Thyroid Test

[number1nannie]

Is there any difference in T4,T3 and Free T4, FreeT3. What other test are recommeded if these test come back normal but you have nodules that are growing with calcification and that are hetergenous and just have every sympton of somethings wrong with thryroid.

[dawnangela]

Hi, have you had any biopsies on the noduals if they are over 1cm..

[gimel]

T4 and T3 are abbreviations for the Total T4 and total T3 hormone in your blood.  Think of these levels as being in "storage" until needed by your body.  Most of this hormone is rendered inactive by being bound up with protein.   Only the small portion that is free of protein, FT3 and FT4 are biologically active  free T3 is actually four times as active as free T4 and FT3 correlates best with hypo symptoms.  In my opinion the best way to treat a thyroid patient it to test and adjust the levels of FT3 and FT4 with whatever medication is required to alleviate symptoms, without regard for the resultant TSH level.  Frequently this requires that FT3 is adjusted into the upper part of its range, and FT 4 is adjusted to around the midpoint of its range.  

As far as testing in addition to FT3 and FT4, the doctors always test TSH.  I would also suggest  TPO ab and TG ab, to test for thyroid antibodies.  

Hopefully some other member with nodule experience will provide some info on that .