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Below are some at-home thyroid tests from popular testing companies. None of these companies state that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved their thyroid tests.
Medical News Today selects at-home thyroid tests that meet the following criteria, when possible:
Ease of ordering: It is easy to order testing kits, send samples, and get results.
Tests for antibodies: Each test also screens for antibodies to give people a clearer overview of their thyroid health.
Medically reviewed: Medical professionals such as nurses or doctors review the results and can provide information, though a person should still discuss any positive results with their own doctor.
Follow-up advice: The testing companies offer additional guidance when a result is positive.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. This gland makes and releases thyroid hormones, which help regulate the body’s use of energy.
Around 90% of the hormones the thyroid makes are in the form of thyroxine, which is also known as T4 or inactive thyroid hormone. The other 10% are in the form of triiodothyronine, which is also known as T3 or active thyroid hormone.
The pituitary glandmakes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This signals to the thyroid how much thyroid hormone it needs to produce.
Thyroid hormones affect almost every organ in the body. Important body functions that the thyroid controls include:
At-home thyroid tests typically measure several thyroid hormones, including:
TSH
T3
T4
Some tests also check for thyroid antibodies. The presence of these can indicate the autoimmune disease Hashimoto thyroiditis.
The results of thyroid testing help a person determine whether there is a need to consult a doctor.
Using a testing kit involves taking a finger-prick blood sample, placing the sample in a plastic bag, and returning it to the company in the provided envelope.
Each testing kit has specific instructions, and it is essential to follow these carefully to ensure an accurate result.
Some testing companies also have a doctor review the person’s results. If a person prefers, the company may be able to send the results to their regular doctor.
It is important to note that several things can interfere with thyroid test results, either by affecting the test itself or by affecting someone’s thyroid hormone levels.
Examples that affect thyroid hormone levels include:
However, research into the accuracy of at-home tests is limited. The risk of collecting an unusable sample is higher when using an at-home test, so it is important to carefully read and follow any instructions from the manufacturer.
Using companies that analyze samples in CLIA and CAP-certified labs may mean higher accuracy. These labs must meet strict state and federal standards to have certifications.
People may also wish to contact a doctor for help with interpreting the test results. Healthcare professionals may need to order further testing.
A blood test showing a high level of TSH may indicate someone has hypothyroidism.
Higher levels of TSH and T4 levels in a typical range may mean that a person is at risk of developing hypothyroidism in the future.
People who receive results that show they have low levels of TSH and higher levels of T3 or T4 may suggest they have hyperthyroidism.
However, it is important to discuss any at-home thyroid test results with a healthcare professional to ensure a person is interpreting the results correctly.
Once a person has received the results of their at-home thyroid test, they should speak with a doctor who can interpret the results and advise on next steps.
Whether or not a person has submitted an at-home thyroid test, they should be aware of the symptoms of a thyroid disorder so that they can seek help as soon as they need it.
For instance, a person with hypothyroidism can present with symptoms such as fatigue, heightened sensitivity to cold, constipation, and weight gain.
A person with hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, can present with symptoms such as nervousness, weakness, weight loss, and heightened sensitivity to heat.
If a person experiences any of these symptoms, or any of the others listed above, they should speak with a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause.
Body temperature is linked to thyroid function, according to the British Thyroid Foundation. For example, a low body temperature may indicate that a person is hypothyroid. However, body temperature alone does not define thyroid health.
If a person wants to check their thyroid at home with a thermometer, they can take the following steps:
Before going to bed, put a thermometer in a place that is easy to reach without getting up.
Upon waking up, hold the thermometer against the bare skin of the armpit.
Keep the thermometer in the armpit for several minutes while lying down.
Write down the temperature reading.
Do this for several days in a row to get an average.
If a person menstruates, they should perform this test from the second day of their cycle. This is because body temperature rises naturally during ovulation.
For a gauge of whether a person’s body temperature suggests that they are in good health, scientists have found that the average adult body temperature is 97.86°F (36.59°C).
However, this can vary from person to person and depending on where on the body they measured their temperature.
A person should always consult a doctor if they are concerned about their thyroid.
Yes, a person can check their thyroid levels at home with an at-home test. They will need to collect a sample — usually a finger prick blood sample — and send it off to a laboratory. They can get their results within a few working days.
A person can get a thyroid test without going to a doctor by purchasing at-home test kits.
If a person has hypothyroidism, they may feel fatigued, depressed, and extra sensitive to cold temperatures.
If they have hyperthyroidism, they may feel nervous, weak, and extra sensitive to heat.
A person should check their thyroid function with a doctor or an at-home test.
Knowing and noticing the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can alert a person to possible issues with their thyroid.
However, getting the results of an at-home test can then help a person decide whether they need to speak with a doctor.
There is little research into the accuracy of at-home tests. People should follow their test’s instructions carefully to make sure they collect a valid sample.
They should also prioritize getting tests from companies that use Clinical Laboratory Independent Amendments (CLIA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) certified labs.
At-home thyroid tests can help people manage their health. For example, these tests may also be more convenient than visiting a clinic. People can often access their results in a few days and review them with a doctor.
It is essential to discuss any positive result with a healthcare professional and, if necessary, develop a treatment plan.
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Gavin KM, et al. (2023). Identification and management of thyroid dysfunction using at-home sample collection and telehealth services: Retrospective analysis of real-world data. https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e43707/
