|
Your
Thyroid Gland Your thyroid gland is
a butterfly shaped gland, located at the front part of your throat
just below your Adam's apple. It produces hormones that affect and
regulate virtually every bodily activity. Thyroid hormones control
metabolism and organ function, directly affecting weight loss or
gain, energy levels, skin condition, memory, heart rate, cholesterol
levels, menstrual regularity, memory as well as many other
functions. If your thyroid gland is not working properly, a variety
of possibly severe medical problems can result.
The good news is, if discovered and properly treated, a thyroid
disorder can be controlled and the patient can lead a normal and
active life.
Table of Contents :
How To Order
Symptoms of an Overactive Thyroid
When your thyroid gland produces more
thyroid hormone than your body needs, a condition called
hyperthyroidism occurs. This is commonly known as an overactive
thyroid.
Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism
are:
 | Weight loss Fatigue |
 | Heat intolerance |
 | Nervousness |
 | Insomnia Tremor |
 | Muscle weakness |
 | Heart palpitations |
 | Frequent bowel movements |
 | Menstrual irregularities (especially
light menstrual periods) |
Table of Contents :
How To Order
Symptoms of an Underactive
Thyroid
When your thyroid gland produces less
thyroid hormone than your body needs, a condition called
hyporthyroidism occurs. This is commonly referred to as an
underactive thyroid and is the most common thyroid disorder.
Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
 | Weight gain |
 | Depression |
 | Fatigue |
 | Cold intolerance |
 | Dry skin |
 | Hair dryness or hair loss |
 | Forgetfulness |
 | Muscle cramps |
 | Edema |
 | Constipation |
 | Menstrual irregularities (especially heavy menstrual
periods) |
Table of Contents :
How To Order
What is TSH?
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is a chemical substance
produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to
synthesize and release its own hormones into the bloodstream. When
too much thyroid hormone is produced, a condition called
hyperthyroidism will result, often referred to as an overactive
thyroid. When not enough thyroid hormone is produced, a condition
called hypothyroidism will result, often referred to as an
underactive thyroid.
Because there are so many different health problems associated with
either an underactive or overactive thyroid gland, it is essential
that basic thyroid function be tested regularly. The easiest way to
do this is by testing for TSH.
Table of Contents :
How To Order
Are there Known Risk Factors?
While anyone can develop thyroid disease, we know that certain
things can put you at greater risk. These are called risk factors
and are broken down into two categories; Personal History risk
factors and Family History risk factors.
Personal History risk factors deal with your own past or current
medical conditions and/or drugs you might be taking. If any of the
following apply to you, you are at greater risk of developing
thyroid disease.
While anyone can develop thyroid disease, we know that certain
things can put you at greater risk. These are called risk factors
and are broken down into two categories; Personal History risk
factors and Family History risk factors.
Personal History risk factors deal with your own past or current
medical conditions and/or drugs you might be taking. If any of the
following apply to you, you are at greater risk of developing
thyroid disease.
1) Have you had or do you now have:
 | thyroid dysfunction. |
 | goiter. |
 | surgery or radiotherapy affecting the thyroid gland. |
 | diabetes mellitus. |
 | vitiligo (non-pigmented skin patches). |
 | pernicious anemia. |
 | prematurely gray hair. |
2) Are you taking any medications or other compounds such as:
 | lithium carbonate or |
 | iodine containing compounds such as:
 | amiodarone hydrochloride |
 | radiocontrast agents |
 | expectorants containing iodide and kelp |
|
3) There are also risk factors associated with your Family
History. If any member of your immediate family suffers from any of
the following conditions, you are also at greater risk of developing
thyroid disease:
 | thyroid disease |
 | pernicious anemia |
 | diabetes mellitus |
 | primary adrenal insufficiency |
Table of Contents :
How To Order
Are there Health Changes to be aware of?
There are certain situations and
health changes that should immediately prompt you to think about TSH
testing:
 | When pregnant women go for their 1st prenatal visit
|
 | Following pregnancy if postpartum depression strikes |
 | If a child's growth pattern or behavior changes |
 | If mood swings and other symptoms of menopause persist despite
hormone replacement therapy |
 | If fatigue, depression and forgetfulness plague older persons. |
Table of Contents :
How To Order
About The Test - The Testing Procedure
The BIOSAFE TSH test is a laboratory analysis that
measures a chemical substance in the blood called thyroid
stimulating hormone (TSH). The test provides you with an accurate,
convenient, and inexpensive way to discover you own TSH level. The
amount of TSH present is directly related to both hyperthyroidism
(overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
The specimen collection process is quick, easy and virtually
painless. Using the special lancet (included in the BIOSAFE 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 sent to BIOSAFE
Laboratories for analysis. BIOSAFE tests your blood sample to see
how much TSH is present and then mails the results back to you in an
easy-to-read, understandable report.
Since the BIOSAFE 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. BIOSAFE has developed a nationwide network of medical
doctors for this purpose.
Price includes:
One BIOSAFE Collection Kit, return postage to the Lab, test analysis
by BIOSAFE's CLIA Certified Laboratory, and review of results by a
licensed Health Care Professional
Note: A TSH test should be considered only one part of
your overall health maintenance program.
Table of Contents :
How To Order
TSH
Test (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) - Testimonials
. . . If only all medical professionals could be as helpful on
the phone as you and your partner have been. My husband is involved
in a large hospital; their studies show that the number one patient
dissatisfaction is always, without exception, dissatisfaction with
the communication skills of doctors and other medical professionals
they must deal with. I propose we send them all to you for training.
Thanks again.
Regards,
Linda W.
Indiana
I wanted to let you know how much I
appreciate the concern and dedication of BIOSAFE Labs. I have been
tired, constant headaches, gaining weight and uncontrolled blood
pressure. Despite medications and numerous tests, my physician
couldn’t diagnose my problem. After seeing your advertisement for a
home test kit for TSH thyroid measuring I ordered it thinking, "What
do I have to lose"?
. . .I am just thankful to finally get
diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Because of the dedication and concern
of your staff, I can now be treated and have a chance at a normal
life again. I will definitely refer my friends and family to you. It
was so good to be treated as a person and not a number. Again, a
special thanks to you, Colleen, and every staff member that was
instrumental in diagnosing my condition. My father always told me,
“You are only as good as your reputation,” and yours stands good for
me. Thanks.
Forever grateful,
Carolyn B.
North Carolina
I feel that it is very beneficial for a
thyroid patient to have the option to purchase their own TSH tests
from a company like BIOSAFE...
...Of course it is very important for the
patient to discuss any results that are not in line with their
docator and, of course, to not attempt to adjust their medications
on their own. This testing would also be beneficial for a patient
who is having problems and not feeling well. If bad test results
show up then the patient would need to make an appointment with her
doctor to have things checked out. Also, a patient could run this
test for a diagnosis of a thyroid condition. If a bad result showed
then this could alert the patient to go to a doctor to have things
checked out.
...I hope BIOSAFE can continue to offer
this wonderful testing to the public.
Thank you,
Vickie K.
Texas
Table
of Contents : How To Order
|