Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment

23 Aug

WHAT IS A COMPREHENSIVE THYROID ASSESSMENT?

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland that sits behind and below the Adam’s apple. A wide range of factors from hormone imbalances to mineral deficiencies and environmental pollutants can interfere with thyroid production, leading to health problems. Thyroid imbalance can be identified by measuring levels of key thyroid hormones TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, anti-TG antibodies, and anti-TPO antibodies.

Functional practitioners and naturopaths use a panel of blood tests to identify thyroid imbalances and the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis. A comprehensive thyroid assessment goes beyond thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), the test most doctors use to assess thryoid function.

Catching thyroid imbalances BEFORE they become severe enough for pharmaceutical intervention is the goal.

Natural health practitioners can improve thyroid health with targeted nutrition, nutraceuticals and lifestyle interventions.

IS THE TEST RIGHT FOR ME?

The thyroid impacts almost every body system, and imbalances can present differently in different people. Some will have all the key symptoms, while others might only notice one or two.

Common signs and symptoms of a poor functioning thyroid include:

Unexplained fatigue, weakness, and a general feeling of sluggishness
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Intolerance to cold or excessive sweating and heat sensitivity
Irregular or rapid heart rate or palpitations
Irregular menstrual cycles, heavy periods, or other menstrual changes
Brittle hair, hair loss, dry skin, and changes in skin texture
Constipation and diarrhea
Mood disturbances, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks
Aches, pains, and stiffness in muscles and joints
A visibly enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), discomfort/swelling in the front of the neck, and difficulty swallowing
Anxiety/Panic attacks
Decreased memory and concentration
Fluid retention
Headaches
Low sex drive

Risk factors that may indicate the need for thyroid hormone testing include:

A family history of thyroid disorders
Age over 60
Autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease
Pregnancy and the postpartum period
Exposure to radiation in the neck area or a history of thyroid surgery
Certain medications, like lithium and amiodarone, can affect thyroid function
Both too little and excessive iodine intake can negatively impact thyroid function

HOW DOES IT WORK?

This test consists of a blood sample collected by a phlebotomist

Book your session & receive a link to pay for the test
Test kit is shipped to you
Book a blood draw at a lab near you for blood sample collection
Ship completed kit back to the lab with postage-paid package
Results will be shared with you via the health portal in 2-3 weeks

BIOMARKERS TESTED

TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
Free T4 (thyroxine)
Free T3 (triiodothyronine)
Reverse T3
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
Anti-Thyroglobulin (ATG) antibodies
TSH Receptor antibodies

AVAILABILITY & COST

New Zealand NZD207
United States USD230
United Kingdom £194
Canada, Europe & Asia USD330
If your country/region is not on this list, please book a discovery call with Camille for prices and shipping options.

*Test prices are approximate and do not include consultation fee