Thyroid Testing
What is the Thyroid
The thyroid is a small, butterfly‑shaped gland at the front of the neck. It is part of the endocrine system and produces hormones that control how quickly the body uses energy (metabolic rate). The gland sits just below the voice box and typically cannot be felt in a healthy person.
Why thyroid health is important
Thyroid hormones regulate a wide range of functions — including metabolism, heart rate, breathing, digestion, brain development, mental activity, body temperature and bone maintenance. Because of this, abnormalities in hormone production can cause a variety of symptoms. Too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) often leads to weight loss, rapid heart rate, irritability, tremors and heat sensitivity, while too little (hypothyroidism) causes weight gain, slow heart rate, fatigue, dry skin and sensitivity to cold. Women are five to ten times more likely than men to develop thyroid disease.
What are thyroid function tests?
Thyroid function tests are blood tests that assess how well the gland is working. The initial screening test measures thyroid‑stimulating hormone (TSH); a high TSH usually indicates that the thyroid is underactive, while a low TSH suggests an overactive thyroid. In addition to TSH, healthcare providers often measure thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels to evaluate the amount of thyroid hormones circulating in the blood. We also look at at auto antiboides and reverse t3 for the full thyroid picture. When blood tests are abnormal, imaging studies such as a thyroid scan or ultrasound may be performed.
Different types of thyroid tests
Several types of laboratory tests provide more detailed information about thyroid function.
TSH tests: The best initial test; changes in TSH can appear before thyroid hormones become abnormal.
T4 tests: Measure total T4 (bound + free) and free T4 (unbound). A low free T4 with a high TSH indicates primary hypothyroidism, whereas a low TSH with high free T4 suggests hyperthyroidism.
T3 tests: Help diagnose hyperthyroidism; elevated T3 with a low TSH often points to an overactive thyroid.
Thyroid antibody tests: Detect antibodies that attack thyroid tissues; positive antibodies can confirm autoimmune thyroiditis such as Hashimoto’s disease.
Non‑blood tests: Radioactive iodine uptake tests measure how much iodine the gland absorbs; high uptake indicates hyperthyroidism and low uptake indicates hypothyroidism.
How to support your Thyroid health
Most people get enough iodine — an essential element for thyroid hormone production — from a varied diet. Good sources include cows’ milk, dairy products, eggs, sea fish and shellfish. Adults need about 140 µg of iodine per day. Ensuring adequate iodine intake is the main way to keep the thyroid healthy, but consuming too much iodine can disrupt thyroid function. Foods fortified with iodine or supplements may be necessary for people who avoid dairy or fish. If you experience symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, heart‑rate abnormalities or temperature intolerance, you should consult a healthcare professional for assessment.
How to optimize your microbiome
There are a number of steps that can be taken to optimize the microbiome for better health. These include eating a balanced diet, avoiding processed foods, and ensuring you get enough fiber. Additionally, taking probiotics and prebiotics can help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and reduce inflammation. Finally, limiting stress and getting enough sleep can help to reduce the levels of harmful bacteria in the microbiome.
Different types of microbiome tests
There are several different types of microbiome tests in the UK available. These include tests that analyze the entire microbiome, targeted tests that focus on specific types of bacteria, and functional tests that measure the activity of the bacteria in the gut. Additionally, some tests can measure the levels of certain metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, which can provide insight into the health of the microbiome. The comprehensive stool test uk (CSA) performs a test for the presence of invisible blood in the feces, which may suggest the occurrence of hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, but it can also point to a more serious condition like cancer. Moreover, the comprehensive stool and biome test will assess the amount of protein, carbohydrate, and fat content in the stool which reveals how efficiently the patient is able to digest these food components.
As functional medicine practitioners and nutritionists specializing in food intolerances, we initially viewed IBS as a result of food sensitivities. Although they are a significant source of IBS-related problems once we had access to microbiome testing and CSA tests it was a game changer. We have been using it for those who are not responding to the food intolerance approach or who want to take the test right away to see what imbalances are present and what is contributing to their symptoms. We also recommend it for patients who have experienced stomach issues while traveling abroad.
Thyroid Test UK Options
Finger Prick = £120 includes
- C-reactive protein high-sensitivity (hsCRP)
- Ferritin
- Free Thyroxine (FT4)
- Free Triiodothyronine (FT3)
- Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb)
- Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO)
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Vitamin D (25-OH)
- Active vitamin B12
How to keep the Thyroid Health
Most people get enough iodine — an essential element for thyroid hormone production — from a varied diet. Good sources include cows’ milk, dairy products, eggs, sea fish and shellfish. Adults need about 140 µg of iodine per day. Ensuring adequate iodine intake is the main way to keep the thyroid healthy, but consuming too much iodine can disrupt thyroid function. Foods fortified with iodine or supplements may be necessary for people who avoid dairy or fish. If you experience symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, heart‑rate abnormalities or temperature intolerance, you should consult a healthcare professional for assessmen
It is important to remember that microbiome testing is not a cure-all, and it is important to understand that the results of a microbiome test can vary greatly from person to person and should be interpreted with caution.
Finally, it is important to remember that the composition of the microbiome can be influenced by a number of factors, including lifestyle, diet, and environment. Therefore, it is important to take a holistic approach to optimize the microbiome, rather than relying solely on the results of a microbiome test.
How we can help?
If you are experiencing any symptoms with digestive issues or you have symptoms of fatigue, mental health issues or unexplained symptoms, reach out to us at the London Centre for Functional Medicine and we would be happy to schedule a 15 minute free discovery call to talk about options in relation to your health challenges.
What our clients are saying.
Why Choose the London Centre for Functional Medicine?
Support
Once you reach out to us, the team will guide you through the collaborative process with a practitioner, We will gather the information we need to understand you better and help support and motivate you along your health journey.
Experience
We take the complex and try to make it simple. Many patients have gone to multiple doctors before they reach us. By taking a functional medicine approach, we can focus on the core imbalance and what needs to be addressed to improve your health picture.
Custom Approach
There is no one size fits approach as each patient is unique. Thus, no plan or protocol is the same. Everything about you including symptoms, lifestyle, diet, genetics and capacity to heal is different and will require a personalized approach.
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