Thyroid blood tests, at home

No, fasting is not required for TSH, T3 or T4. You can book any time of the day. If you're already on thyroid medication, take it at your usual time unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If this is your first screening, the full Thyroid Profile (TSH + T3 + T4) gives the most complete picture. Once you have a baseline, just TSH is usually enough for routine 6-month follow-ups.

High TSH (above 4–5 mIU/L) usually means your thyroid is producing too little hormone — your pituitary is calling for more. This is hypothyroidism, which is treatable with daily medication. Borderline highs (5–10 mIU/L) need clinical interpretation.

Yes, strongly recommended. Untreated hypothyroidism affects fertility and increases miscarriage risk. If you're trying to conceive or in your first trimester, a thyroid screen is part of standard pre-pregnancy bloodwork.

Anti-TPO antibodies detect Hashimoto's thyroiditis — the autoimmune cause of 80% of hypothyroidism in India. If your TSH is high or borderline, anti-TPO helps confirm whether it's autoimmune (which often progresses) versus other causes.