Test ID: B-220M | Sample Type: Dried Blood Spot | Test Method: LC-MS/MS | Results: 3–5 Working Days | Laboratory: ZRT Laboratory – CLIA Certified | Report: Specialist Doctor Comment Included | Suitable For: Men | Collect Sample At Home: No Clinic Visit Required
Could Your Thyroid Be Affecting Your Energy, Weight, or Performance?
Thyroid dysfunction in men is widely underdiagnosed — not because it is rare, but because symptoms are often attributed to overwork, low testosterone, or simply ageing. The thyroid regulates your metabolism, body composition, cardiovascular health, and sexual function. If you recognise any of the following, a comprehensive thyroid test could reveal what is actually going on:
- Persistent fatigue or low energy that rest does not resolve
- Unexplained weight gain, difficulty losing body fat, or slowed metabolism
- Reduced exercise tolerance or muscle weakness
- Brain fog, poor focus, or slowed thinking
- Low mood, depression, or reduced motivation
- Hair thinning or loss, including body hair
- Feeling cold all the time, or conversely, intolerance to heat
- Constipation or digestive sluggishness
- Reduced libido or sexual performance issues
- Elevated cholesterol or high blood pressure
- Already on thyroid medication and wanting to monitor treatment
Why a Full Thyroid Panel Matters for Men
A standard GP thyroid test typically only measures TSH — which can miss significant thyroid dysfunction. In men, thyroid imbalance can closely mimic symptoms of low testosterone, making it frequently overlooked or misattributed. This comprehensive panel measures six thyroid markers, giving a complete picture of thyroid hormone production, conversion, autoimmune activity, and iodine-related health:
- TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) — the primary screening marker; high TSH suggests hypothyroidism, low TSH suggests hyperthyroidism
- Free T4 (fT4) — the main hormone produced by the thyroid; assesses production capacity
- Free T3 (fT3) — the active thyroid hormone that drives energy, metabolism, and cellular function; some men have normal T4 but poor T4-to-T3 conversion, causing persistent symptoms despite apparently normal results
- Total T4 (TT4) — measures both bound and free thyroxine; provides a broader view of thyroid output
- TPO Antibodies (TPOab) — elevated levels indicate autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Thyroglobulin (Tgbn) — linked to iodine storage and thyroid hormone production; elevated levels may suggest iodine deficiency or thyroid dysfunction
Thyroid Test Reference Ranges
| Test | Unit | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Thyroxine (fT4) | ng/dL | 0.8–1.6 | 0.8–1.6 |
| Free Triiodothyronine (fT3) | pg/mL | 1.9–4.4 | 1.9–4.4 |
| Thyroglobulin (Tgbn) | ng/mL | 5–51 | 4–34 |
| Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) | IU/mL | 0–150 | 0–150 |
| TPOab—Borderline | IU/mL | 70–150 | 70–150 |
| Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) | μU/mL | 0.5–3.0 | 0.5–3.0 |
| Total Thyroxine (T4) | μg/dL | 5–10.6 | 5–10.6 |
What Conditions Can This Test Help Identify?
- Hypothyroidism — underactive thyroid; commonly confused with low testosterone or burnout in men
- Hyperthyroidism — overactive thyroid, including Graves’ disease
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis — autoimmune thyroid disease; often missed without TPO antibody testing
- Subclinical thyroid dysfunction — abnormal TSH with normal T4/T3; can cause significant symptoms while going undetected on standard tests
- T4-to-T3 conversion issues — normal T4 but insufficient active T3; a common cause of persistent fatigue and low performance in men
- Iodine-related thyroid dysfunction — assessed via thyroglobulin
How It Works
- Order your kit — delivered to your door
- Collect your sample at home — a simple finger-prick dried blood spot; no clinic or GP visit needed
- Post your sample to ZRT Laboratory using the return instructions provided
- Receive your results by email within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your sample
What You Receive
- All six thyroid markers displayed clearly in graphics and numbers with sex-specific reference ranges
- Written interpretation by a Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor
- Guidance on what your results mean and what to do next
- Laboratory fee included — no hidden charges
Why We Use ZRT Laboratory
All testing is performed by ZRT Laboratory — a globally recognised, CLIA-certified diagnostic laboratory founded in 1998 by Dr. David Zava, PhD. ZRT has performed over 11 million tests and is trusted by healthcare professionals in 96+ countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is TSH alone not enough?
TSH reflects the pituitary’s signal to the thyroid but does not show whether the thyroid is producing adequate T4, whether T4 is converting to active T3, or whether an autoimmune process is attacking thyroid tissue. Many men with persistently low energy, mood issues, or weight gain have normal TSH but significant dysfunction in these downstream markers.
How is thyroid dysfunction different from low testosterone in men?
The symptoms overlap significantly — fatigue, low libido, reduced muscle mass, brain fog, and low mood can result from either or both. Testing both thyroid and testosterone panels gives a clear picture of which hormonal system is contributing to your symptoms.
Does the price include the laboratory fee?
Yes. The full laboratory analysis fee is included. You are only responsible for posting your sample to the laboratory.
How long is the kit valid for?
The kit must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.