What diseases can be detected by the five thyroid function tests?
Mar 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Chuanjia
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, a thyroid function test (TFT) may help detect conditions such as simple goiter, subacute thyroiditis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Maintaining a regular作息 (routine), avoiding excessive fatigue and mental stress, can help reduce the risk of thyroid diseases.
Under normal circumstances, the thyroid function test panel (commonly known as "five thyroid function tests") is a diagnostic tool used to assess a subject's thyroid function. It includes five parameters: thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4). The thyroid function panel may help detect various conditions such as simple goiter, subacute thyroiditis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. If experiencing any discomfort, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Simple Goiter
Simple goiter typically results from factors such as iodine deficiency, impaired thyroid hormone synthesis, or increased demand for thyroid hormones. In the thyroid function panel, it may show normal or slightly elevated levels of thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3), with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels remaining normal or mildly decreased.
2. Subacute Thyroiditis
Subacute thyroiditis is usually associated with viral infections, such as mumps virus or influenza virus. In the thyroid function panel, it may present with fluctuating levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), reduced thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and possible fluctuations in free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels.
3. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder. The thyroid function panel may reveal decreased levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), along with elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
4. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is usually caused by intrinsic thyroid disease, pituitary disorders, or medication effects. In the thyroid function panel, levels of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) are elevated, while thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are decreased.
5. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism may result from intrinsic thyroid disease or hypothalamic disorders. In the thyroid function panel, levels of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) are decreased, while thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are elevated.
Maintaining regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "sleep patterns" or "daily routines") and avoiding excessive fatigue and mental stress can help reduce the occurrence of thyroid diseases.
