Question 1

Should a thyroid test be done on an empty stomach?

Accepted Answer

If you are being tested for thyroid disease, accuracy is the key. But many things can throw off your test results. Knowing what those things might be is crucial to prevent them from affecting your test results, and ultimately, your health.
Getting a thyroid test done on an empty stomach is not mandatory. 
Since TSH levels vary with the time of the day and your eating habits, the key here is always to get tested at the same time of day, in the same manner (fasting/non-fasting), and at the same lab to ensure consistency and a more accurate reflection of your condition and the doctor is to be informed when the test was performed so that the results are interpreted accordingly. It is best advised to perform the test in the morning time.
However, if your doctor has asked you to take any additional blood test, you may be asked to fast overnight for 8 - 10 hours.

Question 2

How long should you fast for a thyroid test?

Accepted Answer

Getting a thyroid test done on an empty stomach is not mandated but prefered in the mornings. But, there are times when your doctor may want to assess your overall health condition and prescribe additional tests. In such cases, you may be asked to fast overnight for 8 - 10 hours.

Question 3

Is the thyroid test done before breakfast?

Accepted Answer

There is no hard and fast rule as such. Thyroid tests can be done at any time of the day, but it is preferred to be done in the morning time, and the treating doctor has to be informed about the timing of the test. 
However, when your doctor may also want to assess other health conditions, he may prescribe additional tests that may require an overnight fast of 8 - 10 hours. In such cases, you may have to get your thyroid test done first thing in the morning before breakfast.  
Speak with your doctor to find out what's best suited for you.

Question 4

When is the best time to go for a thyroid test? Should blood samples be given in the early morning empty stomach?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid tests can be done at any time of the day, but the best time is in the morning. However, since TSH levels can vary from time to time in a day or may depend on your eating habits, I'd advise getting tested at the same time of day, in the same manner (fasting/non-fasting), and at the same lab to ensure consistency and a more accurate reflection of your condition and inform the treating doctor about the same.
Also, I'd recommend speaking with your doctor if the test is to be done in fasting, what foods to eat and what to avoid for better results.

Question 5

What are normal thyroid test results?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), otherwise also called thyrotropin, is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, a pea-shaped gland located at the base of the skull. TSH further regulates the production of Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) from the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the bottom front of your neck. 
TSH, T3 and T4 work together to regulate how your body uses energy — they play an important role in controlling your weight, body temperature, metabolism, muscle strength and nervous system. 
Higher TSH levels in your blood report indicate hypothyroidism, meaning your thyroid gland isn't making enough T3 or T4 hormones. Similarly, lower levels of TSH indicate hyperthyroidism. 
It's important to know that different doctors and labs have a varying "normal" range. However, most doctors and labs consider a range between 0.27 - 4.5 mlU/L to be normal.

Question 6

Can we have tea before a thyroid test?

Accepted Answer

There is no hard and fast rule as such. The timing of the test is more important than the meal. However, when your doctor may also want to assess other health conditions, he may prescribe additional tests that may require an overnight fast of 8 - 10 hours. In such cases, you may have to get your thyroid test done first thing in the morning before breakfast.
Speak with your doctor to find out what's best suited for you.

Question 7

What does the TSH level of 5.25 mean for the thyroid test?

Accepted Answer

TSH regulates and helps your thyroid glands release T3 and T4 hormones. Without TSH, your system would fail.
While TSH is produced by the pituitary gland located at the base of the skull, T3 and T4 hormones are produced by the thyroid gland located at the lower front of the neck.
Higher levels of TSH suggest hypothyroidism, while lower levels of TSH indicate hyperthyroidism. The normal range for TSH is between 0.27 - 4.5 mlU/L in most of the labs.
You may want to consult with your doctor if your TSH levels are not within the normal range. Following are some precautions to consider for a healthy thyroid gland:
Managing stress: There is a direct relationship between your adrenal health and your thyroid health. Chronic stress can worsen thyroid problems, leading to an imbalance of hormones in your system. When you are stressed, stress hormones are released as a way of coping mechanism. As a result, you might notice slow metabolism and weight gain.
Eating well: Eat food that is nutritious and wholesome. These should include fruits, veggies, fatty fish, and lean proteins. Avoid eating foods that are either empty calories or nonnutritious. Those will only add to your fatigue and lethargy caused by thyroid issues. For best results, consult your doctor or nutritionist. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Exercise: Movement is very critical, especially for those suffering from hypothyroidism. Look to do lower impact movements such as daily walking, hiking, cycling, swimming or strength training.

Question 8

Can birth control cause thyroid tests to be off?

Accepted Answer

Studies show that oral contraception tends to have a greater effect on your thyroid tests than any other form of contraception. However, these are very mild changes. You may want to speak with your doctor for more clarity on this. Otherwise, no evidence suggests contraceptives trigger or cause thyroid problems.

Question 9

What does it mean to have a TSH of 36 in a thyroid test? Is it something to worry about?

Accepted Answer

TSH regulates and helps your thyroid glands release T3 and T4 hormones. Without TSH, your system would fail.
While TSH is produced by the pituitary gland located at the base of the skull, T3 and T4 hormones are produced by the thyroid gland located at the lower front of the neck.
Higher levels of TSH suggest hypothyroidism, while lower levels of TSH indicate hyperthyroidism. The normal range for TSH is between 0.27 - 4.5 mlU/L.
You may want to consult with your doctor if your TSH levels are not within the normal range as this may need supplementation, and also further testing is required to understand the cause of abnormal levels.

Test	Normal Range
TSH	0.27 to 4.20 mlU/L
T3	80 to 200 ng/dL
T4	5.10 to 14.10 mlU/dL

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