How to do thyroid test at home?

Are you feeling fatigued, gaining weight rapidly, or have a constantly dry mouth? Well, it could all be due to an under-active thyroid gland. But don’t fret! In this article, we’ll show you how to do thyroid test at home so that you can put your worries aside and take matters into your own hands.

What is the Thyroid Gland?

The first step in understanding how to test for thyroid problems is by learning a little bit about the thyroid gland itself. The thyroid gland is located in our necks and produces hormones that regulate body metabolism.

When there’s an imbalance of these hormones (thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine(T3)), it can lead to various symptoms such as hair loss, fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold temperatures,and more. This is called hypothyroidism.

On the other hand,having too much of these hormones leads ton hyperactivity causing conditions like anxiety.If left untreated,it can cause severe heart issues including cardiac arrest.Thus,having balanced hormone production by thyroid glands is crucially important for one’s well-being.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Before performing any tests on oneself,it’s importantto recognise if their symptoms match any known case scenariosfor hypothyroidism.Below are some common signs:
– Fatigue
– Weight gain
– Constipation
– Hair loss/dry skin/flaky scalp
– Sensitivity towards Cold temlpuratures/Intolerance towards heat exposure.Heightened sensations during winter months irrespective of geographical location.

If one sees multiple matching signs above,this might indicate chances of presenceof subnormal functionisng of T3/T4 secretions

DIY Thyroid Tests – The Options You Have

Let’s jump right in.Building up from simplest self-testing techniques upto complex diagnostic kits available.

Basal Body Temperature Test

This is one of the easiest methods for at-home thyroid testing. It involves checking your body temperature first thing in the morning before you get out of bed. A basal thermometer, which can be found at a pharmacy, works best for this test.

Make sure to record the values every day and keep track over time.If the average basal temperatures are consistently below 36°C(97°F), it could indicate hypothyroidism again talking.Large variationsin temperature may imply hormonal imbalance as well.(for example:32°C-38°C)

It’s important to note that this method might not always be accurate since there are many factors affecting your core body temperature like weather/medications/stress etc.

Pulse Rate Test

Another quick way to determine if you have an under-active thyroid gland is by taking your pulse rate each morning.While awake,find any beat with two-three fingers extremity (neck/wrist) giving count upto60 seconds.Doing so regularly,you’ll detect patterns wherein apartfrom fluctuations mainly being causedby mood swings.One relatively unvaryingpatterncan give insightto possible existenceofhypothyroidism.Where patterned pulserates tend towards higher side ranging between or crossing100+ counts per minute.It’s advisable,to cross check readings on multiple occasions.

Reflex Hammer Tehniqe

If everything mentioned above seems gibberish,the reflex-hammer technique remains that most people might comprehend.Maybe don’t know what it means yet,but will definitely realize once read further.Just Kidding!

If obtainable,a tendon hammer(or sometimes even aflexible rubber mallet/Western University percussion hammeron Amazon!),twang and hit oneself right ankle bone.Depending on how hard one hits,itll trigger sudden movement within muscles aroundthe throat area.Thus,testing receptor-signal pathway from brain stimulationthrough efferent neurons,hormone stimulating hypothalamus region throughthyroid gland and back to the muscles where physical reflex is initiated.

Skin-level Checks

If one perceives hyperpigmentation- a condition where skin appears patchy,blotchy or darker in pigment in certain regions over prolonged period of time(regions around mouth,eye sockets,lower legs & thighs) accompanied by excess hair loss along with other mentioned symptoms,it’s an indication for underlying hypothyroidism.Once he/she notices marked alteration interfering self-esteem image,careful testing must be proceededright away.

Additionally,puffiness under eyes,cold limbs/skin on lower side,body unable to tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations are some extra hints to take this test further.

When Should You See a Doctor?

While these homebased tests might indicate towards validity of having thyroid complications,having diagnosis done through medical professionals’ help would be chance at proper treatment guidance.So if you notice persistent symptoms do consult your GP.A blood test will ensure accurate reading since levels of both T3 andT4 hormones can me checkedthrough it.

Conclusion

It’s good that people today have numerous DIY ways which specifically fit well into busy lifestyles.They’re convenient,easy-to-follow,yield quick results and cost friendly.Therefore follow aforementioned tips as basic guidence regarding one’s health status,but should not replace sophisticated diagnostic mechanisms that might expose unseen ailments.

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