Can You Check Thyroid at Home 

Introduction

Problems with the thyroid gland are very common around the world, including in India. In fact, around 42 million people in India are believed to have some form of thyroid disease¹. These issues can happen when the thyroid gland makes too much or too little hormone, or when the gland becomes swollen or develops lumps². 

People with thyroid problems may feel tired, gain or lose weight, feel anxious or low, or notice a swelling in their neck. These signs can be easy to miss or confused with other health issues². Therefore, it is important to stay vigilant of any new symptoms. 

In this article, we’ll talk about some common thyroid problems, the symptoms to look out for, how to test thyroid at home, and when you should visit a doctor for these. 

Understanding the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid is a small gland which is located in front of your neck and looks like a butterfly. It plays an important role in keeping the body healthy by producing thyroid hormones. These hormones help control your metabolism (how your body uses energy) and are important for growth, brain development, and many other functions³. 

There are two main types of thyroid hormones: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). T4 is made in the thyroid gland and then changed into the more active form, T3, in different parts of the body, like the brain, muscles, and fat tissue⁴. Also some amount of T3 is produced from the gland itself. These hormones help in proper utilisation of energy by the body and regulate response to changes like cold weather or fasting^3,4. Thyroid hormones also affect how the body handles fats and sugars, how sensitive the body is to insulin, and even how cholesterol is managed⁴.  

The production of thyroid hormones is controlled by signals from certain regions of the brain (the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland). The brain releases hormones like TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone) and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) to tell the thyroid when to make more or less of these hormones⁴. 

Since thyroid hormones are involved in so many bodily processes, keeping the thyroid healthy is important for overall well-being, especially for energy, weight, temperature regulation, and metabolism. 

What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Problems?

Thyroid problems can affect many parts of the body, and the symptoms can vary depending on whether the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism)¹.  

Wondering how do I know if I have thyroid problems?  Let us find out! 

Common symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) include²: 

• Feeling too hot all the time 
• Feeling anxious, restless, or nervous 
• Sweating more than usual 
• Shaky hands (tremors) 
• Unintentional weight loss 
• Weak muscles 
• Loose stools or diarrhoea 
• Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) 

Common symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) include²: 

• Feeling cold even in warm weather 
• Feeling sad or depressed 
• Feeling tired or low on energy 
• Dry or rough skin 
• Slow or hoarse voice 
• Weight gain without a clear reason 
• Muscle cramps 
• Irregular periods or changes in menstrual flow 

Symptoms related to thyroid swelling (goitre) can happen in both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions, or even when hormone levels are normal. These may include²: 

• Neck pain 
• Hoarseness or voice changes 
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia) 
• Swelling in the neck 
• Difficulty breathing 

Can You Check Your Thyroid at Home?

The answer is, yes! You can check certain aspects of your thyroid health at home, basis which you can decide the further course of action (whether or not to visit a doctor).  

Checking thyroid at home starts by being aware and observant of symptoms of thyroid disease. Alongside, some self-examination methods and at-home thyroid function tests can be used to assess your thyroid gland. 

While checkup at home offers a convenient and private way to assess your thyroid health, it’s important to understand their benefits and limitations before relying solely on them⁵: 

Advantages of Checking Thyroid at Home

• Helps identify potential thyroid imbalances before symptoms become severe. 
• Guides you to seek timely medical advice. 
• Assists in tracking treatment progress for existing thyroid conditions.

Disadvantages of Checking Thyroid at Home 

• Often not reliable . For example: Self-examination at times may seem completely normal even though there may be a severe issue. 
• Results are likely to be misunderstood without professional medical guidance.  
• May delay necessary treatment, if relied on exclusively without consulting a doctor 

So, while it’s possible to check your thyroid at home, it’s crucial to understand the pros and cons of this. Although, this should not replace regular checkups or a complete diagnostic assessment by a doctor, it can, however, be useful in raising awareness of potential issues and taking medical advice promptly.  

Methods to Check Thyroid at Home

Many people wonder, how do I know if I have thyroid problems which might need an expert doctor’s consultation . So, to answer this question, we are listing a few simple ways by which you can check for possible thyroid issues from the comfort of your home: 

1. Recognise Symptoms 

Keep track of any unusual changes in your body or how you’re feeling. Make a note of things like tiredness, sudden weight changes, mood swings, or feeling too hot or too cold, as these could be signs of a problem with your thyroid. 

2. Neck Self-Examination 

This method helps you check for swelling or lumps in the thyroid area.⁶ 

How to do it⁶: 

• Fill a glass with water. 
• Take the glass and stand in front of any mirror, such that you can see yourself clearly. 
• Now, gently tilt your head back. 
• Take a sip of water from the glass. 
• As you swallow, look at the base of your neck (above the collarbone, below the Adam’s apple) in the mirror. 
• Watch for any bulges, lumps, or uneven swelling. 

Note: If you see anything unusual, do not panic; not all lumps mean something serious. However, it’s important to talk to a doctor and get checked properly, especially if the lump stays or gets bigger over time. 

Use this as a complementary method to the clinical examination by a health care expert like an Endocrinologist.

3. Basal Body Temperature Test 

This method checks your body’s resting temperature, which may be deviated from the normal range in people with thyroid problems^7,8. 

How to do it: 

• Use a digital or mercury thermometer. 
• Check your temperature at any time of the day.  
• Do this for 3 to 5 days in a row. (Make sure to follow the same timings every day). 
• Normal range: Around 97.8 to 98.2°F (36.5 to 36.8°C)⁹. 
• If consistently below or high: It may be a sign of thyroid dysfunction^8,10. 

Note: This method is not always reliable and can be affected by other factors like illness or hormonal changes. 

4. At-Home Blood Tests 

This can be the most common and reliable method for thyroid assessment at home. You can easily order a thyroid blood test from home which checks for your thyroid hormone levels.

Remember that an abnormal check may not always indicate a significant problem, just as a normal test does not ensure everything is fine. It’s always preferable to speak with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and tailored guidance if you observe anything troublsome.  

When to See a Doctor

It’s important to know when home checks and symptoms should lead you to seek medical advice. If you notice any of the following signs or changes in your health, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor: 

• If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms (discussed above) of thyroid problems for a few weeks or more could be a sign of a thyroid problem or other underlying conditions (like diabetes) and should be evaluated by a doctor¹¹. 
• If you have no symptoms, but your test results are not normal: Sometimes, people have no obvious symptoms, but thyroid issues are discovered during routine blood tests. That’s why it’s helpful to get regular checkups, especially if you have a family history of thyroid disorders. 
• If you are experiencing life-threatening thyroid symptoms (although rare), Problems requiring urgent medical care include²: 
  • Thyroid Storm (severe hyperthyroidism): Symptoms include a very high fever, fast heart rate, extreme agitation, confusion, or even loss of consciousness.  
  • Myxoedema Crisis (severe hypothyroidism): Signs include extreme tiredness, very low body temperature, slow breathing, and unresponsiveness.  

If you notice any of these problems (even if they seem mild), it’s always safer to consult a doctor and get your thyroid checked. 

Conclusion

Thyroid test at home can be a helpful first step in noticing signs of thyroid problems. Simple methods like a neck self-exam, monitoring your body temperature, and being aware of common symptoms can alert you if something seems off with your thyroid. It is important to keep in mind that while these home checks are useful, they are not a substitute for medical testing. 

A thyroid blood test is the most reliable technique to determine if your thyroid gland is working normally. Additionally, regular checkups with your doctor can help catch issues early, even if you don’t have clear symptoms. 

Remember, in rare cases, thyroid problems can become serious emergencies. So, if you notice unusual symptoms or anything concerning during a home check, don’t delay and talk to a doctor. Keeping an eye on your thyroid health can go a long way in maintaining your overall well-being! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References  

1. Unnikrishnan AG, Menon UV. Thyroid disorders in India: An epidemiological perspective. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Jul;15(Suppl 2):S78-81. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3169866/ 
2. Melish JS. Thyroid Disease. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd ed. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 135. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK241/ 
3. Shahid MA, Ashraf MA, Sharma S. Physiology, Thyroid Hormone. [Updated 2023 Jun 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan; [cited 2025 May 22]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500006/ 
4. Mullur R, Liu YY, Brent GA. Thyroid hormone regulation of metabolism. Physiol Rev. 2014 Apr;94(2):355-82. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24692351/ 
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Home use tests [Internet]. FDA; 2024 [cited 2025 May 23]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/in-vitro-diagnostics/home-use-tests 
6. East Orange Health Department. Thyroid Neck Check [Internet]. East Orange, NJ: East Orange Health Department; [cited 2025 May 22]. Available from: https://www.eastorange-nj.gov/DocumentCenter/View/72/Thyroid-Neck-Check-PDF?bidId= 
7. Gustafson C. Denis Wilson, md: Low Body Temperature as an Indicator for Poor Expression of Thyroid Hormone. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015 Jun;14(3):24-8. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4566469/ 
8. Vancamp P, Demeneix BA. Is the Observed Decrease in Body Temperature During Industrialization Due to Thyroid Hormone-Dependent Thermoregulation Disruption? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2020 Jul 22;11:470. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7387406/ 
9. Del Bene VE. Temperature. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd ed. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 218. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK331/ 
10. Ljunggren JG, Kallner G, Tryselius M. The effect of body temperature on thyroid hormone levels in patients with non-thyroidal illness. Acta Med Scand. 1977;202(6):459-62. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/596246/ 
11. National Guideline Centre (UK). Indications for testing: Thyroid disease: assessment and management: Evidence review B. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2019 Nov. (NICE Guideline, No. 145.). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK577223/ 
12. Esfandiari NH, Papaleontiou M. Biochemical Testing in Thyroid Disorders. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2017 Sep;46(3):631-648. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5957513/ 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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