T3 uptake is an indirect measurement of the amount of thyroid-related binding proteins that happen to be in the blood. This includes albumin, TBG, and prealbumin. The results help to determine the amount of saturation that has occurred during the binding process. The T3 uptake blood test is typically ordered when a medical provider suspects that there may be an issue with the thyroid that is causing bothersome signs and symptoms.
Some individuals may benefit from having the T3 uptake blood test performed even though they don’t have any symptoms. Testing is often recommended for those who have a direct first-line relative who has been diagnosed with thyroid disease. Women who are approaching menopause, have recently given birth, or may have an endocrine disease present may also benefit from the results that the T3 uptake blood test are able to provide.
When To See a Doctor About the T3 Uptake Blood Test
Whenever the signs and symptoms of a thyroid disorder are present is a good time to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this particular blood test. The most common issue that people experience is the presence of chronic fatigue. It doesn’t have to be chronic fatigue syndrome to qualify for the T3 uptake blood test.
There may be other signs that the thyroid is not functioning as it should be and some of them can be quite non-specific. In the United States, it is estimated that up to 35% of women who are above the age of 35 have some level of thyroid malfunction that could be discovered with this blood test. Women are 10x more likely than men to have thyroid problems.
Being persistently irritable, gaining or losing weight unexpectedly, and having difficulty focusing can all be indications of a potential thyroid issue. Headaches are also a common symptom. If these issues don’t improve over the course of 7-14 days, then it may be time to schedule an appointment with a local medical provider.
What Do My Test Results Mean?
Test results for the T3 uptake blood test fit into three generic categories: low, normal, or high. Having lower than normal levels is natural during certain life events, such as being pregnant. It may also occur when receiving certain hormone therapies or when an acute hepatitis attack is about to start. Certain genetic issues also naturally lower results, but would still be considered normal for the individual.
People with normal results on a T3 uptake blood test will need further testing to determine if there is a thyroid issue which may be present. The T3U test is usually ordered with other blood tests to determine thyroid functioning, including the T3, T4, and FSH blood tests. Some medical providers may also order the FTI or T7 test depending on the results.
If the test results come back as being high, then this may indicate the presence of a nephrotic syndrome. Certain genetic deficiencies may also cause test results to be high even though there may not be any thyroid malfunction. Sometimes individuals who have an overactive thyroid may also have test results that come back in this range.
Here’s What You Need To Know
People who regularly use anabolic hormones and steroids will have naturally high T3 uptake levels that are detected on this blood test. It is important to discuss with your doctor if you are taking these items so that the test results are not misinterpreted. It may lead to an uncomfortable conversation for some individuals, but that is better than being treated for a suspected thyroid malfunction when none actually exists.
Cortisone may also provide higher than normal results, especially if it was just recently injected into a joint or other area of the body to improve movement, encourage healing, and reduce swelling. If you have had a recent injection for another health matter that your doctor does not know about, it may be beneficial to wait 1-2 weeks before having the T3U blood test performed.
The T3 uptake blood test is useful in circumstances where a suspected thyroid issue may be causing bothersome signs and symptoms. Many of the issues that can be detected with this, along with other thyroid tests, can be treated so that life can resume as normal. If you suspect that there might be something wrong with your thyroid due to certain unusual symptoms that have been experienced, then schedule an appointment to discuss what information this particular blood test could provide.