Thyroid profile

The thyroid is a gland in the neck, which produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism and growth. A thyroid profile is performed to understand if there is an underactive (produces to less hormones) or overactive (produces too much hormones) thyroid that can cause hormonal imbalances.
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What are the reasons for my levels to change?

Many reasons can lead to your thyroid to be overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism), these include:
  • Iodine deficiency
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Medications containing iodine or T3
  • Goitre — swelling of your thyroid gland
  • Postpartum thyroiditis (the thyroid gets inflamed within the first year after giving birth)
  • Treatment for thyroid cancer
  • Lumps on the thyroid
  • Postpartum thyroiditis
  • Graves’ disease — an autoimmune disorder

When should I get tested?

Having either too much or too little hormones in your body can cause both unpleasant symptoms and potentially serious issues that may require treatment. Symptoms can vary depending on if the thyroid is overactive or underactive. You should look out for the following symptoms of a thyroid disorder:
Overactive (hyperthyroidism)
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability or moodiness
  • Nervousness, hyperactivity
  • Hand trembling (shaking)
  • Weight loss
  • Difficulty in sleeping
  • Excessive sweating
  • Sensitivity to heat
Underactive (hypothyroidism)
  • Depression
  • Weight gain
  • Tiredness
  • Dry skin
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Muscle aches
  • Memory problems
  • Hoarseness
  • Constipation
In women specifically a thyroid disorder may affect their period, causing heavy or irregular bleeding.

What is being tested:​

  • Free thyroxine (FT4)
Thyroxine (T4) is the main hormone created by the thyroid. Most of the thyroxine is inactive as it is bounded to proteins. Only small amount of thyroxine is unbound (free). To get an accurate picture of how the thyroid is functioning, the free thyroxine levels are measured. Thyroxine is important for the body as it is converted to triiodothyronine (T3), which helps to control the body’s metabolism. A low level of T4 means that thyroid is underactive, and a high level of T4 means that the thyroid overactive.
  • Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
THS is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland which is a small pea-sized gland that plays a major role in regulating vital body functions and general wellbeing. The body produces TSH to regulate the production of T4 and T3. If the T4 and T3 levels are too low more THS is produced and vice versa.
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