What Is a Full Thyroid Panel?
A full thyroid panel measures:
- TSH — the pituitary signal to the thyroid
- Free T4 — the primary thyroid hormone
- Free T3 — the active form cells actually use
- TPO antibodies — marker of autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's)
- Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies — second autoimmune marker
Most standard physicals test TSH only. That's not the full picture.
Why TSH Alone Is Insufficient
Normal TSH, low Free T3: Your body can't convert T4 to its active form. Symptoms present, TSH looks normal.
Normal TSH, positive antibodies: Early Hashimoto's with active thyroid damage, but TSH hasn't moved yet.
Normal TSH, abnormal Free T4: TSH within range but Free T4 at the low end, correlating with symptoms.
TSH Reference Ranges
Standard range: 0.4–4.5 mU/L. Many clinicians consider functional optimal range to be 1.0–2.5 mU/L. A TSH of 4.0 is "within range" but not the same as 1.5.
Is a Full Thyroid Panel Tested in a Standard Physical?
Rarely. Standard care tests TSH only. Stem Health's Core Assessment includes TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies.
