Thyroxine - Total (T4)

Thyroxine, also known as T4, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. It helps regulate the body’s metabolism, normal temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. T4 along with triiodothyronine (T3), another hormone produced by the thyroid gland, plays an important role in the growth and development of the nervous system and the brain. T4 exists in the blood in two forms: bound (attached to proteins) and free (not attached to proteins). 

The Thyroxine - Total (T4) measures the total level (both free and bound forms) of the T4 hormone. Deranged levels of T4 can result in either hyperthyroidism (the thyroid gland produces too much T4) or hypothyroidism (the thyroid gland produces less T4). Your doctor may suggest this test if you show symptoms of hyperthyroidism, like increased appetite, weight loss, sweating, anxiety, tremors, etc., or hypothyroidism, like fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, etc. 

No special preparations are needed for the Thyroxine - Total (T4) test. However, do let your doctor know about all the medications you take as some of those can affect thyroid function. Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a commonly taken over-the-counter supplement that can lead to some aberrancy in your thyroid function test values even if they are normal. Therefore, avoid taking biotin 2 days before this test.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific results. The test results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, evaluate whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition, and formulate your overall treatment plan.