Why is this test important? In normal thyroid function, your body's thyroxine (T4) hormones chemically convert to tri-iodothyronine (T3), helping to maintain healthy metabolic levels. However, when your system is under stress, it may conserve energy by making "Reverse T3," which is an inactive form of the T3 hormone. This test screens for Reverse T3 in your system. In addition, the test also measures your body's level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and the free amount of T3 and T4 in your bloodstream. This is an important distinction, since the level of free T4 hormone illustrates how much is immediately available for uptake and use by cells. Meanwhile, the measure of free T3 hormone in the body is considered a more accurate view of hormonal balance than a total T3 reading.
What does the test include? The HealthCheckUSA STTM complete thyroid function panel is a blood test that checks the following thyroid hormone levels:
Because this test includes a TSH screening, remember that medications like corticosteroids, aspirin and lithium can interfere with those results. Also, if you've had a recent X-ray that used iodine dye - or other radioactive tests - ask your doctor when you can take an accurate TSH test. Pregnant women in their first trimester should also ask their doctor about the proper time to get a TSH test. The full panel of results will be analyzed by an accredited medical laboratory, and can be accessed on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within four business days after a blood test.
Who should be tested? Strongly consider testing if you have a family history of thyroid problems, or have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, pituitary or endocrine disorders. In addition, strongly consider testing if you are a woman in or near menopause, or are pregnant or just had a baby (since proper T3 and T4 levels are essential to brain development in the early years of a child's life). You should also consider testing if you are experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism (unusual weight gain, lethargy, dry skin, a constant feeling of cold, or constipation) or hyperthyroidism (sudden weight loss, increased heart rate, recurring warm or sweaty feeling, or diarrhea).
Valued at: $525.00
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