If you go into your doctor asking to be tested for thyroid function, there are a number of tests they can run. Most will start with a simple TSH (Thyroid Stimulator Hormone) test, and may tell you everything is OK if that test comes back normal. However, if you're experiencing a lot of hypothyroid symptoms, or if your TSH test comes back abnormal, there are two other tests that should be run: Free Thyroxine (T-4) and Free T-3.

Your thyroid actually produces a number of different hormones, and testing for levels of both T-4 and T-3 in the blood is an important step in determining if your body is producing and processing them all properly. An abnormal TSH level alone will not provide enough information to really diagnose a problem precisely, or medicate for it appropriately. For instance, since T-3 is not only produced by the thyroid but also synthesized by the liver from T-4, it is possible that impaired liver function may cause low T-3 levels while TSH and T-4 are in the normal range.

Also, once you start taking medication, periodic screening of your free T-4 and T-3 levels will help your doctor fine-tune your medication. If you're taking a T-4 only drug like Synthroid, tests may indicate that switching to a combination T-4/T-3 drug like Armour Thyroid may be preferrable. On the other hand, if your medication seems to correct your free thyroid hormone levels, but your TSH was still abnormal, it might be worthwhile to check your adrenal function as well. Adrenal disorders are found fairly frequently alongside thyroid problems.

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