Assess Your Thyroid Health With An Essential Profile Test

This at-home test uses dried blood samples to measure:

• TSH – Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
• fT4 – Free levels of thyroxine (T4)
• ft3 – Free levels of triiodothyronine (T3)
• TPOab – Antibodies to Thyroid Peroxidase

TSH is created by the pituitary gland and regulates the thyroid’s production of hormones.

T4 is one of the two major hormones created by the thyroid gland. It is a precursor to T3. This means that T3 derives from T4.

T3 is the second main thyroid hormone. It is created in small amounts by the thyroid. The balance of T3 found in the body is synthesized from T4.

TPOab are antibodies that attack the enzyme thyroid peroxidase that is essential to the creation of thyroid hormones.

How It Works

• Order test online and provide your date of birth and gender.
• A complete test kit will arrive to your home with step-by-step instructions how to collect your finger prick blood sample.
• Your kit comes with a medical questionnaire to collect information on your health history and any symptoms you may be experiencing.
• Send your sample to a certified CLIA lab using the provided return package. It is prepaid with expedited shipping.
• Receive your confidential results online within 5-7 days with complete analysis and lab notes.

What Does It Mean If I Test Positive For TPOab?

Testing positive means that your body has created antibodies to attack its own enzyme thyroid peroxidase. This is an autoimmune response. Their presence alone does not indicate disease, but can be an indication of of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). The amount of TPOab and other symptoms must be analyzed to make a complete diagnosis.

What Is A Normal Level Of TPOab?

The normal adult reference range for TPOAb is less than 70 IU/mL. It is important to note that there is discrepancy in the medical industry on what is the normal reference range for TPOAb. Your lab test results will provide a reference range and your doctor will discuss your results with you. Reference ranges may also differ by gender and age.

What Does “Free Levels” Mean?

Free levels of hormones refers to the amount of the hormone that is not bound to proteins and is therefore available for use by the body. Tests that measure free levels are called “total” tests.

This test not only looks for the presence of TPOab but also identifies their type. This provides insight into the problem that caused the immune system to launch an attack. A TPOab test can be used as an early sign of thyroid dysfunction or help identify a current problem.

Are Thyroid Problems Common?

Thyroid disorders are common and impact every part of the body, especially major organs including the brain, heart, skin and digestive system.

On a positive note, most thyroid conditions are treatable with medication or diet/lifestyle changes.

• Up to 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid dysfunction.
• More than 12% of the entire population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime.
• Over 60% of people with thyroid issues are unaware of the problem.
• Women are up to 8 times more likely than men to have thyroid condition.
• One in 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.

What Are Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism?

• Weight loss
• Fast heart rate
• High irritability/nervousness
• Muscle weakness and tremors
• Infrequent menstrual periods
• Trouble sleeping
• Eye irritations
• Sensitivity to heat

What Are Signs Of Underactive Thyroid?

• Unexplained weight gain and difficulty losing it
• Heavy periods
• Slow heart beat
• Lethargy or fatigue
• Memory issues
• Dry skin and hair
• Brittle nails
• Hoarse voice
• Cold sensitivity

Sources

American Thyroid Association https://www.thyroid.org/

National Institutes Health (NIH) https://www.medlineplus.gov

MedlinePlus – Thyroid Antibodies https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/thyroid-antibodies/