Thyroid Blood Test

What causes hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones T3 and T4. This can be caused by different conditions, such as:

• Autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Thyroid surgery
• Certain medications
• Radiation therapy in the head or neck area 
• Iodine deficiency 
• Disorders of the pituitary gland
• Congenital conditions

What causes hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. This can be caused by different conditions, such as:

• Autoimmune conditions such as Grave’s Disease and Plummer’s Disease
• Inflammation of the thyroid gland (Thyroiditis)
• Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules
• Too much iodine in the body
• A noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland

What is a Thyroid Test? 
This home thyroid test measures the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in your blood. The test method involves a finger prick that you can easily take from home. Your sample will then be examined by a certified laboratory and you will receive the results within a matter of days. It couldn’t be easier!

What is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone?
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. TSH regulates the production of the hormones T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland. Together, T3 and T4 control the rate at which your body uses energy. An imbalance of TSH, whether too much or too little, can indicate problems with the thyroid.

Thyroid problems can cause symptoms impacting the entire body. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, occurs when your thyroid gland does not produce enough T3 and T4. During hypothyroidism, TSH is usually high. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces more T3 and T4 than what your body needs. During hyperthyroidism, TSH is usually low.

What will the Homed-IQ Home Thyroid test tell you? 
Homed-IQ’s Home Thyroid Test measures TSH from a small blood sample taken with an at-home sample collection kit. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.

A TSH test is the first step in assessing thyroid function. This test provides an indication of how well your thyroid is working.  If TSH levels are too high or too low, additional testing of other thyroid hormones is required to confirm whether a thyroid condition is present and to determine what is causing your thyroid to not function properly.

Homed-IQ’s Thyroid Test is a convenient way to determine whether you may have a thyroid condition and will give you an indication of whether follow-up care is needed with your GP.

What will my test results include?
The results of your Thyroid Test will tell you the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. If your TSH level is too high or too low, you may have a thyroid condition and should speak to your doctor about further testing and treatment. 

Your test result contains a simple explanation of the result and its meaning, as well as a PDF laboratory report that can be brought to your GP for follow-up.

Is there treatment for hyper- and hypothyroidism?
Yes, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are treatable. Hyperthyroidism is generally managed with anti-thyroid medications or radioactive iodine, which causes the thyroid to shrink. In some cases, the thyroid may be surgically removed, requiring the individual to take synthetic hormones for life to maintain normal hormone levels.

Hypothyroidism is treated with daily synthetic thyroid hormones, which restore adequate hormone levels and reverse symptoms.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is produced in the pituitary gland in the brain. TSH regulates the production of hormones T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland. Either too much or too little TSH can indicate problems with the thyroid, such as hyper or hypothyroidism.

Free Triiodothyronine (FT3)
The thyroid is a small gland that is located at the base of the front of your neck. The thyroid produces and stores two hormones- Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). Most T3 and T4 circulates in the blood bound to protein, and therefore can be affected by protein levels and protein binding ability. Free T3 (FT3) is T3 that is not bound to protein and immediately available for use by the body. FT3 regulates the body’s metabolic rate, including the rate at which calories are burned, body temperature, the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract, and heart rate. It also helps maintain brain function and muscle control. T3 is also produced in other body tissues through the conversion of FT4 to FT3.

Free Thyroxine (FT4)
Free Thyroxine (T4) is the second hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Production of this hormone is regulated by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in the brain. Free T4 (FT4) is the biologically available form of T4 that is unbound to protein. Thyroid hormones affect all organs of the body and either too much or too little T4 can cause unpleasant symptoms and poor overall health. Therefore, it is important to identify abnormal levels of thyroid hormones so appropriate treatment can be initiated.

What are the most common signs of hypothyroidism?Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can cause the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Puffy face
• Dry skin
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Thinning hair
• Slowed heart rate
• Depression
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Muscle and joint pain
• Constipation

What are the most common signs of hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can cause the following symptoms:

• Rapid or irregular heart rate
• Increased appetite
• Unintentional weight loss
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in menstrual patterns

Who should take a thyroid self test?
Although anyone can develop thyroid issues, you’re at an increased risk if you:

• Are a woman (women are 8 to 10 times more likely than men to have thyroid disorders)
• Are older than 50 years old
• Have been pregnant within the past 6 months
• Have a family history of thyroid disease
• Have an autoimmune disease, such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease
• Are a smoker
• Have been exposed to radiation therapy, especially around the neck
• Have been treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications

Why should I order a thyroid self test through Homed-IQ? 
Many people suspect they have thyroid problems due to symptoms of fatigue, weight loss/gain, digestive problems, thinning hair, dry skin, and mood swings. Testing your TSH levels from home is an easy first step into learning more about your thyroid health without the need to visit a doctor. Homed-IQ’s Thyroid Test requires only a few drops of blood as a sample and can be collected easily from the comfort of your home.