(HealthDay News) -- The thyroid is an endocrine gland that makes hormones and helps regulate bodily activities, such as how fast you burn calories and how fast your heart beats.
Doctors may suggest a thyroid test if they suspect the gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism).
The U.S. National Library of Medicine says potential tests may include:
- TSH - Measures thyroid-stimulating hormone. This is considered the most accurate measure of thyroid activity.
- T3 and T4 - Measure different thyroid hormones.
- TSI - Measures thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin.
- Antithyroid antibody test - Measures antibodies (markers in the blood).
