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The best at-home thyroid test will give you a full picture of your thyroid health. If you’re considering doing a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test at home, read on to learn how these tests work. Plus, our tester shares her experience with at-home thyroid testing.
Thyroid tests assess how well your thyroid gland is working. Proper thyroid function is vital to metabolism as well as for processes including digestion, body temperature, and fertility.
At-home thyroid testing may be a less expensive option than in-lab testing and may validate some health concerns. You can also easily send your results to a healthcare professional for follow-up.
We’ve tested some of the top-selling at-home thyroid tests to learn how they work. Read on to learn more.
A note about at-home test results
The at-home test kits recommended below have passed our vetting process. However, at-home test kits are not a reliable substitute for visiting a healthcare professional.
You shouldn’t change your medication based on what the home kit results provide. It’s wise to always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your medication. For any abnormal results, make sure the tests are confirmed at a lab and with supervision and guidance from a healthcare professional.
At-home tests are not all-encompassing, and they don’t consider your personal or family history. They also may not test for features or cultures that a healthcare professional wouldn’t know to look for. The tests listed below are recommended for use alongside consultation with a healthcare professional to ensure the best possible care.
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- Type of test: All tests measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Some options also measure additional biomarkers, including T3, T4, and antibodies.
- Certifications: We chose tests that are Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified and accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
- Privacy: The companies on this list offer confidentiality and discreet packaging to protect your privacy.
- Online reviews: We read online reviews to look for positive mentions of clients’ experiences and the test’s reliability.
- Reliable follow-up results: We looked for companies that provide interpretation, consultations, and medical guidance so you can easily understand your results.
Whenever possible, we also test out products before we recommend them, helping us to refine our selections.
Learn more about how we review and rate at-home health tests.
“The biggest takeaway is the accuracy of the results. I was previously diagnosed with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, and the results from [LetsGetChecked’s] test matched the recent blood test I’d taken, and the antibodies were accurately detected.”
— Healthline SEO analyst Taylor Morelli
Pros
- often more convenient and affordable than in-office testing
- fairly reliable and accurate if performed correctly
- results may include a consultation, health assessment, and detailed interpretation
Cons
- results may be difficult to interpret
- more room for human error, which can reduce accuracy and reliability
- validation, diagnosis, and treatment of your results require a doctor’s visit
Anyone can have their thyroid checked. However, certain populations can be at higher risk of developing thyroid disorders, including:
- women
- people with autoimmune disorders, including type 1 diabetes
- people with a history of thyroid disorders, such as goiter, or a history of surgery to remove the thyroid
- people who smoke
- people with a family history of thyroid disorders
You may want to try testing if you’re showing any symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Since thyroid concerns are common and you can have thyroid issues without symptoms, you can still get tested as part of your preventive healthcare routine.
It’s worth noting that most home thyroid tests only measure TSH and T4 levels. You may need additional testing to measure other hormone levels, such as T3 and TSI, and antibodies.
Talking with a healthcare professional before you buy an at-home test can help you narrow down what you need to get testing for. While you might be curious about your thyroid hormone levels, testing might not be medically necessary, and if you’re experiencing symptoms, you may need specific tests not sold online.
Depending on the test, results may be shown in different ways, using different units of measurement and providing varying levels of information to help you understand them.
No matter how they’re displayed, if the results show that your TSH levels are too high, it means the thyroid gland isn’t making enough T4 (hypothyroidism). If TSH levels are too low, the thyroid gland may be producing too much T4 (hyperthyroidism).
You may also need a
If you have questions, you may have the option of having a consultation or receiving another type of medical guidance from the company you bought the test from. If follow-up guidance isn’t part of the company’s services, you’ll have to take your results to your preferred healthcare professional to discuss.
Contact a healthcare professional if your test results are abnormal, which could indicate a thyroid disorder.
If your results are normal, you may still want to speak with a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns, symptoms of a thyroid disorder, or a personal or family history of thyroid conditions.
You can also visit a healthcare professional to discuss or interpret your test results. They can confirm the results of your home test, which may include a diagnosis of a thyroid condition. A doctor or a healthcare professional can also recommend treatments, additional tests, and any lifestyle changes.
It’s wise to consult a healthcare professional if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which may include:
- mood changes
- changes to energy levels
- body temperature changes
- weight fluctuation
- irregular bowel habits
- fertility or menstruation concerns
- cardiovascular concerns
- a swollen or thick neck
You can check your thyroid at home with an at-home thyroid test. You can order a test online, take a blood sample, and send it away for analysis without going to a doctor’s office or getting an order for lab work.
CVS, Walgreens, or other retail stores may sell thyroid tests, but they may not carry our top picks. Plus, you’ll still need to visit a healthcare professional to analyze your results and receive a diagnosis. It’s important to not change your medication or treatment plan based on home test results.
Home thyroid tests from reputable companies are usually reliable if you perform the test correctly. To ensure quality and accuracy, choose a company with CAP accreditation and CLIA certification. Compared with tests done in a healthcare setting, however, home thyroid tests are less accurate and reliable. A TSH blood test is only one part of receiving a diagnosis, and for some people, more testing or clinical exams might be necessary.
Some endocrinologists, or doctors who specialize in hormone-related conditions like thyroid disorders, have concerns about the reliability of thyroid kits and the potential for misdiagnosis. But this is why it’s still important to inform a healthcare professional of any at-home test results.
Most health insurance plans don’t cover the cost of at-home thyroid tests, but most do accept HSA/FSA payment. It’s always wise to check with your health insurance provider to be sure.
Paloma Health is the only one of our top picks that accepts insurance, but not for the at-home test kits. Paloma partners with major insurance providers to help cover the cost of the doctor consultations and medications it provides.
Overall, thyroid test kits are a reliable way to check and monitor how your thyroid is functioning and if there are any concerns you should address.
Home testing companies vary in the services they offer, as well as their pricing. It’s a sound idea to research each company for more information on its services, as well as its healthcare professionals and accreditations. This can help you decide whether at-home thyroid tests are right for you and which company to try.