What is the best way to test hyperthyroidism?
Thyroid function tests (TFTs) are a group of blood tests that measure the levels of thyroid hormones and other substances related to the thyroid gland. These tests can help diagnose hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and other thyroid disorders.
The most common TFTs include:
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.
> *In hyperthyroidism, TSH levels are usually low because the thyroid gland is overactive and producing too much thyroid hormone.*
- Free Thyroxine (FT4). FT4 is one of the two main thyroid hormones.
> *In hyperthyroidism, FT4 levels are usually high because the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone.*
- Total Thyroxine (TT4). TT4 measures the total amount of thyroxine in the blood, including both free and bound thyroxine.
> *In hyperthyroidism, TT4 levels are usually high because the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone.*
- Free Triiodothyronine (FT3). FT3 is the other main thyroid hormone.
> *In hyperthyroidism, FT3 levels are usually high because the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone.*
- Total Triiodothyronine (TT3). TT3 measures the total amount of triiodothyronine in the blood, including both free and bound triiodothyronine.
> *In hyperthyroidism, TT3 levels are usually high because the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone.*