🧠 Thyroid Panel (TSH, T3, T4)

A crucial test to evaluate your thyroid gland — which controls metabolism, energy levels, mood, and more.

🔍 What is it?

The Thyroid Panel is a set of blood tests used to assess how well your thyroid gland is functioning. The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, produces hormones that regulate your body's metabolism, temperature, heart rate, and energy.

Imbalances in these hormones can cause hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), both of which can significantly affect your health.

🧪 What does it measure?

• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) – regulates thyroid hormone production
• Free T4 (Thyroxine) – the main hormone produced by the thyroid
• Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) – the active form of thyroid hormone
  (Optional: Thyroid Antibodies – to check for autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s or Graves’)

Low T4/T3 and high TSH suggest hypothyroidism
High T4/T3 and low TSH suggest hyperthyroidism

❓ Why might I need it?

You might need a thyroid test if you:

• 😴 Feel tired, sluggish, or low in energy
• ❄️ Feel cold all the time or have cold hands and feet
• 🧠 Experience brain fog, memory issues, or low mood
• ⚖️ Have unexplained weight gain or loss
• 💓 Notice irregular heart rate, palpitations, or anxiety
• 🩸 Have heavy or irregular periods
• 🧬 Have a family history of thyroid problems
• 👩‍🍼 Are pregnant or planning pregnancy (thyroid issues can affect fertility and baby’s development)

🧬 Conditions it can help detect:

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Subclinical thyroid disorders
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Graves’ disease
• Thyroid nodules or goitre

🩺 How is it done?

• 💉 A simple blood draw
• ⏱️ Results typically available within 1–2 working days

💷 Typical Private Cost in the UK:

£50–£120 depending on whether antibodies are included

✅ Commonly Combined With:

• Full Blood Count (FBC) – check for anaemia
• Vitamin B12 & Iron – deficiencies common in thyroid issues
• Cortisol – to assess adrenal function if fatigue is present
• Female Hormone Panel – for symptoms like irregular periods or fertility issues

📚 References:

• NHS – [Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)]
• British Thyroid Foundation – [Thyroid function tests explained]
• NICE – [Thyroid disease diagnosis and management]