An array of indications can be attributed to thyroid malfunction or disease, however, it is frequently misdiagnosed. Clearly visible signs of hyperthyroidism, featuring low TSH and high thyroxine (T4) levels, or those of hypothyroidism, with high TSH and low T4 levels (predominantly in Graves’ Disease) can be easily identified. Nevertheless, a raised TSH coupled with regular thyroid hormone levels, referred to as subclinical hypothyroidism, is believed to be present in 4-10% of the overall population and up to 20% of women aged 60 and above. On the other hand, subclinical hyperthyroidism, with low TSH and normal thyroid hormone levels, is seen in approximately 2% of the population and is most often recorded in women, African-Americans, and the elderly.

The Elite Thyroid Profile includes a marker to detect if there is a lack of iodine by measuring thyroglobulin and the total T4 created by the thyroid. Thyroglobulin is a protein that is high in tyrosine, and when it binds to iodine, it is a component of T3 and T4. If iodine levels are low, thyroglobulin builds up, thus when the levels are high, it means there is not enough iodine for a normal thyroid function. In addition to this, the presence of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies is used to identify thyroid disease in people with abnormal TSH levels and/or mild thyroid symptoms. This is because 95% of such patients will test positive for TPO antibodies, which is an indication of autoimmune thyroiditis, the most common cause of overt hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s disease).