Description
Comprehensive Thyroid Function Assessment – Ideal for Fatigue, Weight Changes, or Hormonal Imbalances
Overview
The Thyroid II Profile is a comprehensive thyroid panel designed to assess multiple aspects of thyroid hormone production, binding, and regulation. It includes both hormonal levels and a calculated index to evaluate how effectively the body is utilizing thyroid hormones.
This test is ideal for patients experiencing fatigue, weight gain or loss, hair thinning, mood changes, cold intolerance, or menstrual irregularities—all common signs of thyroid dysfunction. It’s also helpful for those on thyroid medication or those seeking a deeper understanding of their metabolic health.
What’s Included in the Thyroid II Profile
T-Uptake (Thyroid Uptake or Thyroid Hormone Binding Ratio)
- Measures how much of the binding proteins in your blood are available to carry thyroid hormones.
- Helps assess if too much or too little T4 is being carried or is freely available.
- Useful in detecting hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or changes caused by medications or pregnancy.
Total T4 (Thyroxine)
- Measures the total amount of T4 hormone in your blood (both bound and unbound).
- T4 is the primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland and plays a vital role in metabolism, heart function, digestion, muscle control, and brain development.
- Abnormal levels may indicate thyroid overactivity (hyperthyroidism) or underactivity (hypothyroidism).
Free Thyroxine Index (FTI)
- A calculated value that estimates the amount of free (active) T4 in your blood, adjusting for T-Uptake.
- Gives a more accurate picture of how much hormone is available to your tissues, especially when binding proteins are abnormal (e.g., during pregnancy, liver disease, or estrogen therapy).
- Useful when interpreting total T4 in complex clinical situations.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
- Secreted by the pituitary gland, TSH controls how much T4 and T3 your thyroid makes.
- Considered the most sensitive and reliable marker for detecting thyroid dysfunction.
- High TSH = underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism); Low TSH = overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Why This Test Matters
The Thyroid II Profile provides a multi-angle view of thyroid health, measuring not just hormone levels but how they are carried, used, and regulated in the body.
This is especially important because thyroid imbalances can be subtle and may not show up clearly on a single marker like TSH. By including T-Uptake and FTI, this profile can help detect hidden thyroid issues, even when TSH appears normal.
Who Should Consider This Test?
- Individuals with symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
- Patients on thyroid medication or hormone therapy
- Women with irregular periods, PCOS, or fertility concerns
- People with family history of thyroid disease or autoimmune conditions
- Those experiencing unexplained weight changes, fatigue, anxiety, or depression
Common Symptoms of Thyroid Imbalance
- Fatigue or sluggishness
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Cold or heat intolerance
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Constipation or digestive issues
- Dry skin or brittle nails
- Irregular or heavy periods
Test Details
- Sample Type: Blood draw
- Fasting Required: No