Optimal Thyroid Essentials Test (Blood Spot Testing)

The Optimal Health Thyroid Essentials test is an easy to use at home blood spot test kits that analyzes the main biomarkers that affect optimal thyroid function. 

As part of the endocrine system, the thyroid, and the chemical hormones it creates affect nearly every organ in the body in some way.  Though 20 million Americans suffer from thyroid conditions every day, according to the American Thyroid Association, roughly 60% go undetected. 

Four key biomarkers TSH, T3, T4, and TPOAb provide a complete picture of thyroid health and function.

Related Symptoms

The underactive thyroid fails to produce adequate T3 and T4 (hypothyroidism).

This may result in:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Muscle and joint pain
• Cold sensitivity
• Hands and feet always cold
• Concentration difficulties
• Brain fog   
• Dry hair and skin 
• Heavy menstrual periods
• Constipation 
• Lower heart rate
• Neck swelling from an enlarged thyroid 
• Bradycardia (heart rate below 60/bpm) 

The overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) produces excess T3 and/or T4.

As a result, the following may occur:

• Rapid weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Rapid heartbeat
• Anxiety/irritability
• Hands trembling 
• Sweating
• Menstrual changes
• Heat sensitivity
• Frequent bowel movements
• Neck swelling from an enlarged thyroid
• Muscle weakness/fatigue
• Sleeping difficulties
• Thinning skin
• Brittle hair
• Tachycardia (heart rate over 100/bpm)

How Testing Works

• Shipped directly to your door after online purchase
• Collect test sample and return to the lab using the enclosed pre-paid shipping label
• Reviewed by an independent board-certified physician
• Receive test results along with personalized recommendations in 4-9 days

Who Should Take the Thyroid Test

• Adults aged 40 and above
• Those who often report feeling cold
• Individuals who struggle to lose weight
• Persons feeling fatigued/sluggish

What the test reveals

Biomarker Assessment

Visual representation of specific biomarker results over time, together with detailed descriptions for easy understanding of health-related results.

Analysis and Insight

Detailed analysis of test results helps identify key areas of impact on health.  Important insights offer information and opportunities to support healthy changes.

Personalized Action Plan

Get simple access to your personal dashboard along with recommendations based on your specific test results.

Precaution

Testing is designed for informational purposes and as a tool to support further discussion with your physician or another healthcare practitioner.  You should always consult your doctor for any specific health questions, diagnosis or medical treatment.

Thyroid Test FYI

The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland located at the base of the neck secretes important hormones T3 and T4 and works to regulate a multitude of functions within the body including metabolism, heart rate, temperature, digestion, brain development, muscle control and maintenance of mood and bones.  As part of the endocrine system, the thyroid, and the chemical hormones it creates affect nearly every organ in the body in some way.  Though 20 million Americans suffer from thyroid conditions every day, according to the American Thyroid Association, roughly 60% go undetected. 

Four key biomarkers TSH, T3, T4, and TPOAb provide a complete picture of thyroid health and function.

TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and transported to the thyroid gland itself where it will stimulate the creation and regulation of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), primary thyroid hormones.  The body’s immune system further creates Thyroid peroxidase autoantibody TPOAb that works to suppress the production of thyroid hormone.

How Thyroid Biomarkers Work

Thyroid hormones are an integral part of cellular activity in nearly every area of the body, and dependent on healthy thyroid function.  Understanding the interplay between each of the thyroid hormones, TSH, T3, T4, and the immune system antibody TPOAb is important in thyroid testing and symptom management. 

When T3 and T4 levels drop, the pituitary gland secretes TSH, which in turn stimulates the thyroid gland to create more primary thyroid hormones. When T3 and T4 levels increase, the pituitary gland secretes less TSH, which reduces hormone production.  When T3 and T4 reach organs and tissues, increased energy and cellular growth occur.  If too much T3 and T4 is present, hyperthyroidism may occur.  When the thyroid is underactive, insufficient amounts of T3 and T4 are produced causing many of the symptoms hypothyroidism.  In the case of autoimmune-related thyroiditis, TPO is attacked by the body’s own immune system and circulating TPOAbs levels will be elevated.