|  | Conditions Treatments | Thyroid Disease

What Is the Thyroid Function Level?

The thyroid function level is the analysis of how much hormone the thyroid gland is secreting. The thyroid is a member of the endocrine system and is responsible for regulating metabolic function and hormone secretions throughout the body. When the thyroid function is too high or too low it can indicate an underlying condition that needs to be treated.

  1. Thyroid Products

    • The thyroid produces two hormones: T3 and T4. T4 (thyroxine) is an inactive hormone which gets converted into T3 (triiodothyronine), the active compound that works within cells to promote proper function.

    Common Functionality Tests

    • To test the function level of the thyroid, an endocrinologist may test the amount of T3 or T4 present in the bloodstream at any given time. They may also analyze the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone being produced by the pituitary gland to check how well the thyroid is responding to brain commands.

    Normal Thyroid Function Level

    • According to thyroid disease advocate Elaine Moore, a thyroid that is considered to be functioning at a normal level will have a T4 test result of between 5.6 ug/dl and 13.7 ug/dl, a T3 test result of 87 ng/dl and 180ng/dl, and a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level of between 0.4 uU/ml and 4.5 uU/ml.

    Functionality Results

    • When the results of the thyroid function tests are outside of these ranges, then the patient has a thyroid problem. The gland is underactive if the thyroid is producing below the normal levels of T3 or T4 and has a high TSH. The gland is overactive if the thyroid is producing above the normal levels of T3 or T4 and has a low TSH.

    Diagnosis

    • When thyroid function level is under active, the individual will be diagnosed with hypothyroidism, a condition which is characterized by a slowing down of the bodily systems. When the thyroid function level is overactive, the patient is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, defined by an increase in metabolic and bodily function.

    Treatment

    • Individuals who find their thyroid function level is overactive or under active may treat their hormonal imbalance by taking medication to either suppress or encourage proper production levels.

Thyroid Disease - Related Articles