Thyroid Function Tests

Thyroid testing plays a crucial role in assessing the function of the thyroid gland, a small but powerful organ that influences numerous bodily functions. By measuring various thyroid hormones and antibodies, thyroid testing helps healthcare professionals diagnose thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, and Graves’ disease.

These tests can also provide you with valuable insights into the thyroid’s hormone production, its ability to convert hormones effectively, and the presence of autoimmune responses targeting the thyroid.

Who can benefit from a thyroid function test?

Thyroid blood tests can especially useful if you’re experiencing symptoms of an underactive or overactive thyroid.

Symptoms associated with hypothyroidism may include fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold, constipation, skin issues, menstrual problems like PMS and dysmenorrhea, fertility challenges, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, fluid retention, anxiety, memory and concentration issues, muscle and joint pain, and decreased libido.

On the other hand, symptoms of hyperthyroidism often include nervousness, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, fluctuations between hyperactivity and fatigue, heart palpitations, and heightened sensitivity to heat.

The thyroid panels listed below are intended to assist in monitoring or investigating symptoms associated with thyroid function.

Test

Thyroid Basic Panel

Thyroid Complete Panel

Thyrpid Advnaced Panel

What’s tested?

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Free triiodothyronine (fT3)
Free thyroxine (fT4)
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO)
Thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG)

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Free triiodothyronine (fT3)
Free thyroxine (fT4)
Triiodothyronine (T3)
Thyroxine (T4)
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO)
Thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG)
Reverse triiodothyronine (rT3)
T-Uptake

Sample collection type

Finger prick, collection at home; or blood draw at client’s cost

Blood draw neeeded, ideally centrifuged – at client’s cost

When to consider?

This panel enables the tracking of thyroid hormone and thyroid antibody levels. It is suitable for individuals with existing thyroid conditions.

This panel is valuable for investigating suspected underactive thyroid issues. Additionally, for individuals with existing underactive thyroid (Hashimoto’s) who continue to experience symptoms, it can assist in exploring T4/T3 conversion issues.

This panel aids in the investigation of underactive thyroid issues and assesses potential conversion problems. It also screens for both Hashimoto’s (anti-TPO, anti-TG) and Graves’ antibodies (TRAb), which is especially helpful during the initial phases of assessment.

Buy now - £75

Buy now - £179

Buy now - £189

Explanation of the thyroid markers

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland to regulate the thyroid’s production of thyroxine (T4), its storage, and its release into the bloodstream. TSH is pivotal in thyroid diagnostics, offering high sensitivity and specificity in assessing thyroid function.

T4 is the primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland.

T3 is the most active thyroid hormone, primarily derived from the conversion of T4 in the gut and liver.

Free thyroxine (fT4) and free triiodothyronine (fT3) represent the active fraction of thyroid hormones. They aid in identifying overt hyper- or hypothyroidism as well as subtler subclinical thyroid issues.

Thyroid antibody levels, including TG Ab and TPO Ab, help evaluate autoimmune response, which can impact T4 and T3 production. Elevated levels may indicate various conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease (TRAb).

TRAb development occurs when the immune system targets the thyroid gland or its proteins, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and disruption of thyroid function. TRAbs can mimic or counteract the action of TSH, resulting in either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, respectively.

Reverse T3 (rT3) measures the inactive form of T3 in the body, which can increase when the conversion of T4 to active T3 is impaired due to factors like nutrient deficiencies, heavy metal exposure, adrenal stress, or chronic illnesses.

The T-uptake assesses the availability of thyroxine binding sites. If T-uptake is low or high, the measurements of total T3 and T4 levels will be affected.

What sample is needed to run a thyroid panel?

Thyroid Basic Panel – a blood sample collected through a finger prick at home. Instructions are included in the kit. You can also watch the video below to asses if a finger prick collection is for you.

Thyroid Complete and Advanced Panels – a blood sample collected through a blood draw. This will have to be organised and paid for by you. You can have a blood draw in a health clinic or by a mobile phlebotomist. Just search for “blood draw” or “phlebotomy” + the area you live in, for example: “blood draw in north London”. Alternatively, you can use Take my blood provider.

Postage and shipping

The test price includes postage to a UK address and a pre-paid return envelope to the lab.

What to be aware of before collecting the sample?

No fasting is required.
If you take T3 or T3-containing medications, this will affect the results by increasing fT3, so it’s best to take T3 medication after the blood draw.
If you take a biotin supplement, stop it at least 2 days before having the sample collected. Biotin use can result in falsely high levels of T₄ and T₃ and falsely low levels of TSH.
Do not stop any medications without checking with your health care professional beforehand.

I’m ready to collect my sample, what’s next?

For Thyroid Complete and Advanced Panels, book your blood to be drawn and collected Monday to Thursday only, ensuring the next day is not a bank holiday or weekend in the UK.
No centrifugation is required, but IF it is possible, it is preferred to centrifuge the sample at the time of draw as this extends the time within the sample can reach the lab.
However, if the sample is not being centrifuged at the time of the draw, then it must be in the analysing lab within 24 hours, otherwise, the sample will not be usable and another blood draw will be needed. Please bear that in mind when posting the sample.
For the Thyroid Basic Panel, collect your sample Monday to Wednesday, and post as soon as possible.
A prepaid UK return label is included with your test kit. Please follow the instructions included in your kit.

What happens when your results are ready?

The Thyroid Basic Panel’s results will be read within 2 working days and you’ll be able to access them via the app.

The Thyroid Complete and Advanced – your results will be ready in 3 working days and I’ll email them to you as soon as they become available.

Please note that the price of the panels does not cover the time needed to interpret the results. It’s essential to interpret the results alongside your symptoms, medications, diet, and lifestyle.

Upon purchasing any of the thyroid panels, you have the option to schedule a consultation with me. During this consultation, we’ll review your results, discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and diet in detail. I’ll then offer personalized recommendations tailored to your needs.