Thyroid Panel Testing In Westmont, IL

Tests that may be included

• TSH: made by the pituitary gland; it tells the thyroid how much hormone to make
• Free T4: the main thyroid hormone available for the body to use
• T3 or free T3: often checked when an overactive thyroid is suspected
• Thyroid antibodies: can help find autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease

Signs of an underactive thyroid

• Tiredness, weight gain and feeling cold
• Dry skin and hair, constipation, joint pain
• Irregular periods, low mood

Signs of an overactive thyroid

• Weight loss even while eating more
• Fast or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, shaky hands
• Trouble sleeping, feeling hot, frequent bowel movements

MedlinePlus notes that underactive thyroid symptoms often develop slowly, over months or years.

The provider will ask about your symptoms, medicines, family history and any past thyroid problems. Then they will recommend which tests to order. The sample is a blood draw from a vein in the arm, which usually takes less than five minutes.

• Tell the provider about every medicine and supplement you take. Do not stop any medicine unless your doctor tells you to
• You usually do not need to fast for a thyroid test alone. If other blood tests are ordered at the same time, you may be asked to fast
• Pregnancy, birth control pills and some other medicines can affect thyroid results, so mention them

A thyroid panel shows whether hormone levels are off, but not always why. The NIDDK notes that further tests, such as an ultrasound or thyroid scan, may be needed. Your provider will explain your results and recommend follow-up with your primary care provider or a specialist when needed.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for chest pain, a very fast or pounding heartbeat with dizziness or fainting, trouble breathing, confusion, high fever with agitation, or signs of a stroke such as face drooping, arm weakness or trouble speaking.

A thyroid test is not an emergency test. If you feel very unwell, get emergency care first.

Other lab and wellness services patients often pair with thyroid testing:

• Lab testing
• Full lab test panel
• Diabetes testing
• Blood count testing
• Primary care

Patients come to us for thyroid and other lab testing from nearby towns, including:

• Clarendon Hills, IL: about 1 mile east of our Cass Ave clinic (straight-line)
• Darien, IL: about 3.1 miles south of our Cass Ave clinic (straight-line)
• Oak Brook, IL: about 2.9 miles northeast of our Cass Ave clinic (straight-line)
• Lisle, IL: about 5.1 miles west of our Cass Ave clinic (straight-line)
• La Grange, IL: about 5.4 miles east of our Cass Ave clinic (straight-line)

Live closer to home? See our urgent care page for Westmont, IL.

Walk-ins are welcome at both of our locations: the main clinic at 29 N Cass Ave, Ste A, Westmont, IL 60559, and our second location inside Jewel-Osco at 4 E Ogden Ave, Westmont, IL 60559. Both are open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Call (630) 324-6825, or check in online before you arrive.

Please call ahead to confirm which lab tests are offered at the location you plan to visit, and whether you should fast.

We accept most major plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO), BCBS Advocate Good Samaritan (HMO), Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, Meridian and CountyCare. Coverage varies, so please call to confirm your plan. Read more on our cost and insurance page.

No insurance? Self-pay patients get flat, upfront pricing, with a general visit from $125. Ask about the price of any tests before they are done. See self-pay urgent care pricing.

Do I need to fast for a thyroid test?

Usually not for a thyroid test alone. If other blood tests are ordered at the same visit, you may need to fast. Your provider will tell you.

What does a high TSH mean?

A high TSH often means the thyroid is not making enough hormone (hypothyroidism). A low TSH often means it is making too much. Other tests help confirm the cause.

Can I get a thyroid test without a referral?

Yes. You can walk in or check in online and discuss testing with our provider.

Why would I need thyroid antibody tests?

Antibody tests can help show whether an autoimmune condition, such as Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease, is affecting your thyroid.