Thyroid Testing Australia – Advanced thyroid testing
Advanced Thyroid testing Australia wide, functional medicine practitioners based in Perth. Your thyroid is one of the most important glands in the body. It plays a large part in the control and activity of your metabolism, digestive function, brain function, muscle control and your moods.
There are many conditions associated with a dysfunctional thyroid including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Many of these conditions also develop into autoimmune conditions known as “Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Grave’s disease.
Thyroid disorders are commonly undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as regular testing does not gather enough information about the function of the thyroid. Most tests will only assess the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), this does not provide a full picture of the function of the thyroid. In addition, many of the “healthy thyroid test ranges” are not that healthy at either side of the scale. In addition, key nutrient deficiencies such as with Iodine play a major part in the function of the thyroid.
Thyroid Testing Perth & Australia wide
What does the Extensive Thyroid Test measure
TSH – Thyroid stimulating hormone is the most common marker tested for the thyroid. It measure the amount of TSH released by the pituitary gland, this hormone dictates to the thyroid gland itself how much thyroxine should be produced.
Free T3 – The active form of thyroid hormone in the body, is made from 3 molecules of iodine and measures the amount of T3 not bound to protein in the blood. Low levels cause symptoms of hypothyroidism and can be low even with a normal TSH.
Free T4 – The partially activated thyroid hormone in the body, it is produced by the thyroid and consists of 4 molecules of iodine. Low T4 can contribute to hypothyroidism while high T4 can cause hyperthyroid symptoms.
Reverse T3 – Reverse T3 is a hormone that is produced to slow the function of the thyroid. High levels are present when there are other health problems causing inflammation and stress. Elevated cortisol increases RT3 and lowers the conversion of T4 to T3, resulting in impaired thyroid function.
TPO and TGAb antibodies – Thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin are autoimmune antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. High levels of these are present in thyroid autoimmune diseases.
Iodine Testing
In addition to the extensive thyroid blood panel above, I often recommend completing a urinary Iodine loading test. A urinary loading Iodine test is a comprehensive assessment of the Iodine status of the patient. Iodine is the most important nutrient to the thyroid and much of the population is deficient in this mineral. We can also test this from within a hair tissue mineral sample.
Extensive Thyroid Test and Iodine Loading Pricing - Thyroid Testing Australia
The private lab price for the extensive thyroid panel blood test is $230 + $20 postage. This includes the blood draw fee from our network of laboratories across Australia. We can often run this thyroid panel through Medicare.
The Iodine loading test is an additional $95 + $20 postage.
Order both tests for a combined total of $350. As mentioned, most times this testing is covered through Medicare.
Results will be released to our clinic.
You will be required to have a consultation to discuss the results with your practitioner. During this consultation, your practitioner will understand your presenting health complaints and provide a thorough interpretation of the results.
To order an extensive thyroid and iodine loading test please contact our clinic.
It is recommended to have an initial appointment with a practitioner prior to ordering any testing to determine the right level of testing required. There may be different or additional testing that is recommended based on your presenting symptoms and health concerns.