Following my diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis and subsequent removal of my thyroid gland, I am on medication and like to keep a regular check of my hormone levels using Monitor My Health, especially as it is a service run by the NHS. I used their kits before the pandemic but the service has proved even more valuable throughout lockdown. If I have noticed changes in my symptoms which the results confirm, I contact my GP to look at adjusting medication. From when I order a home pack, to receiving and sending back my bloods, it is very quick, I won’t go anywhere else.
What are the thyroid tests and why are they important?
The thyroid tests are used to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland; to help diagnose thyroid gland disorders. The thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolism and how it grows, functions and uses energy
The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck. It secretes two hormones known as thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) . The release of T4 and T3 into the blood is controlled by a third hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), this hormone is responsible for keeping FT4 and FT3 at the right levels. Collectively, these three hormones are referred to as ‘thyroid function tests’ (TFTs).
There are two main conditions the effect the thyroid
Hypothyroidism (know as underactive thyroid) is when the thyroid glands fails to produce sufficient hormones for health. This can be treated by thyroid hormone replacement.
Hyperthyroidism (known as overactive thyroid) is when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can be treated by hospital specialist depending on the cause.
Please note: these tests are available for people aged over 18 only. In a small number of cases, it may not always be possible to provide a result, please see ourterms and conditionsfor details.
Who is this test for?
People who may benefit from having a thyroid function test include:
Individuals who are concerned that they may have a thyroid problem and those who wish to monitor a previously diagnosed condition.
Early signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction may often be very non-specific. The common symptoms hypothyroidism may include:
Unexplained weight gain
Dry skin
Feeling cold
Puffy skin
Hair loss
Tiredness
Some signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:
Fast heart rate
Anxiety
Unexplained weight loss
Feeling hot
Hand tremors
Bulging, dry, puffy or irritated eyes
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
What will the result show?
Our thyroid test will report your levels for all three hormones (TSH, FT4 and FT3). You will receive a personalised interpretation of what the results mean and what you should do about them. This may be as simple as; all is well, to a recommendation to see your GP if we detect an abnormality.
In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient thyroxine, so the T4 and T3 levels are low.
This causes an increase in TSH to try and stimulate the thyroid to produce more thyroxine.
In hyperthyroidism the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine, so the T4 levels are high. This causes a decrease in TSH to try and stop the thyroid producing more thyroxine.
I won't go anywhere else...
Following my diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis and subsequent removal of my thyroid gland, I am on medication and like to keep a regular check of my hormone levels using Monitor My Health, especially as it is a service run by the NHS. I used their kits before the pandemic but the service has proved even more valuable throughout lockdown. If I have noticed changes in my symptoms which the results confirm, I contact my GP to look at adjusting medication. From when I order a home pack, to receiving and sending back my bloods, it is very quick, I won’t go anywhere else.
All tests are confidential, and designed simply to help you self diagnose.
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Home testing
All tests are designed to be able to be carried out in the comfort of your own home, simply follow the package instructions.
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Post it back to us
For the best results all tests should be returned in the pre-paid package provided as soon as they are carried out.
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See results online
We will contact you by your chosen method to let you know your results are ready (typically 24-48 hours). You will then be able to log into your personal dashboard and view your results.
Collecting your blood sample
Your personal Dashboard
Designed by clinicians to enable you to clearly and safely interpret your results with different charts and views to help you monitor and aid self-improvement.
