What to Know About Taking a Total T4 and Total T3 Test

Are you looking for a Total T4 and Total T3 Test to gather insights into your thyroid function? Genesis Lifestyle Labs provides all the tests you need to figure out what's going on with your thyroid and make the most of your health and well-being. Learn more about our tests and how to take the next step towards your health. 

What Is a Total T4 and Total T3 Test?

Total T4 and Total T3 Test - Genesis Lifestyle LabsTotal T4 and Total T3 Test is a type of thyroid function test. Also known as TFT, it measures the levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in your blood. The goal is to check to see if your thyroid is functioning properly and effectively releasing the hormones you need into your bloodstream to optimize your health and well-being.

Why Is the Thyroid Important?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It works to produce the hormones we need for a healthy body. Despite how small the thyroid is, it has a significant impact on everything from your weight to heart function, digestive health, reproduction, temperature regulation, and more.

Do Men Need Thyroid Tests?

Although a Total T4 and Total T3 test is often associated with women's health, men also benefit from them. They can help diagnose and manage thyroid-related conditions, as well as get to the root cause of confusing symptoms. Men who have a family history of thyroid disease have an increased risk of thyroid disorders, which requires testing. Existing autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease or radiation exposure to the neck area, can also cause thyroid dysfunction in men and women.

What are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)?

A Total T4 and Total T3 Test can help you determine if you have a condition like hypothyroidism, including:

  • Fatigue: Ongoing tiredness and lack of energy 
  • Weight Gain: Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, despite your best efforts
  • Cold Intolerance: Sensitivity to cold temperatures, even when your environment is comfortable to everyone else
  • Constipation: Infrequent or difficult bowel movements
  • Dry Skin: Skin that is dry, coarse, or scaly
  • Hair Changes: Hair that becomes dry, brittle, and starts to fall out
  • Muscle Weakness: General weakness in the muscles or accompanied by aches and swelling
  • Joint Pain: Pain, stiffness and joint swelling
  • Slow Heart Rate: A slower-than-normal heart rate
  • Depression: Feeling unusually sad, depressed, or experiencing mood swings
  • Memory Issues: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or feeling mentally "foggy"
  • Elevated Cholesterol: Higher levels of cholesterol, which could also increase your vulnerability to heart disease
  • Swelling in the Face: Puffiness, particularly around the eyes
  • Hoarseness: A persistent sore throat or hoarse-sounding voice
  • Menstrual Changes: Changes in menstrual patterns for women or irregularities
  • Infertility: Difficulty getting pregnant or experiencing frequent miscarriages
  • Goiter: An enlarged thyroid gland that could cause visible swelling in the neck

What Are Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)?

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This condition can accelerate the body's metabolism and cause a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

  • Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss, especially if you've increased your food intake and appetite 
  • Rapid Heartbeat (Tachycardia): Abnormal rate rate that exceeds 100 beats per minute
  • Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia): Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
  • Increased Appetite: A significant spike in in your appetite 
  • Nervousness and Anxiety: Feelings of nervousness, anxiety, or irritability
  • Tremors: Hands and fingers that tremble and shake
  • Sweating: Excessive sweating and a sudden sensitivity to heat
  • Changes in Menstrual Patterns: Lighter, infrequent menstrual periods
  • More Frequent Bowel Movements: Increased frequency of bowel movements or sudden episodes of diarrhea 
  • Fatigue and Muscle Weakness: Persistent tiredness and weakness in the muscles
  • Difficulty Sleeping: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep that could lead to insomnia
  • Skin andHair Changes: Thinning skin and brittle hair
  • Goiter: A visible swelling in the neck and enlargement of the thyroid gland
  • Bulging Eyes (Graves' Ophthalmopathy): Protruding eyes, redness, or irritation linked to Graves' disease, which can cause hyperthyroidism.
  • Heat Intolerance: Sensitivity to heat 
  • Mood Swings: Sudden changes in mood or increased irritability
  • Bone Loss: Osteoporosis or slow weakening of the bones 

How to Order Your Total T4 and Total T3 Test Online

happy woman reviewing thyroid test - Total T4 and Total T3 Test - Genesis Lifestyle Labs

Ready to order your Total T4 and Total T3 tests? Purchase your test from Genesis Lifestyle Labs, and we'll do the rest. After you choose your test, we'll send you a link to schedule your blood work at a lab location and date of your choice. Once we draw your blood work, we will return the results to you within 7 to 10 business days. With your results in hand, you can review them privately or take them to your general healthcare provider to come up with a plan to help address your thyroid function's needs.

Why Work with Genesis Lifestyle Labs?

Genesis Lifestyle Labs takes a comprehensive approach to helping you heal from the inside out by offering advanced lab diagnostics and personalized treatment plans. We help optimize your body with everything it needs to work properly, so you can look and feel your best. We were founded on the focus of offering tests and advanced treatments to help our patients reach their personal goals with a straight-forward, transparent approach to weight management and aesthetics.

Want to join the 100,000 patients we've helped? Order your Total T4 and Total T3 Test test online, browse our range of products, or contact us today for more information.

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