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Thyroid
If you are experiencing symptoms of an under or overactive thyroid, these test options are ideal for you. Symptoms may range from tiredness, fatigue, weight gain, dry skin to anxiety, to name a few.
Thyroid Blood Test
Thyroid issues are a relatively common health condition and occur in both men and women, but are more likely to occur in women. Thyroid symptoms are frequently linked with other health conditions, including anaemia or a deficiency in Vitamin D.
Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is the gland that is responsible for creating the hormones that regulate the metabolic function of the body. When the thyroid gland does not produce the hormones in the right way or if the hormones produced are not as effective as they need to be, you may notice that you are suffering with one or more symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid creates too much of the thyroid hormone and you may experience symptoms which include: a racing heartbeat, feeling anxious or irritable, a feeling of restlessness, thinning skin, brittle hair and/or nails, increased sweating, problems sleeping, weight loss and muscle weakness. This can also be called an overactive thyroid. If a condition called Graves disease occurs, you will can also develop bulging eyes
Testing for hyperthyroidism
A finger prick blood test, which you can do yourself, can test for Hyperthyroidism. This finger tip blood test for Hyperthyroidism measures the levels of both TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and thyroxine (T4) in the blood. A result that shows low TSH levels and a high thyroxine level is an indication of an overactive thyroid gland.
If your test indicates that you have hyperthyroidism, then you should discuss it with your health professional or GP. They will be able to take you through the treatment options on offer. These include medication or radioactive iodine treatment. Sometimes, surgery may be recommended.
The common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
Dry skin, tiredness, increased sensitivity to the cold, weight gain, constipation, forgetfulness, depression, feelings of weakness, slow heart rate and coma.
Testing for Thyroid hormones
To assess whether your thyroid isn’t producing enough of the thyroid hormones a simple blood test which measures the thyroid hormones (thyroxine (T4)) and the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. If the results show a high TSH levels and a low thyroxine level could indicate that your thyroid gland is underactive.
The test can be performed using a small amount of blood from a finger prick which you can do yourself.
The main treatment for hypothyroidism/underactive thyroid is medication.
How often should I have a thyroid levels blood test?
We recommend checking your thyroid levels when you experience any health changes or symptoms listed.
Other Questions
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to the cold
- Constipation
- Slow heart rate
- Weight gain
- Memory issues
- Depression
- Weakness
- Coma
This blood test is to check on:
- Thyroid Levels
- Thyroid Antibodies
For best results (if medically suitable) it is advisable to fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test which needs to be taken first thing in the morning and posted on the same day on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
Collection method: Finger prick
Results available: 2-5 days after the sample has reached the laboratory.
Free Thyroxine (Free T4)
This test will measure the amount of free thyroxine in your blood, it will measure how well your thyroid gland is working. T4 is one of the major thyroid hormones in your blood. If the results are too high or too low it can indicate thyroid disease.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
This test will measure how much TSH is in your blood.
TSH is made in your pituitary, (a gland in your brain) when your thyroid levels are low the pituitary gland makes more TSH and when the thyroid levels are high your pituitary makes less TSH This result indicates how well the thyroid is working.
Free T3 (FT3)
This test measures the level of triiodothyronine (T3) in your blood. T3 along with T4 are the two major thyroid hormones in your blood. T3 blood test may be used to diagnose hyperthyroidism. If the results are too high or too low it can indicate thyroid disease.
Thyroxine (T4)
The test will measure the amount of thyroxine in your blood. Too much or too little may be indicative of thyroid disease.
Thyroid Antibodies (TGA and TPO)
This test measures thyroid antibodies in the blood.
Antibodies are a protein made by the immune system to fight infection and bacteria. Sometimes these antibodies can fight your own cells, tissues and muscles causing an autoimmune response. When this occurs with the thyroid it can lead to an autoimmune thyroid disorder such as Graves disease or Hashimotos disease.
Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGA)
The thyroglobulin antibodies blood test will usually indicate if an autoimmune problem has caused damage to the thyroid gland.
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO)
The thyroid peroxidase antibodies blood test will usually indicate if an autoimmune problem has caused damage to the thyroid gland.
How it Works
1. Order and Receive Your Test
Order your Blood Test.
Receive it directly at home or work.
Delivered by courier with Free shipping.
2. Take the Easy Finger-prick Blood Test
Activate your test online.
Collect 2-3 drops of blood.
3. Freepost your Blood sample to our laboratories
Use the pre-paid package to post to our laboratories.
Simply drop it into your nearest high-priority Royal Mail postbox.
4. Our laboratory team run the tests
Tests are run by our staff in a clean and secure environment.
All possible measures are taken to keep Vampires out.
5. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
Login to your account to review the results.
6. Track your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests, you can track your results.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
What’s In The Test?
Home to laboratory kit
- Blood Test
- A prepaid return envelope (UK & Ireland only)
- Two single-use lancets
- One blood collection tube
- One blood collection tube label
- One plastic blood collection tube case
- Two adhesive plasters
- A cleansing wipe
