Thyroid Profile - 4

Thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that produces thyroid hormones which carry out various energy related functions in the body. Normal production of these hormones is of utmost importance for the smooth  functioning of the body. TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone  signals the thyroid gland to produce the thyroid hormones. T3 and T4 are the thyroid hormones produced by these glands. Thyroid panel-4 is a thyroid screening test that measures the functioning of the thyroid gland using the FT4 levels TSH-3rd Gen levels.

Thyroid Panel 4 is a blood test. The profile measures the levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) or Thyrotropin and Free Thyroxine or FT4 in the blood. These two hormones are important to assess the health of the thyroid gland.

What is the Thyroid Panel 4 Test?

The thyroid gland is butterfly-shaped. It is situated in the front of the neck. It is stimulated by the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. These hormones are released by the pituitary gland. They are released to secrete thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones are Tri-iodo thyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

When the levels of T3 and/or T4 are high in the circulating blood, the pituitary releases less amount of TSH in the blood. Similarly, when the levels of T3 and/or T4 are low in the circulating blood, the pituitary releases more amount of TSH in the blood.

The thyroid panel 4 assists in evaluating the health of your thyroid. Depending on your hormone levels as measured by the thyroid panel 4 test, your doctor may suggest a treatment plan.

Written by: Dr. Shibani R, Medical Writer, Medical Affairs