Thyroid problems are common and can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Here are some signs you should check your levels of thyroid hormones.
The thyroid is an essential hormone-producing gland that everyone has. Occasionally, the thyroid fails to work as intended, causing unwanted symptoms and general discomfort. Below, we explain what the thyroid is, what it does, and five signs you should take an at-home thyroid test to rule out thyroid disease.
On the lower side of your neck, there’s a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland. This gland is the thyroid.
The thyroid excretes two hormones—thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)—into the bloodstream. These hormones affect how active your body’s cells and tissues are. When your thyroid functions properly, it releases the necessary amount of each hormone into the bloodstream. But in people with thyroid disease, the thyroid fails to produce the correct quantity of hormones.
Sometimes, the thyroid excretes too much or too little of T4 and T3, which can result in dysfunction. Thyroid problems are most common in older women but can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. If you’re experiencing the symptoms below, it could signify that you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), or another thyroid condition. If you spot these issues, you should take an at-home thyroid test to confirm your thyroid hormone levels.
Thyroid hormones help regulate metabolism. If the body produces too many hormones, it can speed up metabolism and cause extreme weight loss; if it produces too few hormones, it can hamper metabolism and result in weight gain.
Thyroid disease can affect your mood. In people with hyperthyroidism, it can cause hyperactivity and restlessness, and in people with hypothyroidism, it can cause exhaustion and listlessness.
Thyroid disease also affects blood vessels in a way that alters core body temperature. People with hyperthyroidism often feel hot and sweaty, while people with hypothyroidism may struggle to keep warm.
Irritability is a common symptom of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
An excess of thyroid hormones can cause the skin around your eyes to retain moisture and puff up; conversely, a lack of thyroid hormones can dry out the skin.
If you’re experiencing the above symptoms and want to test the levels of T4 and T3 in your blood, consider taking RxHomeTest’s convenient thyroid at-home test kit. No need to schedule a trip to your doctor’s—just order your kit, collect your samples, and ship it off to our labs. In a few days, you’ll receive an easy-to-understand report that will give you a better understanding of your thyroid health.
Order an At-Home Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test.
Normal TSH Levels - what's normal and why.
Thyroid and Your Health – how thyroid impacts almost everyone.
Pregnancy and Role of Thyroid – why thyroid health is critical during pregnancy.
Thyroid Levels in Pregnancy - what to expect from your thyroid when you're expecting.
Thyroid and Iodine Deficiency – why iodine is the most important modulator of thyroid health.
Learn All About Thyroid – summary of thyroid disorders and their symptoms.
Tips for Understanding Thyroid Test Results – ranges for TSH, free T4, free T3, and TPO.
The Benefits of At-Home Health Test Kits – more than the convenience and transparent pricing.
How Thyroid Maintains Body Temperature – role of thyroid hormones in keeping us at 37° C.
