Thyroid Panel 1

This panel provides a clear assessment of how well your thyroid gland is working. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that produces hormones controlling your metabolism, affecting your energy, weight, mood, heart rate, and temperature. This panel measures the main thyroid hormones together, giving a fuller picture than a single test alone and helping to identify both an underactive and an overactive thyroid.

What this panel measures

• TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): produced by the pituitary gland to control the thyroid. It is the most sensitive first-line marker, as it rises when the thyroid is underactive and falls when it is overactive
• Free T4 (free thyroxine): the main hormone produced by the thyroid, giving a direct measure of thyroid output
• Free T3 (free triiodothyronine): the more active thyroid hormone, which can add useful information, particularly in assessing an overactive thyroid

What it can help assess

• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism): which can cause tiredness, weight gain, low mood, and feeling cold
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): which can cause weight loss, anxiety, a fast heartbeat, and feeling hot
• Monitoring thyroid health: tracking thyroid function over time or during treatment

An important note on interpretation

Thyroid hormones are best interpreted together, as the pattern between them reveals more than any single value. Levels can also be temporarily affected by illness, certain medications, and pregnancy, so results are considered alongside your symptoms and history. Any abnormal result should be discussed with your GP, who can interpret it in context and advise on any further testing or treatment.

Why it matters

Thyroid problems are common and can affect many aspects of your health and wellbeing, often with symptoms that develop gradually and are easy to overlook. This panel provides a reliable assessment of your thyroid function, helping to detect an underactive or overactive thyroid and to monitor thyroid health over time.