Key points about thyroid function panel
- Measures hormone levels to see how well the thyroid gland is working
- Helps diagnose overactive or underactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism)
- Often includes TSH, T3, and T4 levels
- Quick blood draw with little to no preparation
- No recovery needed after the test
Overview
A thyroid function blood panel checks hormone levels in the blood to evaluate how well your thyroid is working. The thyroid controls many body functions, like energy, mood, and metabolism. Abnormal levels can point to thyroid disorders, which are often treatable.
Candidates for thyroid function panel
You may need this test if you:
- Feel tired, cold, anxious, or have unexplained weight gain or loss
- Have a personal or family history of thyroid disease
- Are being treated for a thyroid condition
- Have an autoimmune disorder
- Are pregnant or have fertility concerns
Preparation for thyroid function panel
Most people don’t need to do anything special to prepare. In some cases, your doctor may ask you to avoid certain medications before testing.
Risks for thyroid function panel
This is a safe test. You might have a little soreness or bruising at the spot where your blood was drawn, but that usually goes away quickly.
Recovery from thyroid function panel
There’s no downtime. You can return to your normal routine immediately after the blood draw.