Thyroid Function Home Test Kit

The thyroid gland mainly produces two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Most T4 is converted to T3, which is the active hormone. T3 and T4 play an important role in regulating your heartbeat, brain health, skin dryness, breathing, weight, metabolism, growth, sexual functions, mood, and many other body functions. 

The production of these two hormones by the thyroid gland is controlled by the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which is released from the pituitary gland, a pea-shaped organ situated just below your brain. TSH production in turn depends on the amount of T3 and T4 in the bloodstream. This system creates the balance that your body needs to function optimally.
 

A thyroid function blood test measures the amount of free thyroid hormones (not linked to proteins) and TSH in your bloodstream. 

The results of your thyroid function test can tell you if your thyroid function is normal or if you have results consistent with primary hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or subclinical hyperthyroidism. 

Having a high level of TSH means that your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism). If you have normal values of thyroid hormones with high levels of TSH, you may have subclinical hypothyroidism, which means you are at an early stage of the progression of the disease, and this is why you probably are not showing any signs or symptoms. If on the other hand, the thyroid hormone values are lower, it could be that you have primary hypothyroidism, which is at a more advanced stage compared to subclinical hypothyroidism.

Low levels of TSH indicate that your thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism). As with the underactive thyroid, having low levels of TSH with normal thyroid hormone levels means that you can have subclinical hyperthyroidism, whereas if you had higher levels of thyroid hormones, it probably means you have hyperthyroidism. 

The Vitall thyroid function with automimmunity blood test can also measure the levels of specific antibodies that are directed at the thyroid gland or hormones. The results of these tests are used to diagnose thyroid auto-immune diseases, a case in which your body's own immune system attacks your thyroid gland or hormones.
 

The signs and symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) usually develop over a long period of time and depend on the amount of thyroid hormones produced. Symptoms can also vary from person to person depending on their overall health. 

The most common symptoms include fatigue; weight gain; low tolerance to cold; dry skin; depression; constipation; slow heart rate; puffy face; muscle weakness and cramps; high cholesterol levels; impaired memory; stiffness and swelling of joints; irregular menstrual periods; thinning hair; swollen neck; frequent respiratory and urinary infections; insomnia; anaemia; and loss of sexual drive. 

If left untreated, an underactive thyroid can cause more severe symptoms such as hearing loss; hoarseness; and an even slower heart rate which can increase the risk of heart disease.

In infants, common signs and symptoms of an underactive thyroid include yellowness of the skin and the whites of the eyes; a larger than average tongue; difficulty breathing; an umbilical hernia; and excessive crying. 
 

If you recognize any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should talk to your GP who may then ask you to take the thyroid test. You can also take a thyroid test at home to check whether your thyroid hormone levels are in the normal range.

If you are diagnosed with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), you should take the thyroid test once a year. If you are diagnosed with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), you should get tested every month at the beginning of the treatment and then less frequently as the medications begin to work. If your doctor changes your thyroid treatment, you should take the thyroid test after 2 months to measure the effects of the regimen change.

If you have no symptoms of hypothyroidism and your TSH is borderline high in 2 consecutive tests, your thyroid peroxidase antibodies test results will determine how often you need to do the regular check-ups.

The moment you take a thyroid test is very important because it all depends on whether you are undergoing other treatments on the side.

Anyone who is prescribed amiodarone must take the thyroid test before starting their treatment. You should take follow-up tests every 6 months in the beginning and then every 12 months.

If you take biotin supplements, you might need to wait 8 hours after the last dose to take the thyroid test.

Lithium can also affect thyroid function, so if you take this drug, you should get tested at least every 6 months.

Studies have shown that TSH levels peak during menstrual periods, so this is another factor to consider when getting your thyroid function tested.  

There are no real restrictions in terms of eating before taking the thyroid test, in fact, it is highly recommended to eat before the test as fasting can influence your TSH levels.