Thyroid panel blood tests are routinely used to measure the levels of thyroid hormones to determine how well your thyroid is functioning. A basic thyroid panel is an important initial screening module for levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and T4 (thyroxine). Dysfunction involving the thyroid gland commonly causes symptoms such as chronic fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, hair loss, dry skin, irritability and depression. Thyroid diseases are important conditions to treat or rule out prior to prescribing weight loss therapies.
An advanced thyroid panel may also include measurements of T3 (triiodothyronine), Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Anti-TPO Antibody, and Anti-TG Antibody. The advanced panel helps to identify any possible inflammatory or autoimmune diseases involving the thyroid. It can also help to diagnose specific disorders resulting in hypo- or hyperthyroidism.