The home thyroid test is a test in which the sample can be collected at home and sent to a laboratory for testing. The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland at the base of the throat and is responsible for a lot of activities that occur in the body. It controls metabolism and various functions of the organs and affects weight, energy levels, memory, heart rate and more. The thyroid gland itself is triggered into action by the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (commonly called the TSH) that is produced by the pituitary gland.
Since it is the TSH that really initiates the production of the thyroid hormones, a thyroid test is in fact a test to measure TSH and therefore can also be called a TSH test. Higher than normal levels of TSH indicate hyperthyroidism and lower levels indicate hypothyroidism.
There are very compelling reasons to opt for the home thyroid test. Some of these have been mentioned here for your consideration.
1. Hyperthyroidism can result in excessive and sudden weight loss, tiredness, agitation, insomnia, tremors, palpitations and muscle atrophy. These symptoms are not easy to associate with a thyroid gland that is overactive since these symptoms tend to be taken lightly at times. Only if you get a thyroid test done regularly can you assess the real nature of the problem. Similarly, hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, depression, constipation, hair loss, memory loss and dry skin. These symptoms also may not be easily associated with low thyroid activity unless thyroid testing is done for confirmation.
2. The numbers show that there are probably 13 million Americans or more who suffer from thyroid issues without even knowing about it. A home thyroid test helps you assess thyroid levels in the convenience of your home so that you do not miss checking a simple thing like this just due to the inconvenience or expense of a doctor or hospital. A simple TSH test done at home can help you understand if your TSH falls in the normal range, or is higher or lower. You can then seek professional medical advice for treatment.
3. In addition to the above there are various patients that are being treated for specific ailments or being given symptomatic treatment without really knowing the real cause of the problem just because a thyroid test has not been done. A simple and convenient home thyroid test can help you understand what the root cause of your symptoms could be.
The thyroid test home kits that are available only require a few drops of blood placed in a collection chamber. In some home thyroid tests, the sample is collected at home and then sent to a laboratory for testing in a special mailer. A process like this is also more convenient as compared to a thyroid test in which you need to go to the laboratory yourself.
The sooner you take the first step towards getting thyroid testing done, the sooner you shall be able to start proper treatment if some symptoms exist. Our home TSH test is a great tool for both men and women who want to take that step.
