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Did you know that temperature can affect your thyroid levels?
In fact, T3 levels are lower in the summer and higher in the winter. And for many people, the colder temperatures of winter can cause a mild hypothyroid problem or an outright underactive thyroid (rare).
We all have thyroid hormones, and your body will react to those hormones differently throughout your life.
Some people get Hashimoto’s, and some people never even think about it. The important thing is not to ignore symptoms like fatigue and depression, as these could be early signs of an underlying issue with your thyroid.
Thankfully, there are at-home thyroid test kits that can now be used to monitor your hormone levels.
If you’re interested in testing at home to see if you might be having a thyroid issue, or if you’re just curious about how healthy your thyroid might be, then read on…
Can I Do An At-home Thyroid Test?
Yes, an at-home thyroid test kit can be used to check and routinely monitor your thyroid activity to determine if they are within normal range.
You can use a simple test kit to determine if you have hypothyroidism. If you’re having any symptoms of low thyroid function, including fatigue, constipation, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, cold intolerance, depression, anxiety, or mood swings, then it’s time to get tested.
You’ll need to collect a sample of your first-morning urine (after emptying your bladder) and place it in a clean container.
The specific steps of each test kit may vary by brand.
What Does an At-home Thyroid Test Measure?
A thyroid test measures how much thyroid hormone is present in the blood. These thyroid hormones play a role in regulating many bodily processes, including heart rate, body temperature, muscle activity, brain function, and metabolic rate.
A person’s thyroid gland produces two different types of thyroid hormones:
thyroxine (T4)
triiodothyronine (T3)
T4 is the primary active hormone produced by the thyroid gland, while T3 is converted from T4 in the liver. Both T4 and T3 are necessary for the normal functioning of the human body.
The thyroid gland is located just below the Adam’s apple on either side of the windpipe. It is about the size of a pea and is composed of several lobes.
When the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, they travel throughout the bloodstream and affect almost every organ system in the body.
Thyroid tests are commonly performed to diagnose thyroid disorders, determine if someone is taking medication that may interfere with their thyroid function or screen people who have been exposed to radioactive iodine.
There are three types of thyroid tests:
1. Serum TSH - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test
This test checks the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood. If the TSH level is high, it means that the thyroid gland is producing excessive amounts of TSH.
In some cases, a low TSH level indicates hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
2. Free T4/Free T3 - Thyroid Function Tests
This test checks the levels of free T4 and free T3 in the blood. The ratio between these two hormones is called the free T4 index.
An elevated free T4 index suggests hyperthyroidism. A decreased free T4 index suggests hypothyroidism.
3. Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test
This test uses radioactivity to check whether a person is absorbing enough thyroid hormones.
People who take medications that block the action of thyroid hormones should not undergo this test.
These at-home thyroid tests can help you determine which thyroid conditions you are affected by. Thyroid hormones affect your metabolism, which is the bodily process of converting food and drink components into usable energy.
As such, some people may have a hard time with weight gain, and others with weight loss.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is also referred to as an underactive thyroid, as this condition occurs when your thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient hormones to meet your body’s needs.
Hyperthyroidism
With hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormone; at this point, you have an overactive thyroid.
How can I do a Thyroid Test at Home?
Each brand of at-home thyroid test kit will come with its own set of directives though they are typically quite similar, particularly since they use a simple finger prick to collect the blood sample
The process usually includes:
- Read all of the instructions so you know what to expect.
- Write your name, date of birth, and date of sample collection on the line at the bottom of the card.
- Wash your hands in warm water and air dry completely.
- Unwrap the gauze dressing and bandage and set it aside. Open the alcohol pad and clean the top of your ring or middle finger on your non-dominant hand. Let your finger air dry for 10 seconds.
- Hold the lancet steady and press down firmly until you hear a click, then release after 1-2seconds.
- Stay standing and allow the first small drop of blood-free fall on the gauze dressing.
- Stretch your arm down towards the table (gravity is your friend!) and, without touching your finger to the card, allow drops of blood to fall freely onto the box on the first card.
- Once the card is full, apply pressure with the remaining gauze dressing and then apply the bandage. Place the used lancet and gauze dressings in the bio-disposal bag and discard them in a proper container. Let the collection cards dry for 60 minutes.
- After 60 minutes, tear open the blood sample return pouch. Don’t remove any of the contents inside. Place the card inside the bag and seal it. Then mail it off to the appropriate lab.
Quick Look
- Everlywell– This thyroid panel measures 3 main thyroid hormones (TSH, Free T3, and Free T4) plus thyroid antibodies.
- MyLAB Box–This test provides you with an accurate picture of your thyroid’s current health status.
- Lets Get Checked– provides a complete picture of how your thyroid is performing.
- Lab Me– facilitates a full assessment of your thyroid health.
- ImAware– measures your thyroid activity by measuring your thyroid-stimulating hormone levels.
- Verisana– is meant to help you determine the state of your thyroid gland and thyroid hormones.
- Paloma Health– is designed to take a deep look at your thyroid function for a personalized plan.
Overview
By using a finger prick sample collection, this thyroid panel measures 3 main thyroid hormones (TSH, Free T3, and Free T4) plus thyroid antibodies (TPO).
Highlights
- This test kit measures your levels for the 3 main thyroid hormones
- Prescriptions are available via Everlywell’s website based on your test results
- You may be provided with ongoing physician support
- Free shipping is provided with every purchase
- FSA and HSA are accepted methods of payment
- Money-saving subscription plans are available
- You will receive pre-paid shipping both ways, detailed directions and an instructional video to guide you, and all materials for sample collection and shipping back to the lab
- Your results will be provided in both digital and printable formats
- Everlywell works with work with is CLIA-certified labs only
- Everlywell tests are reviewed and approved by an independent board-certified physician within your state
Pricing
The Everlywell Thyroid Test is available for $99 at a one-time purchase cost; however, you can choose a month, quarterly, or semi-annual subscription plan to save up to $25 on each order. Free shipping is provided with every order, and FSA and HSA are accepted methods of payment.
My Take
This at-home thyroid test kit is suitable for anyone, but people experiencing certain people, like those with a family history of thyroid issues, women, adults aged 50+, individuals with Type 1 Diabetes, and smokers, are more susceptible than others; therefore, they should get tested regularly.
Overview
This at-home thyroid test is ideal for both men and women, to provide you with a clear and accurate picture of your thyroid’s current state of health using a simple and relatively painless finger prick sample collection method.
Highlights
- This test kit facilitates ideal thyroid screening for men and women
- The company provides free shipping for every purchase you make
- You can expect to receive your lab results in 2 to 5 days after the lab has received your sample
- This thyroid testing kit uses a simple finger prick blood sample collection method
- Subscription plan available for you to save up to 15%
- You may access free physician consultations
- myLAB Box works only with the best laboratories that are CAP & CLIA Certified and health experts to ensure your tests results meet national standards and are as accurate as tests done in a clinic or a doctor’s office
- You are allowed to pay with FSA / HSA cards
- This thyroid home testing kit is CDC Listed
Pricing
You can purchase the myLAB Box thyroid test for $99 as a one-time purchase; however, if you subscribe to the semi-annual plan, you will get it at a reduced cost of $89.10 every 6 months. Additionally, you are allowed to pay with FSA / HSA cards and will receive free shipping.
My Take
Since 60% of those who suffer from a thyroid disorder are unaware of their condition, this at-home thyroid test is suitable for just about anyone, especially people who are experiencing symptoms and those with a family history of thyroid disorder.
Overview
This at-home thyroid antibody test will provide a complete picture of how your thyroid is performing using a quick and easy finger prick sample collection, with online thyroid test results in 2 to 5 days.
This thyroid testing kit measures Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free Thyroxine (FT4), Free Triiodothyronine (FT3), Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGAB), and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO/TPEX).
Highlights
- This kit uses a simple finger prick blood sample
- Your secure thyroid test results are typically ready within 2 to 5 days
- LetsGetChecked uses the same labs as physicians and hospitals to ensure accurate results
- There are subscription plans available for you to save up to 30%
- This test kit measures five thyroid-related hormone levels
- FSA & HSA cards are accepted forms of payment
- The company provides a pre-paid shipping label with every order
- LetsGetChecked has a dedicated clinical team to support you and may call you to explain your results and provide guidance on your next steps
- LetsGetChecked has a team of board-certified physicians who will review your order and results and have created detailed result breakdowns for your testing journey
- LetsGetChecked uses appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of your information
Pricing
The LetsGetChecked at-home thyroid test is available for $119 per one-time purchase, but you can also subscribe to either the monthly, semi-annual, or annual plan to save up to 30% on your orders. Also, you may pay with FSA & HSA cards, plus you will receive free shipping on every purchase.
My Take
This at-home thyroid test is suitable for you if you have symptoms of an overactive thyroid, symptoms of an underactive thyroid, a family history of thyroid conditions, or an autoimmune condition such as celiac disease or type 1 diabetes.
Overview
The Lab Me at home comprehensive thyroid test allows you to see if you have too little or too much iodine and selenium and or exposure to the iodine/selenium antagonists bromine, arsenic, and mercury.
It facilitates a full assessment of your thyroid health, including screening for hypo or hyperthyroidism, determining Free T4 and Free T3 levels, testing for autoimmune thyroid disease, and monitoring thyroid replacement dosages.
Highlights
- You can expect your results to be delivered 5–7 days after the lab receives your sample
- Your lab results include licensed M.D. recommendations via PDF format using HIPAA and SOK2-compliant encryption
- This comprehensive test kit checks the levels of 14 biomarkers, including 7 thyroid-related hormones
- All Lab Me tests are performed by high-complexity CLIA certified and CAP-accredited laboratories
- The sample collection method is nearly painless finger stick is used to collect the few drops of blood required
- Your results will always be reviewed for accuracy
- You will receive personalized reports, test recommendations, and evidence-based advice on how you can make positive changes
- Your kit contains everything you need to test from home, including a pre-paid envelope to send your sample back
- Lab Me is HIPAA-compliant
Pricing
This at-home thyroid test by Lab Me is available for $299 as a one-time purchase cost, and you will receive free shipping with every purchase.
My Take
This thyroid test kit is ideal for individuals with thyroid dysfunction coupled with concerns about toxic element exposure and iodine or selenium deficiencies’ impact on T4 to T3 conversion.
Overview
This at-home test kit measures your thyroid activity by measuring your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels to determine if you have underactive, overactive, or normal thyroid function.
It was designed for women or for people assigned female at birth. These at-home thyroid test kits require just a few drops of blood from the fingertip, a clinically-validated method that is just as accurate (and typically less painful) than conventional blood collection.
Highlights
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- This kit is made specifically for females
- The needle on this lancet stays hidden until the collection is complete
- A sample report is available for you to view prior to making your purchase on the brand’s official website
- FSA/HSA cards are accepted methods of payment
- Your lab results will be available within 7 business days
- The company provides free shipping with every order
- The lab results are easy-to-understand and are physician approved
- Sample collection with this kit is typically less painful than conventional blood collection
Pricing
The ImAware at-home thyroid test is available via their official website for $79. They also provide free shipping on every order.
My Take
This test was specifically designed for women or for people designated female at birth, particularly if they are experiencing certain common symptoms of thyroid disease that overlap with normal signs of aging, making it difficult to detect without testing.
Some of these symptoms of thyroid disease can include thinning hair, irregular, slow or rapid heartbeat, muscle weakness, tremors, and joint pain. Also, if you sign up for their newsletter, you will receive 15% off your first purchase.
Overview
Verisana’s at-home thyroid test kit is meant to help you determine the state of your thyroid gland and thyroid hormones with these 4 markers; free T3, free T4, TSH, aTPO.
You receive a first indication about the existence of thyroid dysfunctions (such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism) as well as autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s.
Highlights
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- You will receive a lab report with detailed explanations about the function of the thyroid gland and thyroid hormones, as well as information about possible symptoms that can occur when there is an imbalance
- This kit measure 4 thyroid biomarkers
- Based on your results, Verisana will gladly assist you in finding a suitable therapist in your area
- To protect your privacy, the company will not share your information with any not authorized third party, and as such, all samples are disposed of after analysis
- A sample collecting guide and a sample report are available on the brand’s website for viewing even before placing your order
- Verisana provides free shipping for each order
Pricing
This Verisana comprehensive at-home thyroid test is available for $154.95 on the Verisana official website. You will also receive free shipping.
My Take
If you are having any of the following symptoms, then this at-home thyroid test is suitable for you. These symptoms include unexplained weight gain or weight loss, anxiety, depressive moods, constipation, low energy, fatigue, change in heart rate, hair loss, feeling too cold or too hot, irregular menstrual periods, and muscle weakness or trembling hands.
Overview
Paloma Health Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit is designed to take a deep look at your thyroid function for a personalized plan to improve your Hashimoto’s and or hypothyroidism.
It measures four biomarkers; TSH, free T4, free T3, and TPO using a finger prick sample collection methos, and add-ons such as Vitamin D and Reverse T3 are also available.
Highlights
-
- You will receive personalized and easy-to-understand results
- You can view a sample lab report before making your purchase
- This is a quick test, using a relatively painless finger prick blood sample
- Your blood sample is analyzed by CLIA-CERTIFIED Labs only
- Paloma Health ensures that your results are reviewed by US physicians
- The company provides personal guidance based on your test results with actual action-oriented recommendations
- A sample collection video guide is available on Paloma Health’s website
- Your results will contain your levels of each marker tested, providing you insight into how they compare to the appropriate standards
- For those with thyroid issues, the company sets up follow-up tests to check in on how you’re doing over time
- In most cases, you can use your HSA or FSA or insurance to pay for your Paloma Health home thyroid testing kit
Pricing
This Paloma Health thyroid home testing kit is available for $99 on the official website. You will also receive free 3-day shipping.
My Take
This at-home thyroid test is ideal for anyone looking to monitor their thyroid function with regular testing. It is also suitable for those who are undiagnosed and are experiencing symptoms that are indicative of an ill-functioning thyroid gland.
Are At-home Thyroid Tests Accurate?
Thyroid tests are accurate most of the time, but there is a chance that your results could be inaccurate.
There are a number of reasons why this could happen. For example, you have not returned your sample on time. A thyroid test may also be affected by other medical conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases. Additionally, your medications may affect the results of the test.
However, the companies that manufacture these tests and the labs that assess your sample have taken steps to ensure that you get the most accurate results possible.
Summary
An at-home thyroid test can help identify potential health issues, including an underactive thyroid or an overactive thyroid. Using an at-home thyroid testing kit is a great option for people who are interested in monitoring their health but don’t want to deal with a doctor’s visit or blood draws.
If you’re between the ages of 25-50 and experiencing weight gain or unexplained fatigue, or if you notice any signs of an underactive thyroid (unusually tired, cold, weight loss, skin changes, or constipation), talk to your doctor.
You can also see your doctor if you are experiencing any other thyroid symptoms.