GUIDES
Testing your thyroid levels: what you need to know
The thyroid is one small gland with a huge amount of power. Thyroid function can impact everything from sleep to stress, and even fertility. Here’s how you can check in with your thyroid and what you can expect to learn from your results.
Thyroid hormone tests often measure both TSH and fT4 levels
Which thyroid hormones should be tested?
At Arva Health, we test the most comprehensive Thyroid panel which includes TSH, T3, and T3 – all equally important to understand how your Thyroid is functioning.
Your thyroid gland is a small gland in your neck that plays a vital role in your metabolism, growth, development, and overall health. It produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, heart rate, breathing, digestion, body temperature, skin and hair health, bone health, mood and energy levels, and fertility.
Luckily, thyroid problems are very commonly treatable, so checking in with your levels can help you proactively reduce any future problems.
What is considered low TSH in women?
If your test comes back with a low TSH level, it typically suggests an overactive thyroid, aka hyperthyroidism.
With hyperthyroidism, you might experience the following symptoms:
Unintentional or unexpected weight loss
Rapid heartbeat, or tachycardia
Irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia
Pounding heartbeat, or palpitations
Increased appetite
Anxiety and irritability
A slight tremor in the hands or fingers
Sweating
Changes in your menstrual cycle
Changes in bowel movements
An enlarged thyroid gland in your neck (or goitre)
Skin thinning and brittle hair
Chart of TSH levels and the low, normal and high range
Chart of TSH levels and the low, normal and high range
What is considered a high TSH level in women?
If your test comes back with a high TSH level that might suggest an under-active thyroid — aka hypothyroidism.
With hypothyroidism, you might experience the following symptoms:
Fatigue
Increased sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Dry skin
Weight gain
A puffy face
Voice hoarseness
Muscle weakness, aches, and stiffness
Elevated blood cholesterol level
Joints pain or swelling
Heavier or irregular menstrual periods
Coarse hair and hair loss
Brittle nails
Slowed heart rate
Depression
Impaired memory
Enlarged thyroid gland (goitre)
Thyroid and fertility: What’s the connection?
Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can disrupt the menstrual cycle and alter reproductive hormones, making it more difficult to get pregnant. However, with proper treatment, most women with thyroid problems are able to conceive. In one study, 76% of women with hypothyroidism were able to conceive within a year of treatment.
Book the Fertility Test For Women to find out.
Thyroid hormone levels can have a big impact on fertility
Testing your thyroid hormones is easy (and affordable) with Arva
What’s the easiest way to test your thyroid levels?
The Arva Health Fertility hormone test measures your thyroid levels as well as 11 other key biomarkers to give you the most comprehensive look at your fertility — all from the comfort of your home and at a fraction of the price. With our test, you’ll also get access to:
Physician-reviewed reports based on your results
A personalised fertility dashboard so you can understand your results and how they affect you
Tools to track hormone changes over time and plan your timeline for kids
Access to live Q&As with fertility experts
Round the clock care from fertility counsellors, doctors, and more.
Want to keep going?
Go to our library for the most up-to-date fertility information.
