More Information

If the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, symptoms can include rapid heart rate, sweating, increased appetite, weight loss, tremors, and poor sleep.  Too little thyroid hormone has the opposite effect. Side effects include feeling cold, fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and constipation.

TSH stimulates the production and release of T4 (primarily) and T3 from the thyroid gland. Thyroid health is complex, and your practitioner should take into account the following:

Blood test results: Free T4, free T3, and TSH. Do you produce enough thyroid hormone? Is your T4 converting properly to T3? Is your TSH within an optimal range?

Symptoms: If the above is within the normal range, but you have symptoms, thyroid antibody testing should be undertaken.

Individual differences and your results: Do you have symptoms, and your results are low or high normal? Perhaps these levels are too low or high for you.

This test requires a blood draw, which can be done at your local clinic.  An accredited lab such as Karolinska, Synlab, or Unilabs will analyse the tests. The first results are usually available within 48h.

Analytes

S-T4, free (thyroxine, free)

Instructions

No advance preparation is needed for this test.

On the day of the test

Do not take your thyroid medication until after you have taken this test. Always take your ID with you when going to take a test. Do not work out before going to do this test, as this may affect your results. Take this test before 10 am, as results can vary throughout the day. If you are repeating a test, try to take it at the same time of day. Arrive early and sit down quietly for 15 minutes before the test is taken.

What happens next?

The lab sends the results to your personal dashboard, with comments from both a doctor and a nutritionist.  If results are abnormal, we recommend seeing a doctor and, if appropriate, booking an appointment with a Nordic Wellth nutrition lifestyle specialist. 

You may need to make lifestyle and dietary changes.