You can do a thyroid test at home using an at-home lab kit (finger-prick blood sample sent to a certified lab for TSH, T3, T4, and antibody levels) or a simple neck self-exam with a mirror and water, but the lab tests offer more accurate hormonal information, while the self-exam helps detect physical lumps or bumps, both requiring doctor follow-up for abnormal results or concerns.
Early signs of thyroid problems often involve energy, temperature, and body changes, such as unexplained weight changes, fatigue, mood shifts (anxiety/depression), skin/hair issues (dryness, thinning), and altered heart rate or bowel habits, with hypothyroidism causing slow-down (cold, constipation, weight gain) and hyperthyroidism causing speeding up (heat, anxiety, weight loss, fast heart rate).
Palpation of the Thyroid
Put your finger on tip of your chin (mentalis). Slide finger down the midline and the first hard structure you hit is the top of the thyroid cartilage. (Surprisingly, one does not feel the hyoid bone in the midline, although sometimes its lateral end is misidentified as a hard lymph node).
Mild mucocutaneous bleeding (epistaxis, gum bleeding, menorrhagia, bruising) is frequently observed in overt hypothyroidism patients, mainly due to an acquired von Willebrand syndrome type 1 (32, 33).
New to home tests? Just like your local GP, we can help you get the tests and advice you need. Our thyroid home test kit is an accurate laboratory test that checks the health of your thyroid. Collect samples at home using the materials we provide, then mail it back to our partner laboratory.
Thyroid problems (hypo- or hyperthyroidism) show up as changes in energy, weight, mood, and body temperature, with common signs including fatigue, unexplained weight changes, anxiety/depression, feeling too hot or cold, hair loss, skin/nail issues, heart rate changes, and neck swelling (goiter), affecting metabolism and overall bodily function. Symptoms vary but often manifest as a slowed-down body (hypothyroidism) or an over-sped-up one (hyperthyroidism).
Superdrug blood tests are available for patients aged 18 years and older. To book your blood test select Superdrug Blood Tests on the booking portal.
Daily habits such as irregular sleep, skipped meals, and stress can harm thyroid function. Improving your routine can offer significant relief and support hormonal recovery.
If you're noticing hypothyroidism yellow hands, it could be another sign that your thyroid is not processing beta-carotene effectively. This yellow tint often becomes more prominent overnight, especially in colder environments where circulation slows further and metabolic sluggishness peaks.
Symptoms
Problems with the thyroid can be caused by: iodine deficiency. autoimmune diseases — when your immune system attacks your thyroid — such as Graves' disease or Hashimoto's disease. inflammation (thyroiditis), which may or may not cause pain.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive) can cause difficulty sleeping. View Source due to arousals from nervousness or irritability, as well as muscle weakness and constant feelings of tiredness. An overactive thyroid may also lead to night sweats and frequent urges to urinate, both of which can disrupt sleep.
Yellowish Calluses
The thyroid is responsible for converting beta-carotene into Vitamin A. If your thyroid isn't functioning correctly, beta-carotene can build up in the body and give the thick skin on the soles of your feet or your calluses a distinct yellowish tint.
Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you notice these common symptoms of hypothyroidism:
Here are eight thyroid healing practices you can start today.
Thyroid disease can cause multiple eye problems. These include redness and swelling, double vision, decreased vision, eyelid retraction (inability to close the eyes), and a bulging of the eye itself.
For optimal thyroid health, the one key nutrient to focus on daily is iodine, found in foods like dairy, eggs, and seafood, but also selenium, provided by just a few Brazil nuts, is vital for hormone conversion, making eggs or Brazil nuts great morning choices, alongside a balanced breakfast with protein, healthy fats, and fiber for overall function.
An overactive thyroid can affect anyone, but it's about 10 times more common in women than men, and typically happens between 20 and 40 years of age.
Biotin (vitamin B7)
We recommend you be aware that these mega doses of biotin can sometimes result in incorrect TSH, FT4 and FT3 levels and may give a reading that suggests an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Stress as a Trigger for Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders
Most are triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stressors. One potential trigger is emotional stress, which can elevate cortisol levels, weakening the immune system and increasing susceptibility in those already predisposed.
Avoid processed, sugary, and salty foods that can aggravate inflammation and worsen TED symptoms. Small, consistent changes to your hypothyroidism diet can make a big difference over time.
Currently there are two types of thyroid hormone replacement medicines on the market, available only by prescription: The most commonly used type of therapy is synthetic (laboratory-made) medications containing only levothyroxine or liothyronine or a combination of the two.
There are certain things that can throw off your thyroid test results, including: Certain medications and supplements. The time between the last time you took your thyroid medication and when a provider draws your blood. (This is only a factor when you're taking thyroid medication that contains T3.)
A GP may arrange for you to have a blood test to check your thyroid hormone levels. This is known as a thyroid function test.