Sample type:Blood

Preparation:You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. More details

Test type:In Person  

About the Test

Noticeable changes in your metabolism (weight, temperature, and energy) may be a sign or symptom that there is too much or too little TSH in your blood. If TSH levels are too high or too low, this may indicate that your thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). In either case, T4 blood levels will be evaluated, at no additional cost, to help evaluate a possible thyroid disorder (including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism).

What's Tested

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. Thyroid function is controlled by the pituitary gland, which produces TSH and releases it into the bloodstream. TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). TSH will also tell the body to make or release thyroid hormones. This process determines how quickly your body uses energy, makes proteins, and controls other important functions, such as:

• Body temperature
• Heart rate
• Breathing
• Skin moisture
• Muscle contraction
• Weight gain or loss
• Brain development
• Cholesterol levels
• Menstruation
• Nervous system function

The thyroid function test measures the level of TSH in the blood to help evaluate thyroid function. The pituitary gland detects thyroid hormones in the blood. If the thyroid is making a lot of these hormones, the pituitary will stop producing TSH, leading to low levels of TSH. Low TSH may mean the thyroid gland is overactive, commonly referred to as hyperthyroidism. High levels of TSH in the blood may indicate the thyroid gland is not working hard enough, causing the pituitary to keep making TSH. High TSH can indicate an underactive thyroid gland, commonly referred to as hypothyroidism. Both conditions may require medical treatment.

Thyroid disorders can affect any system of your body and treatment will depend on the specific thyroid condition. An undiagnosed thyroid disorder may put you at risk for cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, infertility, and other serious conditions; most thyroid conditions can be managed with medication.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of thyroid disorders can be mild, moderate, or severe and often resemble other medical conditions. You may consider getting a thyroid function test if you're experiencing the following symptoms:

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) symptoms can include:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Thinning hair
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
• Muscle aches and pains
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Constipation
• Depression
• Problems with memory
• Slower than normal heart rate
• Dry skin
• Muscle weakness
• Facial puffiness
• Hoarseness

Hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid) symptoms can include:

• Increased appetite
• Irregular heartbeat
• Palpitations—a fluttering or pounding heartbeat
• Unintentional weight loss
• More frequent bowel movements
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Sweating

Eligibility

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

Preparing for your Sample Collection

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

After The Test & Treatment Options

After the Test:After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results. 

Treatment Options: Included with your purchase, you have the option to discuss your results with an independent physician who may be able to prescribe menopause-symptom and/or hypothyroidism specific treatment depending on your results.

Reflex Testing

If your thyroid (TSH) is abnormal, T4 is also performed on the sample you have already provided at no cost to you.