Interpretation of Thyroid Hormone Tests

In my previous post, I wrote about the symptoms and the probable causes of Hyperthyroidism. In order for the physician to diagnose properly a thyroid problem, evaluating the symptoms together with blood testing must be done. A typical thyroid test result shows  hormones levels, which were measured through the testing of blood. Below is a sample of a Thyroid test result and a diagram for its interpretation.

There a few factors why thyroid hormone level should be measured and interpreted:

• Doctors depend on these thyroid hormones for proper diagnosis. Based on the normal values, thyroid hormones will be classified as Normal, High or Low, which will interpreted as Hyperthyroid, Hypothyroid or other types of thyroid problems.
• Hormone levels will determine the proper prescription of drugs and dosage.
• Hormone levels will show if the condition improves or worsen with taking of the necessary drugs.

Though we have our doctors to help us analyze our condition, I believe that we patients should also have a better understanding of our condition. Being knowledgeable on our disease is one way of curing ourselves aside of course from having a proper diet and healthy lifestyle. There is really power in knowledge!

An overview on Graves Disease

Hyperthyroidism has many types, one of the most common is Graves Disease. In fact the data shows that 60 - 90% of all cases of hyperthyroidism was caused by this condition.  First discovered by Irish physician Robert Graves in the 19th century, Graves disease is an auto-immune disease where the thyroid is producing excessive hormones. It has a hereditary component affecting mostly female (five times common than the male population). A patient suffering from hyperthyroidism can experience a wide range of symptoms. Here are some of the most common symptoms for Graves Disease:

 

Images from the web

• Rapid Heart rate or Palpitations (Tachycardia)
• Enlarged Thyroid gland (Goiter)
• Weight Loss
• Potruding eye balls
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Irregular and scant menstrual flow
• Frequent bowel (Diarrhea)
• Excessive sweating
• Nervousness, agitation
• Anxiety and Panic Attacks]
• Depression

It is possible that a person suffering from Graves disease will experience only one or more of the symptoms mentioned above. Some of the symptoms may be directly or indirectly points to Graves disease as the caused. Physicians will also require blood testing or ultrasound to have a clear diagnosis. Thus, the presence of these symptom will make the diagnosis easier and less complex.

If you have experienced any of the symptoms above, it is best to consult your doctor. Graves disease when left untreated may lead to Thyroid storm(I'll blog more on this soon), which can be very fatal.

Understanding the Thyroid Hormones

Hormones are substances produced in one organ transported to another organ through body fluids where in they produce an effect. Thyroid gland secretes such hormones to perform different functions depending on what organ the thyroid sends them to. There are two types of hormones that the thyroid gland produces the Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). The most active of the two hormones is T3 while T4 only gains it's potency only after it is converted to T3.  A hormone produced in the pituitary gland is called Thyrotropin or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). It stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). TSH is regulated by hypothalamus gland, a part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature, thirst and hunger.

Each hormones have their own functions in the body. Thyroxine (T4)  increases the heart rate, the basal metabolic rate and improves brain development. Triiodothyronine (T3)  increases the body's ability to consume oxygen for the production of energy, increases the metabolic rate and stimulates the rate of protein synthesis in the body. While TSH plays a vital role in managing the efficient functioning of the human body.

Photo from Google images

Imbalances in the thyroid gland are detected by these hormones. It is a must to measure the levels of these hormones to know the condition of the thyroid. Here are some of the basic test to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland:

T4 Test -  Thyroxine is most attached to a protein called thyroxine-binding globulin. To see the levels of both free and bound thyroxine, this test is appropriate.

T3 Test - A test that measures both bound and free triiodothyronine. T3 has a greater effect on the way the body uses energy than T4, even though T3 is normally present in smaller amounts than T4.

Free Thyroxine (FTI or FT4) - A direct measurement of free or unbound thyroxine.

Free Triiodothyronine (FTI or FT4) - A direct measurement of free or unbound triiodothyronine.

TSH Test - A test that initially test the thyroid function is TSH.

These tests were done through blood testing and may be done throughout the day without fasting. It is best to consult your doctor first before subjecting yourself through these tests.