chart includes

• Total T4

The T4 test result gives an idea about the functioning of the thyroid gland. If the value of the T4 test chart is on the higher side or lower side, it is an indicator of a thyroid disorder.

How frequently should you take this test?

If the T4 test results confirm a diagnosis, start medicines after consulting an endocrinologist. Like most chronic diseases, high or low levels of T4 treatment takes time. As a result, the doctor will most likely repeat T4 values every three months to monitor the levels and keep an eye on the treatment strategy.

This three-month check-up will reveal whether the amount has increased, decreased, or remained the same. The doctor repeats this test annually if the T4 test results were in the healthy range in the previous report.