What are thyroid function tests?
Thyroid function tests (TFTs) are blood tests that measure how well your thyroid gland is working. The thyroid is a small gland at the front of your neck that produces hormones controlling your metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, and body temperature. The main hormones measured are TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), free T4 (thyroxine), and free T3 (triiodothyronine).
TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and signals your thyroid to produce T3 and T4. When TSH is elevated, it often indicates your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism). When TSH is low, it may suggest an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Your GP uses these results together to assess your thyroid health.
Symptoms that may warrant thyroid testing
Thyroid conditions are common in Australia, particularly among women. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, feeling cold, dry skin, hair thinning, constipation, and low mood. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) include unexplained weight loss, rapid heart rate, anxiety, trembling hands, heat intolerance, and difficulty sleeping.
Because many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions, a thyroid function test is often one of the first investigations your GP will recommend. If you have a family history of thyroid disease, you may benefit from periodic screening even without symptoms.
How to get a thyroid function test referral online
Book a telehealth appointment with a NewDoc GP, discuss your symptoms or concerns, and if thyroid testing is clinically appropriate, your pathology referral will be emailed to you after the consultation. You then attend any pathology collection centre in Australia for the blood draw.
The consultation is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients, and the thyroid function test itself is covered by Medicare when ordered on clinical grounds. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the referral or the test.
Understanding your thyroid results
Your NewDoc GP will review your thyroid function test results and explain what they mean. If your TSH is elevated with low T4, this typically indicates hypothyroidism, which is usually treated with daily thyroid hormone replacement medication. If TSH is low with elevated T3 or T4, this may indicate hyperthyroidism, which requires further investigation and treatment.
If your results are abnormal, your GP may recommend repeat testing to confirm the findings, additional blood tests such as thyroid antibodies, or a referral to an endocrinologist for specialist management. All follow-up consultations are also bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients.