Thyroid evaluation

TSH, free T4, antibody panel + treatment plan

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ikechukwu Ogbu, MD
MD · Board-Certified, Internal Medicine · Last reviewed June 2026

About Thyroid evaluation

A thyroid evaluation interprets TSH, free T4, and — when indicated — free T3, thyroid antibodies (TPO, thyroglobulin), and thyroid ultrasound. The clinical pattern guides interpretation: elevated TSH with low free T4 indicates overt hypothyroidism; suppressed TSH with elevated free T4 or T3 indicates hyperthyroidism; subclinical patterns may or may not need treatment. Levothyroxine is the standard treatment for hypothyroidism; hyperthyroidism treatment depends on cause and may include antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, or surgery.

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