When Does a Doctor Order Thyroid Profile?

Thyroid profile incorporates a specific range of tests carried out to detect disorders related to thyroid gland and analyze its overall functioning. Traveling through the blood stream, thyroid hormones are basically chemical substances which control the body’s metabolism.

Let us know what Dr. Pratibha Karande has to unveil about this profile.

What is thyroid?

It is a gland present in the neck region. The main function of thyroid gland is to secrete hormones. There are two types of hormones secreted by the gland viz., T3 and T4.

What is T3, T4 & TSH?

T3 is thyroxine whereas T4 is triiodothyronine. If you see the results of thyroid profile, along with the hormone levels of T3 and T4, there is another thyroid hormone present which is called TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone. TSH is a hormone secreted by pituitary gland which is present at the base of the brain.

All the 3 hormones work in harmony. It is very essential to detect these hormones for understanding the functioning of thyroid gland. Individual detection of just T3, T4, or TSH will not provide a clear picture of the functioning of thyroid gland.

What is the role of these hormones?

Basically, when all the 3 hormones work in synchronization, they help in increasing the metabolic functioning of the body. Patients suffering from hypothyroidism, the levels of T3 and T4 hormones are low while the TSH level is comparatively on the higher side. On the other hand, patients suffering from hyperthyroidism, the T3 and T4 hormone levels are high while the TSH level is low.

Why do we perform this test?

Thyroid hormone problems are usually genetic. So, in order to rule out the problems in newborn babies, it is important to conduct the thyroid profile. Due to some symptoms, if the doctor suspects that the patient may be suffering from a thyroid problem, he/she would be advised to go ahead and undergo the thyroid tests with a view to rule the abnormality of thyroid gland.

[*Useful: Thyroid Test Cost in India]

In cases where the patient may already be suffering from thyroid hormonal abnormalities and he/she has already been prescribed some medicines by the doctor, in order to monitor the treatment for thyroid problems, the patient may need to undergo the test as required by the doctor.