Thyroid Panels
A NEW PERSPECTIVE IN THYROID TESTING
Stress and Thyroid Hormones
In some patients, the characteristic symptoms of decreased thyroid function often occur after an identifiable stress, and persist even after the stress has passed1. A myriad of debilitating symptoms can frequently be traced to a single source, “low T3 syndrome” with reciprocal changes in the circulation of T3 (which decreases) and rT3 (which increases). The biological effects resulting from these changes are at present not completely understood, but are potentially important in the body’s adjustment to stress2.
Wilson’s Syndrome:
Our thyroid panel is based on the investigative work by E. Denis Wilson, M.D. (“Wilson’s Syndrome” – also known as Multiple Enzyme Dysfunction or MED). Dr. Wilson reports that when a body is under stress (illness, fasting, cortisol), T4 (thyroxin) is deiodinized to Reverse T3 instead of T3 (triiodothyronine). As the T3 hormone levels in the blood drop to low levels, the patient’s body temperature can subsequently drop below normal. When the body temperature decreases so does the function of important enzymes. Both the thyroid blood test and the body temperature test may be correlated to clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism.
About Reverse T3:
Reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) is a thyroid hormone produced primarily from monodeiodiation of the inner ring of thyroxin. Approximately 85% of T3 synthesis and nearly all of rT3 production may be attributed to the deiodination of T4 in the periheral tissue rather than by direct secretion by the thyroid gland. Physical, mental and environmental stresses can inhibit the deiodinating enzyme, 5′ – deiodinase, causing less T4 to be converted to T3, thus decreasing the amount of active thyroid hormone available to the cells. More T3 is then shunted towards rT3 causing an elevation in rT3. Once identified, there are several alternative approaches to treatment. Meridian Valley Labsoratory, Inc. offers support for clinicians in provision of reference documents.
Complete Serum Thyroid Panels at Reasonable Prices
Thyroid Panels & rT3
We offer you a comprehensive selection of serum thyroid tests and thyroid panels.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) – released from the pituitary gland and acts on the thyroid to secrete the hormones T3 and T4. TSH is up-regulated in primary hypothyroidism as a result of decreased inhibition by T3 and T4. TSH is down-regulated in hyperthyroidism, thyroid replacement therapy, and secondary hypothyroidism.
Triiodothyronine (T3) – the most metabolically active thyroid hormone is produced from the conversion of T4 in the thyroid and liver. A percentage of T3 binds to thyroxine-binding globulin and other blood proteins. The Total T3 serum test measures both the free and bound T3 hormone.
Free T3 (FT3) – the free T3 level is the quantity of T3 which is not bound to the blood proteins.
Tetraiodothyronine (T4) – is less potent than T3. It acts as a reservoir for T3 and is readily converted to this more active form. Nearly all of the T4 in the body is bound to thyroxine-binding globulin and other blood proteins. The Total T4 serum test measures both the free and bound T4 hormone.
Free T4 (FT4) – the free T4 level is the quantity of T4 which is not bound to blood proteins.
Reverse T3 (rT3) – is a biologically inactive form of T3 that results from the conversion of T4. Increased levels of rT3 can be associated with a clinical picture of hypothyroidism since the rT3 can bind to T3 receptor sites in tissue and block the binding of active T3 molecules.
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPOAb) – thyroid peroxidase is an enzyme found in the thyroid gland. Antibody titers against thyroid peroxidase are produced in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Grave’s Disease, and other autoimmune disorders.
Thyroglobulin Antibody (TgAb) – thyroglobulin is a protein found solely in the thyroid gland. Antibody titers against thyroglobulin are produced in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Grave’s Disease, and other autoimmune disorders.
- Thyroid Panel – TSH, T3, FT3, T4, FT4, rT3
- Thyroid Evaluation Panel – TSH, FT3, FT4, rT3, TPOAb, TgAb
- Metabolic Thyroid Panel – TSH, FT3, rT3
- Mini Thyroid Panel – TSH, FT3, FT4
- Thyroid Autoantibody Panel – TPOAb, TgAb
Please call (425) 271-8689 for pricing or contact us online
Specimen Requirements:
Serum: Draw blood in a Serum Separator Tube (SST) and allow to clot for 20 minutes, then centrifuge for at least 10 minutes. Pour serum to transfer tube; minimum of 3.0 ml serum is required. Freeze and ship via Overnight Mail in prepaid kit, Monday through Thursday delivery only.
Learn More About Testing Thyroid Hormones And Other Hormones In Urine
Reference:
1. Wilson, E.D., Wilson’s Syndrome, The Miracle of Feeling Well, 1996, p.3.
2. McCormack, P.D., MD, Ph.D., et al, Increase in rT3 Serum Levels Observed During Extended Alaskan Field Operations of Naval Personnel, Alaska Medicine, Jul/Aug/Sept 1996 p. 89-97.
3. DeGroot, Leslie J, et al, The Thyroid and its Diseases, Churchill Livingstone, Inc., 1996.
4. Goichot, B., et al Thyroid hormone status and nutrient intake in the free-living elderly, Interest of reverse triiodothyronine assessment, European Journal of Endocrinology 1994, 130:224-52.
5. Cheng, L.Y., et al, Film Autoradiography Identifies Unique Features of (1125) 3,3′, 5′ – (Reverse) Triiodothyronine Transport From Blood to Brain, Journal of Neurophysiology, Vol. 72, No. 1, July 1994.
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