Why Are Thyroid Function Tests Used?

By Jonathan F Ephraim

If your doctor suspects your thyroid gland may not be functioning up to par, you may be scheduled to undergo thyroid functioning tests. Typically, an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist will be consulted or recommended for thyroid related tests. These tests require blood samples that measure the functioning level of your thyroid gland. Four tests, TSH, T4, T3RU and T3, are available.
What Is The Thyroid?
A small gland that is located in your neck's lower front region, the thyroid helps regulate many of the body's processes, including mood, energy generation, and metabolism.
There are two major hormones are produced by the thyroid, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). If your thyroid doesn't produce adequate amounts of these hormones, you could have some serious symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as reduced energy, weight gain or depression.
Hyperthyroidism results from your thyroid's overproduction of hormones. It causes the sense of being on a high, tremors, weight loss and a lack of energy. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism both require medical treatment.
If a doctor has concerns about the hormone levels of the thyroid, he or she will schedule screening tests, such as the TSH or T4 test. If those results are abnormal, additional testing is required to determine the actual root of the problem.
Blood Draws for Thyroid Functioning Tests
If your doctor is planning thyroid functioning tests, you need to discuss any medications you are taking. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant. Pregnancy and medications can have an impact on your test results.
The blood draw can be done at an ENT office or at a lab. You will either sit in a chair or life on a gurney. Your sleeve has to be rolled up so the technicians can place a band around your upper arm to force the blood to cause the veins to swell. A needle is inserted into the skin and into the vein. Blood is collected into test tubes to be sent for lab analysis.
The results are returned to your physician where they are checked. The tests can indicate hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or other issues, such as autoimmune disorders like Grave's disease, kidney disease, and many other problems.
Following Up
If the tests determine your thyroid gland is not working properly, your otolaryngologist will prescribe medication. Additional tests, such as a thyroid uptake test or ultrasound may be scheduled to determine if your thyroid gland has structural problems.
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