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At-home thyroid test kits may be cheaper than in-office visits and may help uncover any health concerns you’re worried about. See whether these kits can help you.
- Best for results follow-up: LetsGetChecked | Skip to review
- Best for straightforward results: myLAB Box | Skip to review
- Best membership: Everlywell | Skip to review
- Best for specialized care: Paloma Health | Skip to review
Consumers are becoming more tech-savvy and taking their health into their own hands — and this is a good thing.
Home test kits, in particular, are often cheaper than in-office visits and may help uncover any health concerns you’re having. Results can easily be sent to your healthcare professional for a follow-up appointment.
Read on for more about our top at-home thyroid test picks and tips for use.
To choose the best at-home thyroid testing companies, we looked for those that offered the most benefits.
We used the following criteria:
- Cost: We chose tests that are reasonably priced.
- Type of test: All tests measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Some options also measure additional biomarkers, including T3, T4, and antibodies.
- Privacy: To protect your privacy, the companies on this list offer confidentiality and discreet packaging.
- Online reviews: We read online reviews to look for positive mentions of clients’ experiences and the test’s reliability.
- Reliable follow-up results: We looked for companies that provide interpretation, consultations, and medical guidance so you can easily understand your results.
- Certifications: We chose tests that are Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified and accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
A note about at-home test results
The at-home test kits recommended below have passed our vetting process. However, at-home test kits are not a reliable substitute for visiting a primary healthcare professional.
At-home tests are not all-encompassing and don’t consider your personal or family history. They also may not test for features or cultures that a healthcare professional would know to look for. The tests listed below are recommended to use while also working with a healthcare professional to ensure you get the best possible care.
An important note: You should not change your medication based on what the at-home test kit results provide to you. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your medication. For any abnormal results, make sure the tests are confirmed at a lab and with supervision and guidance from a healthcare professional.
| Price | Sample type | Coverage | Results in | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LetsGetChecked | $99–$119 | finger prick | no insurance but accepts HSA/FSA | 2–3 days |
| myLAB Box | $119 | finger prick | no insurance but accepts HSA/FSA | 2–5 days |
| Everlywell | $149 (no membership); $24.99 (with membership) | finger prick | no insurance but accepts HSA/FSA | 5–8 days |
| Paloma Health | $99 | finger prick | check with your insurance on coverage | 7 days |
The thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck. It’s part of the endocrine system and is responsible for regulating hormones throughout your body to help you sleep, give you energy, and help you stay warm.
The main hormones it produces are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which control how your cells use energy. Your thyroid gland regulates your metabolism through the release of these hormones.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not make enough T4, T3, or both. It’s the most common thyroid condition, affecting
With hyperthyroidism, the opposite occurs. The thyroid becomes too active and makes too much of the thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism affects
Testing your thyroid levels at home is convenient and accurate when done correctly, and with the range of home test kits to choose from, you may find one that you like.
Anyone can get their thyroid checked. However, certain populations can be at higher risk of developing thyroid disorders, including:
- women
- people with autoimmune disorders, including type 1 diabetes
- people with a history of thyroid disorders, such as goiter or history of surgery to remove the thyroid
- people who smoke
- people with a family history of thyroid disorders
You may want to undergo testing if you’re showing any symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, consider getting your thyroid levels checked:
Hyperthyroidism
- feeling hot or sweating
- fast or irregular heart rate
- weight loss
- frequent and loose bowel movements
- hand tremors
- muscle weakness
- fertility concerns
- fatigue but difficulty sleeping
- nervousness
- irritability
Hyperthyroidism may increase your risk of:
- osteoporosis
- heart failure
- irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
- eye issues (specifically associated with Graves’ disease)
- thyroid storm
Hypothyroidism
- feeling tired or having little energy
- feeling cold
- gaining weight
- dry, scaly skin
- brittle hair and nails
- depression
- constipation
Hypothyroidism may increase your risk of:
- fetal developmental issues
- an enlarged thyroid
- heart issues
- fertility concerns
- renal (liver) complications
- nervous system issues, including muscle weakness and nerve injury
Since thyroid concerns are common and you can have thyroid issues without symptoms, you can still get tested as part of your preventive healthcare routine.
At-home thyroid tests offer plenty of advantages and drawbacks to consider.
Pros
- often more confidential, convenient, and affordable than in-office testing
- fairly reliable and accurate if performed correctly
- results may include a consultation, health assessment, and detailed interpretation
Cons
- results may be difficult to interpret
- more room for human error, which can reduce accuracy and reliability
- validation, diagnosis, and treatment of your results require a doctor’s visit
According to the
A thyroid blood test is only one part of receiving a diagnosis, and for some people, more testing or clinical exams might be necessary.
Some endocrinologists, or doctors who specialize in hormone-related conditions like thyroid disorders, have concerns about the reliability of thyroid kits and the potential for misdiagnosis. But this is why it’s still important to inform your healthcare professional of any at-home test results.
To decide which at-home thyroid test is best for you, consider the following:
- Type of test: Decide if you want a test that measures only TSH or additional biomarkers such as T3, T4, TSI, and TPO antibodies.
- Price: Find out what the price includes and if the company accepts HSA, FSA, or insurance.
- Test results: Check to see how much interpretation, guidance, or medical support the company offers. See if there is an additional cost for consultations, personalized advice, or treatment recommendations.
- Privacy: Check out the privacy policy of each company. Find out if they provide confidentiality and discreet packaging.
- Reviews: Read online reviews to get a sense of the company’s reputation and the test’s reliability, benefits, and downsides.
What to consider when searching for an at-home thyroid test
When searching for an at-home thyroid test, decide what is most important for your needs.
Most tests measure TSH and T4 levels. You may need further tests that measure levels such as T3, TSI, and antibodies. Find out what types of recommendations for additional testing or treatment plans each company offers.
At-home tests can be considered if you have symptoms that cause you to suspect a thyroid disorder. You may also want to test your thyroid levels after implementing lifestyle changes, starting a new medication, or beginning a treatment plan.
It’s also a good idea to do a home test if you have a higher risk of developing a thyroid disorder.
Thyroid tests use blood samples to check the levels of TSH and T4. If there are any concerning results, more detailed testing can be done, including checking T3 levels.
If your levels are too high, you may also need a
Kits may show your results in different ways, use different units of measurement, and provide varying levels of information that help you understand them. You may also have the option of having a consultation or receiving another type of medical guidance.
It’s always a good idea to show your results to a doctor. They can provide more interpretation and decide if additional testing or a treatment plan is necessary. Your results may also provide insights into some of your other health concerns.
Interpreting results
Most of these home test kits do provide interpretations of your lab results. If they don’t, it’s best to consult with your healthcare professional.
TSH levels depend on your age and sex, but they can fluctuate based on medications, diet, and pregnancy. The normal range is
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
A prolonged change in these hormones can affect your overall health. When TSH levels are too high, the thyroid gland isn’t making enough T4. This is known as hypothyroidism.
Conversely, if TSH levels are too low, the thyroid gland may be producing too much T4, which is known as hyperthyroidism.
Contact a doctor if your test results are abnormal, which could indicate a thyroid disorder.
If your results are normal, you may still want to see a doctor if you have any health concerns, symptoms of a thyroid disorder, or a personal or family history of thyroid conditions.
You can also visit your doctor to discuss or interpret your test results. They can confirm the results of your home test, which may include a diagnosis of a thyroid condition. Your doctor can also recommend treatments, additional tests, and any lifestyle changes.
See a doctor if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which may include:
- mood changes
- changes to energy levels
- body temperature changes
- weight fluctuation
- irregular bowel habits
- fertility or menstruation concerns
- cardiovascular concerns
- a swollen or thick neck
How can I check my thyroid at home?
To check your thyroid at home, order an online test to receive by mail. Once you receive your kit, carefully read and follow the instructions, which may specify the time of day to do the test.
In addition to written directions, companies may provide instructional videos and online tutorials. Contact the company or a healthcare professional before taking the test if you have questions or if any of the information is unclear.
Most tests require using a lancet to prick your finger and collect a blood sample. Drop the blood onto a test strip or into a small tube before sending it to the laboratory. You’ll usually receive your electronic results within a week.
How reliable are home thyroid tests?
Home thyroid tests from reputable companies are usually reliable if you perform the test correctly. To ensure quality and accuracy, choose a company with CAP accreditation and CLIA certification.
Compared with tests done in a healthcare setting, home thyroid tests are less accurate and reliable. They’re not a replacement for routine exams at a doctor’s office.
How do you get a thyroid test without a doctor?
To get a thyroid test that’s not doctor-prescribed, you can order a test from an online supplier. After receiving your testing kit in the mail, collect a sample and send it to the lab. Most companies provide you with digital test results within a week.
You’ll still need to visit a doctor to analyze your results and receive a diagnosis. Don’t change your medication or treatment plan based on home test results.
Do I need to fast before a thyroid test?
In most cases, it’s not necessary to fast before a thyroid test. However, if you are taking additional blood tests at the same time — for lipids and glucose, for example — you may need to fast for 8–10 hours.
Overall, thyroid test kits are a great way to check and monitor how your thyroid is functioning and if there are any concerns you should address.
Home testing companies vary in the services they offer, as well as their pricing. It’s a good idea to research each company for more information on their services, as well as their healthcare professionals and accreditations. This can help you decide whether at-home thyroid tests are right for you and which company to try.
Risa Kerslake is a registered nurse, freelance writer, and mom of two from the Midwest. She specializes in topics related to women’s health, mental health, oncology, postpartum, and fertility. She enjoys collecting coffee mugs, crocheting, and attempting to write her memoir. Read more about her work at her website.