Know Your Numbers: Thyroid Function Panel

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly shaped organ that is located near the windpipe, in the base of the throat. The pituitary gland in your brain produces thyroid hormone and then tells the thyroid to make and release the thyroid hormones into your blood.

The thyroid is responsible for regulating many body functions, such as metabolism, weight gain or loss, energy production, heart rate and even mood. Body temperature and cholesterol levels can also be affected by the thyroid.

Several different disorders can arise when your thyroid produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism). When hormone levels become too low or too high, you may experience a wide range of symptoms. Other commonly known disorders related to the thyroid are Hashimoto’s and Graves’ diseases. The thyroid can also have goiters or nodules on it due to problems with the gland.

If your doctor suspects a thyroid disorder, a blood test can help provide answers. CCH Wellness offers tests to evaluate TSH levels, Free T4 and T3 on a self-pay basis. TSH is the abbreviation for thyroid stimulating hormone, which is included in both the Wellness Panel and the Thyroid Function Panel. In addition, the Thyroid panel also tests Free T4 and T3 function of the thyroid. Free T4 or T3 tests are used to help evaluate function of the thyroid and diagnose diseases of the thyroid like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, especially after a test finding of abnormal levels of TSH.

You can take charge of your health by monitoring these labs on your own, while partnering in your care with your doctor.

Wellness offers the Campbell County, Wyoming community daily blood draws every Monday-Thursday, from 6 am-12 pm, and Friday, from 6-11 am, at 1901 Energy Ct., Suite 125—located behind Wendy's in Gillette, Wyoming. For Wright residents, these screenings are also available at the Wright Clinic, 500 Latigo Drive, Monday-Friday from 8-11 am. No appointment required! Use the My Health Home patient portal and get access to most test results in less than 48 hours. For more information about the blood tests and health screenings available at Wellness, call 307-688-8051 or visit www.cchwyo.org/screen.

Have Questions?
Rachel Conrad, PBT, CPT, MA, works at CCH Wellness as a Technician, Phlebotomist and Health Coach in Gillette, Wyoming. Campbell County Health's Wellness works to reduce health risks and promote overall wellness among employee groups and individuals in Campbell County, Wyoming and beyond. To learn more about Wellness, please visit www.cchwyo.org/Wellness or call 307-688-8051.