An at-home thyroid test kit is something that you should definitely consider if you suspect that you have an infection in your thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is small but mighty. It is shaped like a small butterfly at the base of your neck, and it releases two all-important hormones, namely thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Both T3 and T4 are circulated through the bloodstream and are responsible for everything from sleep and bone health to metabolism, libido and mood. The thyroid gland can be thought of as part of a master control center working with both the pituitary gland which is found at the bottom base of your skull and the hypothalamus which is located in your brain.
Before the T3 or T4 can be used, the hypothalamus releases a chemical known as thyrotropin-releasing hormone which triggers the pituitary gland to then release something known as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The TSH then kicks your thyroid gland into gear.
So, how do at-home thyroid tests work? At-home thyroid tests are very easy to use. The tests are sent directly to your house, need an easy finger prick, and are sent back in the mail. A lot of kit providers can turn the results around within just a few days – similar to the wait-time for in-person lab results.
When you order for an at-home thyroid test kit, you will need to clean your finger with disinfectant and then prick it with a small lancet in order to collect blood. You are supposed to drop approximately five small drops of blood onto a test strip or into a small tube. After that, you will pop it into a provided package to be sent back to the lab.
The thyroid test kit comes with everything you need. After you send the test strip out, the lab will then send results directly to you using the electronic portal that you will sign up for when buying the kit.
For more information on an at-home thyroid test kit, visit our website at https://www.harleymedic.co.uk/