Thyroid Screening Test

This test is only for adults aged 18 and older. Unfortunately, this test is not available in the state of New York due to state regulations.

TSH levels are the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone circulating in the blood. A TSH level test is usually the first test a doctor orders if they’re worried about a thyroid problem. In many cases, doctors use TSH levels alone to diagnose and treat common thyroid problems, including hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone production) and hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone production).

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone. This can lead to symptoms like dry skin, slowed heart rate, feeling cold when others don’t and fatigue. Hypothyroidism usually results from low thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, so most blood tests for this condition start with TSH. Rarely, patients with hypothyroidism will have normal TSH levels but abnormal T4 levels. If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism but have a normal TSH, you can check your T4 levels to be sure.

If TSH is low and you have symptoms of hypothyroidism, a visit to your doctor is the next step. They may perform other tests to figure out the cause of hypothyroidism. For example, in people with Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system makes antibodies that attack a protein needed for thyroid hormone production. If the doctor suspects Hashimoto’s disease, they may recommend a blood test to look for these antibodies, called thyroid peroxidase antibodies.

A full thyroid panel measures thyroid hormones in the blood. These include TSH, which stimulates thyroid hormone production, as well as the thyroid hormones T4 and T3. (T4 is converted to T3 by the liver and other organs).

At imaware, we provide TSH tests, rather than a full panel. Focusing on the most important biomarker, TSH, allows us to provide our customers with fast results and a cost-effective test.

However, a full thyroid panel can be helpful when your TSH result is normal but you still have symptoms that are likely thyroid-related. It can also help to diagnose more rare causes of thyroid problems.

You can check your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with our simple at-home test. Once you order the test online, we’ll ship it right away. You’ll get the full instructions with the test, both in video and written form. You’ll simply prick your finger, put a few drops of blood into the collection vial and send it to our lab via courier. We provide the return label, so it’s easy peasy. You’ll get your results online within a week.

If you are showing any symptoms of Hypo/hyperthyroidism, such as being incapable of regulating your temperature, skipping periods without pregnancy or significant weight gain while keeping your same eating habits, we recommend you test using the TSH blood test. If you are being treated by a doctor for Hypo/hyperthyroidism, this test is also ideal to monitor your TSH levels to gauge improvement. According to the American Thyroid Association, your TSH levels should be checked at 6-8 weeks after a thyroid hormone adjustment.

At this time, our thyroid function tests only test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is responsible for creating other thyroid hormones — T3 and T4. If the TSH baseline levels are abnormal, it will indicate a potential for hypo/hyperthyroidism. Using the results, an endocrinologist can provide further thyroid testing to delve deeper if necessary.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels determine if you have an underactive or overactive thyroid — the organ that keeps your metabolism under control. These insights into your thyroid health can be used to engage a healthcare professional and follow-up with treatment for any issues found. This may include; reducing stress, iodine supplements, medication, exercise plans and dietary changes. Read more about thyroid stimulating exercise.