€59,95 Incl. VAT
Thyroid problems are common, and with the thyroid self-test, you can easily check if this small gland in your neck... Read more
Barcode: 8720256100133
Thyroid problems are common, and with the thyroid self-test, you can easily check if this small gland in your neck is functioning properly. The two most common causes of thyroid problems are either an overactive thyroid or an underactive thyroid.
The test is simple. You take a blood sample with a finger prick, after which we test your thyroid function in our lab. Do you suffer from fatigue, feeling cold, dry skin, hair loss, or other slow thyroid symptoms? Then test yourself with Easly and get quick clarity.
What is tested?
fT4, TSH
The thyroid is a small organ located low in the neck, where the inner ends of the collarbones meet. The thyroid is small but powerful. It is responsible for a number of important processes, including metabolism in a very broad sense.
The thyroid influences metabolism through thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid itself and consists of two variants: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). In addition to thyroid hormone, the thyroid also produces calcitonin, which, along with another hormone, is responsible for the amount of calcium in the body.
The production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid is influenced by TSH, or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. TSH is released by the pituitary gland, a small organ in the brain. In turn, the pituitary gland receives instructions from the hypothalamus, also an area in the brain, which releases Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Sufficient T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) in the blood inhibits the release of TSH. In this way, this negative feedback system ensures an optimal balance. The TSH value is therefore the most important value measured by the thyroid test. If it is abnormal, the T4 and T3 values are also measured.
Unfortunately, the thyroid does not always function properly. The two most common causes of thyroid problems are either an overactive thyroid (or hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid (or hypothyroidism). The cause of an overactive or underactive thyroid can be located either within the thyroid itself (primary hyper- or hypothyroidism) or outside the thyroid (secondary hyper- or hypothyroidism), for example in the brain.
The most common cause of an underactive thyroid is Hashimoto's disease. This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies that target and destroy thyroid tissue. As a result, the thyroid produces less and less thyroid hormone, leading to a deficiency. In the blood, there will be a low T4 value and a high TSH value. In addition, antibodies (anti-TPO and anti-Tg) can be determined in the blood. In the case of Hashimoto's, these antibodies are almost always present. However, these antibodies can also be present in other thyroid disorders and even in healthy individuals. Hashimoto's is most common in women between 30 and 50 years old.
These are some symptoms of an underactive thyroid:
Primary hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, is caused in approximately 70 to 80% of cases by Graves' disease. Graves' is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system turns against its own cells or cell components. In Graves' disease, antibodies are released that cause the thyroid to produce a lot of thyroid hormone. This leads to an overactive thyroid. In the blood, there will be a high T4 value and a low TSH value. Graves' is most common in women between 20 and 50 years old.
Symptoms that can occur with an overactive thyroid:
Thyroid problems are more common in women than in men. A well-functioning thyroid is even essential for a healthy pregnancy. The thyroid plays a role in stimulating ovulation and producing sex hormones. Good thyroid function is therefore necessary for conception, implantation, and a full-term pregnancy. Sufficient thyroid hormone is also needed for the brain development of the unborn baby.
Even after pregnancy, the thyroid remains important. In about 5% of women, inflammation of the thyroid develops after childbirth as a result of a (temporary) autoimmune reaction. This is called postpartum thyroiditis. Postpartum thyroiditis generally occurs within one year after delivery and can involve both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
If you have thyroid complaints, it is best to test immediately so that you can quickly have peace of mind.
