''Most thyroid experts agree that the TSH test is your best first step for checking thyroid function.''

Reference: American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. http://www.aace.com

Even though thyroid disease can pose a serious health threat, a recent national survey by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists revealed that almost 60 percent of Americans have never been tested for a thyroid condition.

Measuring TSH

Measuring Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is one of the principle laboratory tests recommended by the American Thyroid Association for detecting either overactive or underactive thyroid conditions. TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that signals the thyroid gland to produce additional hormones that control body metabolism and organ function.

FDA Approved Home Collection Kit for Measuring TSH

As part of our RestoreSM program for individualized hormone therapy and testing, Women's Health America offers a home collection kit for measuring TSH. The kit may be ordered by any healthcare provider and will be sent directly to you, the patient.

The test provides you and your healthcare provider with an accurate, convenient, and inexpensive way to discover you own TSH level. The specimen collection process is quick, easy and virtually painless. Using the special lancet included in the Blood Collection Kit, a couple of drops of blood are taken from a nick of a finger and deposited into a special collection device called a BTS (Blood Transport System). The BTS is then analyzed. We mail the results and our suggestions back to your healthcare provider in an easy-to-read, understandable report.

Since our TSH test produces a numerical result rather than a simple "yes" or "no" answer, both testing approval and professional review of test results are required by a licensed physician.

Our price of $40 includes: the Home Collection Kit, return postage, test analysis, and review of TSH (thyroid test) results by a licensed Restore nurse.

To order, or for additional information, please contact our Restore department: 800-558-7046.

Basal Body Temperature As An Indicator or Thyroid Disorder

Basal body temperature (BBT) has also been used by some practitioners as an indicator of thyroid disorder. This "one size fits all" diagnostic tool was made popular by the late Broda Barnes, M.D. and is used by some complementary and alternative practitioners. While the BBT may provide useful preliminary information, most physicians recommend it only be used as part of an overall approach that includes serum blood testing, and not solely relied upon.

How to Measure BBT

To measure your BBT, use an older oral glass/Mercury thermometer. Shake the thermometer down before going to bed and put it by your beside. When you awaken in the morning, with as little movement as possible, place the thermometer under your armpit and lie still for ten minutes. Record the readings for three to five consecutive days. The test can be done at any time except by women who are still having menstrual cycles. In this case, women should not test on the first five days of a period but can begin on day 5.

BBT Results

If your temperature averages 97.8ºF to 98.2ºF - your thyroid is probably functioning normally

If your temperature averages above 98.2ºF - you may have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or an infection.

If your temperature averages below 97.8ºF - you may have low thyroid function (hypothyroidism)

Whatever results you get using this test, if you are concerned about results or your thyroid, please consult with your healthcare provider.