A blood test checks how well your thyroid gland is working. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck, but it has a big impact on energy levels, metabolism, mood, weight, temperature control, heart rate and menstrual patterns.
We offer private thyroid function testing. Your results are considered alongside your symptoms, medical history, medication use and previous blood test results.
Thyroid problems can build up over time and symptoms are not always visible from the start. Some feel generally unwell without knowing why and some notice changes in energy, weight, mood or sensitivity to temperature. A thyroid function blood test can be useful if you are:
Your clinician can guide you on whether a thyroid test is appropriate and if other blood tests should be checked at the same time.
TSH stands for thyroid-stimulating hormone. The pituitary gland makes it, and it helps control how much thyroid hormone your thyroid makes. TSH is one of the first markers to be tested in assessing thyroid function.
A high or low TSH result could indicate that the thyroid may be working too slowly or too actively, but it should not be interpreted on its own. Your clinician will review it along with your symptoms and other thyroid markers.
TSH stands for thyroid-stimulating hormone. The pituitary gland makes it, and it helps control how much thyroid hormone your thyroid makes. TSH is one of the first markers to be tested in assessing thyroid function.
A high or low TSH result could indicate that the thyroid may be working too slowly or too actively, but it should not be interpreted on its own. Your clinician will review it along with your symptoms and other thyroid markers.
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include tiredness, low mood, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair changes, feeling cold or heavy periods. These symptoms are similar to other common problems such as low iron, vitamin deficiency, stress or changes in hormones.
At Well Life Clinic, your clinician will not simply go by symptoms. All the blood test results, medical history and any other possible causes are taken together before recommending the most appropriate next step.
If the thyroid is overactive, symptoms may include palpitations, anxiety, sweating, weight loss, tremor, heat intolerance, poor sleep or more frequent bowel movements. The symptoms can sometimes feel like stress or panic so it may be helpful to get tested.
If the results show a pattern of an overactive thyroid, your clinician will be able to explain what this may mean and whether further tests, monitoring or referral to a specialist may be required.
Usually your appointment will begin with a brief discussion about why the test is being arranged. Your clinician will ask about your energy levels, weight changes, mood, sleep, periods, heart symptoms, medication, supplements and family history of thyroid disease.
Then a small sample of blood is taken. The process is fast and typically takes a few minutes.
Many other health problems can be mistaken for thyroid symptoms. Depending on your symptoms, your clinician may recommend additional blood tests to help paint a fuller picture. These might be:
Blood tests for the thyroid can sometimes be confusing, especially if your results are borderline or your symptoms don’t quite match up with the numbers. In some cases, recommending repeat testing before any decision may be necessary.
Your clinician will explain your results in easy-to-understand language. If follow up is needed this may include repeat testing, thyroid antibody testing, medication review, lifestyle advice or referral where appropriate.
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