Thursday, March 28, 2024

How To Check My Thyroid At Home

The Importance Of Basal Body Temperature

How to test your Thyroid at home

Low body temperature is not only an indication of a possible thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, but it can also create an environment for worsening problems. Our body temperature is critical for optimal immune function, circulation, enzyme activity and more .

A lower than normal body temperature creates an environment that is ripe for pathogens like bacteria and viruses. The reason we create a high temperature fever when we have a bacterial infection or a flu is that the high temperature is inhospitable for the bacteria and viruses and it activates powerful immune activities within the body.

Additionally, enzymes are temperature dependent and wont function well at lower than optimal temperature ranges. A low-body temp will reduce overall enzyme activity which slows the bodies intracellular metabolism and causes an inability to buffer oxidative stress effectively. It also leads to poor digestion and sluggish gut and liver metabolism and an inability to deactivate and excrete toxins from the body.

Ways To Test Your Thyroid Health Levels At Home

Your thyroid is one of the most important glands in your body. It’s small and usually described as “butterfly-shaped”, located at the base of your neck. It’s one of the regulators of the endocrine system and is responsible for manufacturing hormones that control your metabolism.

As with many bodily systems, there are generally two ways it can cease working normally becoming too active, or becoming underactive. These, identified by the prefixes hyper or hypo respectively, lead to a variety of different systemic diseases.

Testing Your Adrenals With Btt

The way most people experience low morning cortisol would be in an inability to get out of bed. It just seems so hard to drag yourself out of bed. If this is the case, it is most likely a low functional HPA axis in the morning.

To test your BTT to analyze cortisol levels throughout the day, follow the following strategy:

  • 3 Hours after waking
  • 3 Hours after that
  • 3 Hours after that
  • Take these 3 temperatures and add them up and divide by 3 to get your daily average temperature .
  • Do this for 5 days and analyze the results of each day. If any of the days temps are more than .2F off from another, it may be a sign of adrenal dysfunction.
  • We dont want to test in the evening or at night because cortisol should normally be low at that stage. Cortisol should be at its highest in the morning and slowly taper down as the day goes on.

    If you are using a new adrenal supplement, give it 5 days before you begin testing to give it time to work on the HPA axis before doing a 5 day DATS. Some other home tests you could do to test your adrenal function include static blood pressure, orthostatic blood pressure and the pupillary constriction test. I explain these in great detail in this article.

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    Are There Foods That Can Cause Thyroid Disease

    Ingested food does not usually cause thyroid disease. However, studies have shown that some foods may be bad for your thyroid hormone production. These foods are known as thyroid disruptors. For example

    • Cabbage contains thiocyanates that are antithyroid compounds.
    • Soy products contain flavonoids that disrupt thyroid hormone formation.
    • Caffeine has been shown to reduce thyroid hormone levels.
    • Grapes contain reversterol that reduces thyroid hormone release.
    • Polyunsaturated fatty acids and fish oil also slow down thyroid hormone formation.
    • Cinnamon has demonstrated a slight association to desensitize the thyroid hormone receptors.

    How Much Do Thyroid Function Tests Cost

    How I Tested My Thyroid at Home

    The Vitall thyroid function test is available online for just £59. Your home test kit will be dispatched by free first class post for delivery to your door.

    For the best value testing you can also upgrade this thyroid function home test to tests which also measure other biomarkers, including:

    When you checkout to buy your thyroid function test online we also offer additional options, including:

    • Upgrade to next day delivery of your home test kit for an additional £7.99.
    • Visit the Patient Reception in central London for just £25. Your thyroid function test sample can be collected by a qualified nurse for immediate analysis.
    • Have a nurse visit you to collect the sample for your thyroid function test, this is available within the M25 area for just £149.

    Whichever option you choose at checkout, buying the best thyroid function test online in the UK with Vitall ensures high quality results from an accredited laboratory.

    Take control of your health today with one of Vitalls home blood tests.

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    Thyroid Health Menstrual Cycle And Bbt

    Since women are 75% more likely to have a thyroid problem, we should obviously address the role of menstruation in the BBT reading. If you are menstruating, your temperature will naturally be higher during ovulation as it makes the egg more fertile. This increase in temperature will skew the results.

    For this reason, menstruating women should not take the test during ovulation but instead should begin on the 2nd day of menstruation and should never get closer to 4 days pre-ovulation for accurate readings.

    Why Use Saliva Hormone Testing

    Human saliva is a reliable source of bioavailable, unbound hormones that are able to act on target tissues. Apparently, hormones in the bloodstream are bound to carrier proteins in about 95 to 99 percent. Therefore, saliva hormone testing can present a more accurate level of free hormones circulating within the body than blood hormone testing.

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    When Is The Best Time To Take A Home Thyroid Test

    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 , you should take the thyroid test once a year. If you are diagnosed with an overactive thyroid , 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.

    Who Else Can See My Lab Results Or Personal Analysis

    Do-It-Yourself Home Test for Hypothyroidism (Low Thyroid)

    We take online privacy very seriously, especially when it comes to individual and personalized health information.

    We do not track which lab tests you analyze and we do not store any lab values you enter. You are the only one who can see your analysis. Also, you will not be able to return to your results, so if you would like to save them it is best to print them.

    Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.

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    Everlywell Womens Health Test

    The Everlywell womens health test measures levels of 10 key hormones in your body, including total testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free T3, free T4, cortisol, DHEAS, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, and estradiol. It also checks for thyroid peroxidase antibodies, which can interfere with the function of your thyroid gland.

    When youre ready to check out, youll be able to pay for your at-home hormone test with a credit or debit card, HSA or FSA account, or PayPal. Your kit comes with everything you need to collect blood and saliva samples and send them to the lab for processing. Everlywell also offers free shipping both ways to help keep your testing costs low.

    Everlywell uses CLIA-certified laboratories to ensure the accuracy of your results. Once your sample arrives at the lab, you can expect to receive the results via email in no more than five business days. Physician support is included in the price of the kit to ensure you can ask questions and find out if theres anything you need to do to follow up on results that fall outside of normal ranges. Everlywell doesnt accept insurance, but you dont need to see a doctor before you order a hormone test kit, so home testing can still help you save money.

    Cost: $199Visit Everlywell:Everlywell

    What Is Your Thyroid

    The thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck. Its part of the endocrine system and is responsible for regulating hormones throughout your body to help you sleep, give you energy, and help you stay warm.

    The main hormones it produces are thyroxine and triiodothyronine , which control how your cells use energy. Your thyroid gland regulates your metabolism through the release of these hormones.

    Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid doesnt make enough T4, T3, or both. Its the most common thyroid condition, affecting 5% of the population worldwide, with another 5% who have the condition but havent been diagnosed.

    In hyperthyroidism, the opposite occurs. The thyroid becomes too active and makes too much of the thyroid hormones.

    Testing your thyroid levels at home is convenient and accurate when done correctly, and with the range of home test kits to choose from, you may find one that you like.

    Read on to find out what thyroid tests are available and if theyre right for you.

    Anyone can get their thyroid checked. However, certain populations can be at higher risk for thyroid disorders, including:

    • people born with a uterus
    • people with autoimmune disorders, including type 1 diabetes
    • people with a history of thyroid disorders
    • people who smoke
    • people with a family history of thyroid disorders

    You may want to undergo testing if youre showing any symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

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    How Reliable Are Home Thyroid Tests

    Home thyroid tests from reputable companies are usually reliable if you perform the test correctly. To ensure quality and accuracy, choose a company with CAP accreditation and CLIA certification.

    Compared with tests done in a healthcare setting, home thyroid tests are less accurate and reliable. Theyre not a replacement for routine exams at a doctors office.

    Best For Online Thyroid Treatment Planning: Paloma Health

    At

    Paloma Health Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit

    • Website provides little information on testing procedure

    • Website provides little information about thyroid disease

    Paloma Health is an online medical practice specializing in hypothyroidism, and thats why theyre the winner in this category. This test measures TSH, Free T4, Free T3, TPO. Paloma offers online consultations with a doctor or nutritionist once you get your results, and we value the continuity of testing their site provides.

    Paloma Health is a newer company, founded in 2018. The company is a completely online medical practice specializing in hypothyroidism for patients over 18 who have hypothyroidism or whove had their thyroid removed. The site includes information on its 12 thyroid specialists, all of whom are board-certified in endocrinology, family practice, or internal medicine.

    In terms of results, the samples are analyzed by CLIA-certified laboratories and physician-reviewed. The complete thyroid test is $99, which aligns with many of the other at-home tests we reviewed.

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    How We Chose The Best At

    We evaluated kits from many different companies, and some of those companies offer more than one kit, as well.

    The test-kit providers were evaluated on various criteria: cost, value, accuracy, speed, customer service/customer reviews, clear information presentation on the website, and clear instructions for collection, shipment, and kit registration. We then eliminated the companies that had higher prices but tested fewer biomarkers or offered fewer associated services, or that appeared to be disreputable.

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    What Type Of Sample Do I Have To Provide For The At Home Thyroid Test

    To keep is simple: a simple finger prick can be done at home to collect the sample needed

    This test is done using a small sample of blood. In your testing kit, you will receive the materials you need to collect your sample. You will warm your hands under running water and clean them using the alcohol prep pad included in your supplies. Then, you will twist off the cap of the lancet pen and press it onto your fingertip to puncture the skin. You will collect a few drops of blood on the enclosed card and mail the sample to our lab, using the enclosed pre-paid shipping materials.

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    Best For Free Shipping: Mylab Box

    • Results time: 25 days
    • Type of test: finger prick
    • Insurance coverage: no insurance coverage
    • Tests for antibodies: yes
    • Medically reviewed: yes

    myLAB Box offers a thyroid health screening test for males and females. The sample collection method is a finger prick test. It comes with free shipping but is not available to New York residents.

    The company states it issues results in 25 days and customers can attend an online doctor consultation if they receive a positive result.

    The thyroid test costs $99. Individuals who wish to get tested every six months can opt for the subscription option. The company accepts FSA and HSA payments.

    HealthLabs offers individual tests for each thyroid hormone and antibody, as well as more comprehensive panels.

    The tests include:

    Each test is individually priced, and a person should consider whether they need specific information or a more general assessment of their thyroid health.

    A person needs to undergo the testing in a lab. The company says that the results are available within 2472 hours.

    Prices of these tests range from $39$119, and shipping is free.

    Best Thyroid Hormone Test: Zrt Labs Comprehensive Thyroid Profile

    Thyroid Test – Simple DIY Test At Home
    • Price: around $319
    • Sample type: Finger prick blood sample and urine sample
    • Hormones tested: TSH, free T3, free T4, T4, thyroglobulin, TPO, iodine, arsenic, creatinine, bromine, selenium, cadmium, mercury
    • Sends results in: 5 days

    This test may help with evaluating thyroid function. It checks levels of the following hormones:

    This test requires blood spots and urine samples.

    A person can see their results within 57 days after the lab receives their samples.

    The company claims it only works with CLIA-certified labs.

    ZRT Labs is a research company and does offer access to a healthcare professional. It encourages people to contact a medical professional for further guidance.

    Unlike some testing companies that provide general recommendations or follow-up appointments from a nurse or other medical professional, ZRT Labs emphasizes that users should see a healthcare professional to interpret their test results.

    At $319, this test kit is the most expensive covered in this article, which could be too much for some people. However, it includes many tests, and the manufacturer states that it offers a comprehensive review of thyroid health indicators.

    Some online reviewers complained that drawing enough blood for the sample was painful and difficult. However, other users did not find the blood sample collection process difficult.

    Once a person makes a purchase, the company ships their testing kit.

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    Benefits And Downsides Of At

    Every medical test is associated with risks and benefits. Learning about the pros and cons of at-home thyroid testing may help you make an informed decision if youre considering ordering a test kit.

    The potential benefits of at-home thyroid testing include:

    • Convenience: At-home thyroid test kits allow you to conduct testing from your home without having to make an appointment at your doctors office or a laboratory.
    • Easy sample collection: Rather than a typical blood draw, at-home thyroid tests only require a small sample by pricking a fingertip with the end of a small needle.
    • Cost: Although the cost of an at-home thyroid test is not typically covered by insurance, the price of an at-home thyroid test may be lower than the cost of a doctors visit and any resulting medical and insurance costs.
    • Curiosity satisfaction: At-home thyroid testing may be a tool for patients who are curious about their thyroid hormones and want to check their levels between doctors visits.

    The potential risks of at-home thyroid testing include:

    What About Direct

    Its important to note that theres another kind of thyroid test available that allows you to bypass your doctors office. This is called a direct-to-consumer thyroid test and includes working with a DTC provider. People who are interested in this option may also be interested in an at-home test kit, and vice versa.

    If you go this route you will order a thyroid test through the provider itself. The provider will then give you a lab request slip, which you will bring to a local laboratory for blood work, meaning blood will be drawn through your vein, rather than with a fingertip lancet.

    The labs used usually include LabCorp or Quest, which are likely the same that your doctor uses. The process and results are similar to getting your blood drawn by your doctor. The only difference is that the results go to you, and you order your own blood work.

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    How We Chose At

    When researching at-home hormone tests, we read online reviews to determine the best tests on the market. We also ensure that people who work for these services are licensed, and each test is analyzed in a certified lab.

    In addition, we also considered the available research that supports each test, the companys reputation, and their marketing processes. We review products and services periodically to be sure they continue to meet standards set out in our vetting process.

    LetsGetChecked has an average 4.3-star rating, with over 8,000 reviews on Trustpilot. Customers praise LetsGetCheckeds customer service, easy instructions, and fast results.

    The company carries a variety of tests for hormones, sexually transmitted infections, and overall wellness. Of the options, LetsGetChecked offers two thyroid tests targeting various biomarkers.

    The basic Thyroid Test tests for biomarkers like TSH, fT4, and fT3 three core components to look at when evaluating thyroid function. The biomarkers can help diagnose conditions like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

    The Thyroid Antibody Test goes a step further to test thyroid antibodies that can provide information on damage to the thyroid. The test measures TSH, fT4, fT3, thyroglobulin antibodies, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies.

    Results are typically received in 2 to 5 days, and nurses are available to discuss results and answer questions 24/7.

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