Thyroid Panel

Common Questions

1. What conditions are associated with hypo- and hyperthyroidism?

The most common causes of thyroid dysfunction are autoimmune-related. Graves’ disease causes hyperthyroidism, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis causes hypothyroidism. Both hyper- and hypothyroidism can also be caused by thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, and excessive or deficient production of TSH.

2. What other tests may be ordered in addition to a thyroid panel?

Tests that may be performed in addition to a thyroid panel may include:

• Thyroid antibodies - to help differentiate different types of thyroiditis and identify autoimmune thyroid conditions
• Calcitonin - to help detect the presence of excessive calcitonin production
• Thyroglobulin - to monitor treatment of thyroid cancer
• Thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) - to evaluate patients with abnormal T4 and T3 levels