Description
An under- or over-active thyroid produces symptoms that overlap with a great many other things, which is why it is so often measured.
What this test measures
TSH, free T4 and free T3.
Who it is for
- Tiredness, weight change, or feeling cold or hot when others do not
- Hair thinning or dry skin
- Palpitations, tremor, or anxiety
- Cycle changes, or difficulty conceiving
- A family history of thyroid disease
Preparing for your test
Morning samples are preferable — TSH follows a daily rhythm and is highest overnight. If you take levothyroxine, take your sample before that day’s dose.
Worth knowing
Biotin supplements, common in hair and nail products, interfere with many thyroid assays and can produce badly misleading results. Stop biotin for at least two days before sampling and tell us if you take it.
What happens next
Once the laboratory reports, a GP registered with the Irish Medical Council reviews your result alongside the information you gave us and explains what it means in plain English. GP review is included in the price — we do not release raw numbers without interpretation.
Important limitations
This is a screening test, not a diagnosis. A result in range does not rule out every cause of a symptom, and a result out of range does not by itself confirm a condition. If you feel unwell, see a doctor in person regardless of what this test shows. This service is not for emergencies — call 112 or 999 if you are seriously unwell.
