Ultimate "Tired all the time" blood test

The two main autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid are Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which leads to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), and Graves' disease, which causes an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). While there is currently no cure for either condition, both can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan — making proper testing essential. To reach a diagnosis, your doctor will consider your symptoms along with the results of thyroid blood tests to determine whether a thyroid disorder is present.

It is estimated that around 1 in 20 people may have a thyroid disorder. Several conditions can impact the normal function of the thyroid, including an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), autoimmune thyroid disease, thyroid swelling (goitre), nodules, or thyroid cancer. While anyone can develop a thyroid disorder, certain factors increase the risk. These include being female, being over the age of 50, or having a family history of thyroid problems.

Key vitamins and minerals that support thyroid function and may mimic the symptoms of an underactive thyroid when they are low. These tests include: vitamin D,vitamin B12, folate (vitamin B9) and ferritin – a marker of iron storage. To provide further insight, we also measure C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker. This helps interpret your ferritin levels more accurately and offers an indication of whether an autoimmune condition may be contributing to inflammation in your body.

Many standard thyroid tests only measure TSH and FT4, which may not reveal issues with converting FT4 into the more biologically active FT3. It is possible to have normal TSH and FT4 levels but still experience symptoms of an underactive thyroid if FT3 levels are low. Measuring FT3 is especially useful if you are taking T3-containing medication, such as liothyronine or natural desiccated thyroid (NDT). TSH plays a key role by stimulating the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, primarily T4. Elevated TSH levels can indicate that your thyroid is not producing enough T4 to meet your body's needs. However, testing TSH alone does not provide a complete picture of thyroid function, which is why we also measure FT4 and FT3 for a more accurate assessment.

If you're experiencing symptoms like unexplained changes in weight, energy levels, mood, skin, or hair, your thyroid could be a contributing factor. The thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating your metabolism, body temperature, and energy production, so even slight imbalances can affect how you feel day to day. A thyroid blood test can help determine whether your thyroid is functioning properly by measuring key hormones such as TSH, FT4, and FT3. Identifying an underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid early can make a significant difference in managing your symptoms and improving your overall well-being.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. It produces hormones that are essential for regulating your metabolism, energy levels, mood, and more. Thyroid issues are especially common in women and can affect menstrual cycles, fertility, weight, and emotional wellbeing. When the thyroid produces too much hormone, it causes an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). When it produces too little, it leads to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Both conditions can significantly impact overall health, particularly during key life stages such as pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.

Many symptoms associated with hormonal changes due to ageing, such as fatigue, weight and mood changes can closely resemble those of an underactive thyroid. Thyroid disorders are more common in women and are often caused by autoimmune conditions, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Our test helps determine whether your thyroid is functioning normally and whether an autoimmune condition may be contributing to your symptoms. Even when thyroid hormone levels are within the normal range, elevated thyroid antibodies have been linked to a higher risk of miscarriage. If left untreated, thyroid disorders can also increase health risks for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy.