Blood Tests: TSH, Free T4, Free T3

At Thyroid Medical Institute, accurate diagnosis is at the heart of effective care. That’s why our thyroid blood panel — including TSH, Free T4, and Free T3 — is one of the most critical tools we use to evaluate your thyroid health. These lab tests provide deep insight into your hormone levels, metabolic function, and overall endocrine system, enabling us to detect imbalances early and tailor treatment to your specific needs.

Under the guidance of Dr. Rodolfo A. Perez, a board-certified endocrinologist with over 30 years of experience, we use advanced lab technologies to ensure precise, timely, and reliable results.

Why Thyroid Blood Tests Are Essential

Your thyroid gland plays a central role in regulating vital functions like metabolism, body temperature, energy production, and mood. When your thyroid hormone levels are too high or too low, it can affect nearly every organ in your body — often with symptoms that are subtle at first but become more disruptive over time.

Thyroid blood tests help us:

  • Detect hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
  • Evaluate autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease
  • Monitor ongoing treatment progress
  • Guide your individualized care plan
  • Prevent potential complications from untreated thyroid dysfunction

Whether you are experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, anxiety, or brain fog — or just want peace of mind — these tests are a powerful first step toward understanding your thyroid health.

Understanding the Three Key Thyroid Tests

We typically order a complete panel of three primary blood tests to assess thyroid function: TSH, Free T4, and Free T3. Each test measures different aspects of how your thyroid and pituitary glands are interacting.

1. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

TSH is produced by your pituitary gland and acts as a signal to your thyroid, telling it how much hormone to release.

  • High TSH levels usually indicate hypothyroidism, meaning your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormone and the pituitary is trying to compensate.
  • Low TSH levels may point to hyperthyroidism, where your thyroid is producing too much hormone and the pituitary is trying to slow it down.

TSH is often the first and most sensitive marker of thyroid imbalance.

2. Free T4 (Thyroxine)

T4 is one of the main hormones made by the thyroid. “Free T4” refers to the portion of this hormone that is active and available to your tissues.

  • Low Free T4 typically supports a diagnosis of hypothyroidism
  • High Free T4 is usually associated with hyperthyroidism

This test helps us understand how well your thyroid is responding to TSH signals, and it’s essential for confirming the nature and severity of your thyroid dysfunction.

3. Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)

T3 is the most active thyroid hormone and is primarily responsible for regulating metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. Like T4, we focus on the “free” version — the portion not bound to proteins in the bloodstream.

  • Low Free T3 can contribute to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and mental fog
  • High Free T3 may result in palpitations, irritability, or insomnia, and is often seen in hyperthyroidism

Free T3 is especially valuable when TSH and Free T4 results are unclear, or when your symptoms don’t align with the first two tests.

What to Expect During Your Blood Test

We strive to make your testing experience as comfortable and convenient as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

  • A quick and simple blood draw at our office
  • No fasting or special preparation is required
  • The procedure takes only a few minutes with minimal discomfort
  • Results are typically available within a few business days
  • Dr. Perez will go over every result in detail and answer any questions you may have

Our clinic uses state-of-the-art laboratory technology to ensure accuracy, and we prioritize patient safety and comfort at every stage.

Follow-Up Care That’s Personalized

Once your results are in, Dr. Perez will review them thoroughly to determine:

  • Whether your thyroid is underactive, overactive, or functioning normally
  • If further tests are needed, such as antibody screening or imaging
  • The best course of treatment, which may include lifestyle adjustments, medications, or ongoing monitoring

We don’t just deliver lab results — we interpret them in context with your symptoms, medical history, and overall health goals to provide truly personalized care.

Schedule Your Thyroid Blood Panel Today

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a thyroid imbalance or are managing an existing thyroid condition, don’t wait. Blood testing is a fast, effective way to get the answers you need — and start feeling better.

📞 Call (305) 512-4411 or book your appointment online to schedule your comprehensive thyroid panel with Thyroid Medical Institute today.

Your health is too important to leave to chance — get the insight you deserve.