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At-home thyroid test kits may be cheaper than in-office visits. It’s still wise to loop in a healthcare professional. We’ve tried out some of the following tests to check your thyroid at home.
Taking your health into your own hands is more accessible than ever — and this can be a good thing.
Home test kits, in particular, are often cheaper than in-office visits and may help confirm any health concerns you’re having. Results can easily be sent to a healthcare professional for a follow-up appointment.
We’ve reviewed, vetted, and narrowed down our top at-home thyroid test picks and provided useful tips.
To choose the best at-home thyroid tests, we looked for the ones 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.
Certifications: We chose tests that are Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified and accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
Privacy: The companies on this list offer confidentiality and discreet packaging to protect your privacy.
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.
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 while working with a healthcare professional to ensure you get the best possible care.
An important note: You shouldn’t change your medication based on what the at-home test kit results provide. It’s wise to always consult a 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.
Keep in mind that people writing reviews on consumer rating sites like Trustpilot and Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviews rarely intend to rave about a service. A bad experience can make folks likelier to write a review.
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 doesn’t make enough T4, T3, or both. It’s the most common thyroid condition, affecting 4.3% of adults in the United States. Around 4%–7% of the U.S. population and Europe have undiagnosed hypothyroidism.
With hyperthyroidism, the opposite occurs. The thyroid becomes too active and makes too much of the thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism affects 0.3% of the U.S. population and 1.3% of the population in Europe.
Doing a thyroid test 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.
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. 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.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), home test kits, in general, are a suitable way to receive quick and confidential lab results. They’re not a substitute for receiving regular care from a healthcare professional.
A TSH 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 a healthcare professional of any at-home test results.
When searching for an at-home thyroid test, decide what’s 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.
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’s 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.
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 thyroid uptake and scan to view how much iodine your thyroid absorbs and how overactive it is. You may need to go on daily medication to regulate your levels.
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 smart 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 a healthcare professional.
TSH levels depend on your age and sex, but they can fluctuate based on medications, diet, and pregnancy. The normal range is 0.4–4.5 milliunits per liter (mU/L).
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 healthcare professional if your test results are abnormal, which could indicate a thyroid disorder.
If your results are normal, you may still want to see a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns, symptoms of a thyroid disorder, or a personal or family history of thyroid conditions.
You can also visit a healthcare professional 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. A doctor or a healthcare professional can also recommend treatments, additional tests, and any lifestyle changes.
It’s wise to see a healthcare professional if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which may include:
To check your thyroid at home, it’s easiest to order an online thyroid 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.
To shave the time off for delivery, you can try picking up a thyroid home test at CVS, Walgreens, or other retail stores. But they may not carry our top picks and are sometimes out of stock.
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.
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.
To get a thyroid test that’s not doctor-prescribed, you can order a thyroid 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. It’s important to not change your medication or treatment plan based on home test results.
In most cases, it’s not necessary to fast before a thyroid test. However, if you’re taking additional blood tests at the same time — for lipids and glucose, for example — you may need to fast for 8 to 10 hours.
Most health insurance plans don’t cover the cost of at-home thyroid tests, but most do accept HSA/FSA payment. It’s always wise to check with your health insurance provider to be sure.
Paloma Health is the only one of our top picks that accepts insurance, but not for the at-home test kits. Paloma partners with major insurance providers to help cover the cost of the doctor consultations and medications it provides.
Overall, thyroid test kits are a reliable 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 sound idea to research each company for more information on its services, as well as its healthcare professionals and accreditations. This can help you decide whether at-home thyroid tests are right for you and which company to try.
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Muñoz-Ortiz J, et al. (2020). Prevalence of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and euthyroidism in thyroid eye disease: A systematic review of the literature. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32873324/
