Thyroid Health Package

EliteMedical's Thyroid Health Package combines targeted blood testing and thyroid ultrasound with an internal medicine examination in a single visit — the only setup in which thyroid pathology can be properly assessed. The blood panel covers TSH, free T3, free T4, anti-TPO antibodies, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies: the full set required to distinguish hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, subclinical thyroid dysfunction, and autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's, Graves'). The thyroid ultrasound is performed by MUDr. Filip Halm and provides real-time imaging of thyroid gland size, echogenicity, and architecture, detecting nodules, cysts, and vascular changes that blood markers alone cannot reveal. Common presentations that may indicate thyroid problems include unexplained fatigue, weight changes, irregular heartbeat, mood swings, hair loss, and difficulty concentrating — all of which are addressed in the initial examination.

The thyroid gland — a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck — produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), hormones that regulate metabolism, energy production, heart rate, body temperature, and mood. Thyroid dysfunction is common: hypothyroidism affects approximately 5% of the Czech adult population (higher in women), and autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) is the leading cause. Many cases present subtly for years before becoming symptomatic or being diagnosed by a GP. **Blood markers in the panel:** - **TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)** — the pituitary signal that drives thyroid hormone production. The most sensitive first-line marker. Elevated TSH indicates hypothyroidism (pituitary working harder to stimulate an underperforming thyroid); suppressed TSH indicates hyperthyroidism or exogenous thyroid hormone excess. - **Free T4 (FT4)** — the biologically active storage form of thyroid hormone. Combined with TSH, it distinguishes primary thyroid failure from central (pituitary) causes. - **Free T3 (FT3)** — the most metabolically active form, produced peripherally from T4 conversion. FT3 is particularly relevant for patients on T4-only replacement who report ongoing symptoms: some have impaired T4-to-T3 conversion despite normal TSH. - **Anti-TPO antibodies (TPOAb)** — elevated in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (the leading cause of hypothyroidism) and Graves' disease (leading cause of hyperthyroidism). Their presence confirms autoimmune aetiology and guides treatment decisions. - **Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb)** — a second autoimmune marker; important for distinguishing Hashimoto's in the ~15% of cases where TPOAb is negative. **Thyroid ultrasound (sonography):** Performed by MUDr. Filip Halm, the ultrasound provides information the blood panel cannot: thyroid gland volume, echogenicity (reduced echogenicity is characteristic of Hashimoto's), homogeneity of tissue, the presence and characteristics of nodules, cysts, and lymph nodes. The EU-TIRADS classification system is applied to any nodule found, stratifying the risk from benign (TIRADS 2) to suspicious for malignancy (TIRADS 5), and determining whether fine-needle aspiration biopsy is warranted. **Common symptoms prompting thyroid assessment:** Fatigue and low energy, unexplained weight gain (hypothyroidism) or weight loss (hyperthyroidism), feeling cold or heat intolerance, heart palpitations or bradycardia, hair thinning or hair loss, dry skin, brain fog or concentration difficulties, mood changes and anxiety, irregular menstruation, constipation or diarrhoea. **Clinical protocol:** The visit begins with an internal medicine examination covering the symptom history, physical examination (palpation of the thyroid for size and nodularity), cardiovascular assessment, and review of current medications. The blood draw and ultrasound follow. Results are reviewed by the physician in a final consultation, with written recommendations covering thyroid function interpretation, whether treatment or monitoring is warranted, and suggested follow-up interval. **Frequency:** Annual thyroid function check is recommended for all women over 35 and men over 50, and for younger adults with family history of thyroid disease, previous thyroid surgery, radiation exposure, or autoimmune conditions.