They're also used to detect and prevent thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid disease. These simple tests use finger-prick blood sample kits that you can use at home. Once you have your blood sample, you can send it to the clinic for analysis and get your results within 24 hours. What is a thyroid? A thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, which produces vital hormones that help in controlling metabolism, including different body functions and how you use your energy. These hormones are known as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and they're controlled by hormones called thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Once your thyroid gland fails to produce enough of these hormones, it can lead to an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. On the other hand, making too much can cause an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. In some cases, an autoimmune disease causes thyroid disorders. You'll feel symptoms like weight loss or gain, moodiness, and tiredness when something is wrong with your thyroid. Thyroid antibody test cost varies but taking one at home can help identify the problem. What is a thyroid function test? A thyroid blood test is one of the best ways to check that your thyroid is working properly. The same test can measure your thyroid hormones and monitor how well you're responding to thyroid disorder medications. Should you do a thyroid function test? A thyroid antibody test cost is very affordable. Taking one at home is a convenient way to ensure that your thyroid hormones are normal. Once there's a hormonal imbalance, it can cause a thyroid disorder such as overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). The symptoms include: Fatigue Poor concentration Skin dryness Brittle hair and nails Sensitivity to cold Easily irritated Anxiety Depression Constipation or diarrhoea Muscle aches or cramps Weakness Poor sex drive Irregular or heavy menstruation Weight gain or loss Excessive sweating Shaking Heart palpitations These symptoms could indicate hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. In addition to taking a thyroid test at home, your doctor will also advise monitoring your thyroid function to determine if your medications are effective. How to test your thyroid function There are many ways to test your thyroid function. Nowadays, it's more convenient with thyroid testing at home, which you can do with a simple and accurate finger-prick blood test kit. Thyroid Function & Autoimmune Reaction Home Test Kit This hormonal control test from Vitall assesses thyroid function and detects abnormal thyroid immune activities. It comes with a finger-prick blood home test kit you can use at home. You can also request a home nurse visit or drop by one of their clinics to have a professional get your blood sample for you. This kit tests two important thyroid hormones. The first is free thyroxine, which speeds up metabolism, and TSH, which regulates thyroxine production. The test further analyses your free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroxine, TPO, and TGAB antibodies to check if you have any thyroid disorders. Moreover, it analyses specific thyroid antibodies to check for autoimmune diseases. This thyroid antibody test costs £89. Thyroid Function Home Test Kit This hormonal control test assesses thyroid function and indicates abnormal thyroid activity. The kit allows you to collect your blood sample using a finger-prick blood home test kit you can do yourself. Another option is to ask for a nurse to take it for you at home. You can also have your sample taken at a clinic. The kit also tests the hormones free thyroxine and TSH. The presence of antibodies in your blood indicates an increased risk of having autoimmune thyroid diseases in the future. Meanwhile, your thyroid needs vitamins and minerals, like vitamins D, B12, B9, and iron, to function correctly. It's important to test for nutrient deficiencies and your thyroid test to avoid thyroid-related diseases. This thyroid antibody test costs £59. [TEST] What can affect your thyroid function results? Many factors can affect your test results, such as the following: Medications – it's vital to tell your doctor if you're taking medication for other conditions, as it can affect your thyroid test results. Pregnancy – pregnant women should also inform their doctor of their condition as it can influence test results. Test schedule – your body clock or circadian rhythm affects your TSH levels. The results vary depending on the time of day you take your blood test. TSH peaks early in the morning and evening but decreases mid-morning. Understanding your thyroid blood test results Vitall's thyroid test kits are easy and convenient. Once you've taken your blood sample and sent it to them, an accredited laboratory will analyse it. You'll have your results within 24 hours. However, you should know that these results have various biomarkers, and here's a guide to understanding them. TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) results The normal TSH range is between 0.27-4.2 mIU/L. You have overactive thyroid if you don't reach these levels. However, levels higher than these could mean an underactive thyroid. T4 (thyroxine) results T4 is tested as 'total' T4 or 'free' T4 (FT4). The normal range for total T4 is 66-181 nmol/L and 12-22 pmol/L for FT4. Once your levels are lower than normal, you have underactive and overactive thyroid if they're higher. T3 (triiodothyronine) results T3 affects thyroid hormones more than T4, with most of it bound to proteins in the blood while the rest is 'free' or unattached. The normal range is 3.1-6.8 pmol/L. Low levels indicate an underactive thyroid, while higher levels could mean an overactive thyroid. TPOAb (anti-thyroid peroxidase) results TPOAb's normal range is between 0-34 kIU/L. If the levels are higher, it signifies an autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto's disease. These antibodies affect the thyroid leading to hypothyroidism. TgAb (anti-thyroglobulin antibody) results TgAb's normal range is between 0-115 kU/L. Your levels are higher if you have an autoimmune thyroid disease. Most people suffering from Hashimoto's disease have high TgAb levels. Autoimmune thyroid diseases Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly damages your body's healthy cells. Once thyroid antibodies start attacking your thyroid, it leads to an autoimmune thyroid disease such as the following: Graves’ disease Graves' disease is a common autoimmune thyroid disease that causes an overactive thyroid. It has various signs and symptoms, and though it can affect just about anybody, it's discovered to be more common among women and individuals younger than 40. Once you start noticing the symptoms, taking a thyroid test at home and visiting your doctor is best. Here are some of its common symptoms: Anxiety Irritability Tremors in hands and fingers Sensitivity to heat Having sweaty or warm, moist skin Weight loss Goitre or enlargement of the thyroid gland Irregular menstruation Poor sex drive Erectile dysfunction Fatigue Bulging eyes Skin redness and thickness on the shins or top of the feet Heart palpitation Disturbed sleep Hashimoto's Disease Hashimoto's disease is another common autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid, causing it to produce less hormone or hypothyroidism. It's also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. According to Thyroid UK, a Japanese doctor first described it in 1912 to refer to anyone with hypothyroidism. It's a variant of hypothyroidism caused by autoimmunity. The thyroid fails to function properly as it gets infiltrated by white cells. The immune system starts to attack healthy tissues, decreasing hormone production and leading to hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's disease can happen to anyone, but it greatly affects middle-aged women. It progresses slowly, and the signs aren't noticeable. Eventually, these symptoms start to occur: Fatigue Sensitivity to cold Sleepiness Skin dryness Constipation Joint pain Muscle weakness, aches, and stiffness Irregular or excessive menstruation Poor memory or concentration Depression Puffiness Enlargement of the tongue Brittleness of nails Hair loss Treating thyroid disorders The thyroid antibody test cost differs but if you want to check for thyroid disorders and get treatments fast, it's a reliable and convenient way to check if you have thyroid disorder. It's vital to see your doctor to discuss its causes and potential treatments. Below are some of the most effective treatments for thyroid-related health problems: Hyperthyroidism Treatment Nowadays, hyperthyroidism treatments are readily available to those who need them. Your doctor may recommend any of the following depending on the severity of your condition: Anti-thyroid medication Thionamides, such as carbimazole and propylthiouracil, are often used to treat hyperthyroidism as they can help stop the thyroid from producing extra hormones. The medicine must be taken from 12 to 18 months, but it'll take a while before you start noticing its benefits. Your doctor may recommend taking a beta-blocker together with your medicine to help relieve some of the symptoms. Most people experience side effects for the first two months. They feel sick with high temperatures and experience headaches, aching joints, upset stomach, itchy rash, and taste changes. Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose once your thyroid hormone levels return to normal. However, some people need to take the medicine for several more years or throughout their lifetime. Radioactive iodine treatment This treatment involves using radiotherapy to destroy cells in the thyroid gland to decrease hormone production. During the treatment, you'll be given a capsule or drink with iodine and a low dose of radiation. The thyroid then absorbs it. You'll notice its effects after a few weeks or months. The dose of radiation used in the treatment is very low. However, there are some precautions you need to take after undergoing treatment, such as avoiding prolonged close contact with pregnant women and children for three weeks. Also, men shouldn't father a child for four months, while women must not get pregnant for six months. Radioactive iodine treatment is not recommended for breastfeeding and pregnant women and for those suffering from eye problems due to overactive thyroid. Surgery Another treatment is to have a part or all of your thyroid removed through surgery. It's your best option if your thyroid gland is swollen due to goiter or you have severe eye problems because of an overactive thyroid. It's also recommended for those who can't have other treatments or have tried other treatments, but symptoms returned. Removing your thyroid gland can stop hyperthyroidism but also means your body can no longer produce thyroid hormones. In this case, you'll have to take medicine like levothyroxine for life. Hypothyroidism Treatment Once you've taken a thyroid test at home and the results determine that you have hypothyroidism, it's time to see your doctor. The best treatment for this condition is thyroid hormone replacement, and your doctor will generally prescribe levothyroxine to replace thyroxine hormone. You'll start with a low dose, which will gradually increase depending on your body's response. You must take it at the same time each day, preferably in the morning. Levothyroxine doesn't usually have side effects, but those who are taking too much of it. Thyroid Cancer Treatment Treatment for thyroid cancer involves the removal of the cancerous tissue or thyroidectomy, the removal of the whole thyroid gland. Affected lymph glands in the neck must be removed, too. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Some people with thyroid problems also undergo therapies to help clean their bodies, strengthen immunity, and balance hormone levels. However, you must consult your doctor first before undergoing these methods to ensure they don't interfere with your treatments. For example, naturopaths use traditional Chinese medicine, including herbs, homeopathic mixtures, and acupuncture. The methods can help relieve stress, but insufficient studies prove their effectiveness in treating thyroid disorders. On the other hand, chiropractors help treat symptoms through spinal manipulation, specifically by relieving muscle tension and promoting better blood circulation. Diet and Nutrition If you want to avoid paying the thyroid antibody test cost, prevention is better than cure. Though there isn't a list of specific foods to treat thyroid disorders, you can ensure that your thyroid gland is as healthy as possible by eating the right foods. According to the NHS Eatwell Guide, you can try the following: Eat five portions of various vegetables and fruits daily Go for starchy foods with high fibre Enjoy dairy or its alternatives Include protein in your diet, like fish, beans, eggs, and meat Eat small amounts of unsaturated oils and spreads Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fluids daily The thyroid gland releases hormones essential for your body. Ensure you take care of it by having a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. You must also check your thyroid hormone levels regularly through a thyroid test at home. See your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Check how much a thyroid antibody test costs now and get yourself tested. Summary Of Thyroid Testing Key Terms Description Thyroid Butterfly-shaped gland producing T3 and T4 hormones, controlling metabolism. Hypothyroidism Underactive thyroid, resulting from insufficient hormone production. Hyperthyroidism Overactive thyroid, resulting from excess hormone production. Thyroid Function Test Measures thyroid hormones and evaluates response to medication. Home Test Kits Finger-prick tests for thyroid function & autoimmune reactions; results in 24 hours. Factors Affecting Test Results Medications, pregnancy, test schedule. Thyroid Test Results Guide Understand TSH, T4, T3, TPOAb, and TgAb levels. Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases Graves’ disease and Hashimoto's Disease, where the immune system attacks the thyroid. Hyperthyroidism Treatments Anti-thyroid medication, radioactive iodine treatment, surgery. Hypothyroidism Treatment Thyroid hormone replacement, typically levothyroxine. Thyroid Cancer Treatment Removal of cancerous tissue or the entire thyroid gland. Complementary Treatments Chinese medicine, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture. Diet and Nutrition Eat balanced meals as per the NHS Eatwell Guide for optimal thyroid health.