This test detects two key biomarkers so you will know if your thyroid is working correctly.
Having an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause a wide range of symptoms. Knowing your levels will tell you whether you are in the normal range and advise you whether you should seek medical advice and treatment.
This blood test checks the levels of 2 essential biomarkers:
Free T4 - this is thyroxine secreted by your thyroid gland and is called T4 as it has 4 atoms of iodine. Your body then converts this to T3 (tri-iodothyrine) which is the hormone that regulates your body's metabolism.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) - also called thyrotropin, which is the hormone produced in your pituitary gland to stimulate your thyroid gland to make more T4.
A kit containing everything you need is sent to an address of your choice.
You can then take a simple finger prick sample, using the lancets provided and collect the drops into the tube. You then register it on-line and post it off to the laboratory using the Royal Mail 1st Class Tracked envelope that is included with your kit.
Your full report, showing your results and how they compare with the normal reference ranges, are reported back to you by email. You will receive your result the day after the lab receives your sample.
All test results are reviewed by the in-house GPs who highlight any areas of concern of that might need further investigation and follow up with a doctor.
Free shipping
Standard Royal Mail 1st Class delivery to you is included in the price and your kit also includes a Royal Mail 1st Class Tracked label for you to send your sample back
Guaranteed next day delivery - £7.50
If you require your kit of results within a specific timeframe, Royal Mail Guaranteed before 1pm is available. Your tracked return label is already included in your kit.
No, you do not need to fast for this test, but it is recommended that you take your sample first thing in the morning.
The thyroid hormone plays a significant role in regulating your body's metabolism, which include your body temperature, how you convert food into energy and even your brain function and heart rate. If there is not enough thyroid hormone then your body slows down, and if there is too much then everything speeds up.
If you are suffering from common symptoms caused by an over active or under active thyroid gland, then it is a good idea to check.
There are some conditions that make people more likely to have thyroid problems, including Type 1 diabetes and Coeliac disease.
This test can also be used if you have a diagnosed thyroid problem to monitor your levels.
Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid gland is overactive, so it will produce too much thyroxine. This can affect almost every organ in your body as it is the hormone that controls metabolism.
Symptoms can include unintentional weightloss and increased appetite (even when you are eating the same amount of food), irritability, anxiety and mood swings and pounding of your heart (palpitations), an irregular heartbeat (arrythmia) or a racing heart of more than 100 beats per minute (tachycardia).
If it is left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause serious health issues and also affect your menstrual cycle and fertility.
There are several treatments for hyperthyroidism, with the most common being antithyroid drugs.
Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroxine. This makes your metabolism slow down and affects your entire body..
The most common symptoms are weight gain even when your food intake does not increase and fatigue or extreme tiredness. Other syptoms include depression, increased sensitivity to cold, dry skin and a puffy face, and muscle aches and pain or stiffness in your joints.
Severly low thyroid levels (myxedema) can be very srious and cause a very low body temperature, confusion, heart failure and coma.
Overtime if left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause obesity, heart disease adn infertility.
An underactive thyroid is quite common and very good treatments . This is usually a synthetic thyroid hormone, levothyroxine, taken orally, that restores your hormone levels quickly.
These ranges are a guide for genereal population and will be different for pregnant women and children.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) 0.4 to 4.0 mU/l (milliunints per litre)
FT4 (Free Thyroxine) 9.0 to 25.0 pmol/l (picomoles per litre)
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