Order a Graves test and check thyroid antibodies

Standard thyroid panels measure TSH and the thyroid hormones, but with a possibly overactive thyroid you often want to go a step further. A Graves' test adds thyroid antibodies, which may help distinguish Graves' disease from other causes of an overactive thyroid.

That makes this more than a plain hyperthyroidism test: the combination of hormones and antibodies gives extra context in one go.

This test may be relevant for men who:

• have been told their thyroid values are elevated and want more insight
• have symptoms that fit an overactive thyroid, such as unexplained weight loss, restlessness, tremors or heat sensitivity
• want thyroid antibodies measured alongside the standard thyroid markers

• TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) (mu/l, ref: 0.27-4.2): the hormone your pituitary uses to regulate thyroid activity.
• Free T4 (thyroxine) (pmol/l, ref: 12-22): the unbound, active form of thyroxine.
• Free T3 (triiodothyronine) (pmol/l, ref: 3.1-6.8): the unbound, active form of T3, the more potent thyroid hormone.
• TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) (kU/l): thyroid antibodies that may stimulate the TSH receptor, potentially causing the thyroid to overproduce hormones.

The combination of a suppressed TSH with elevated free T4 or free T3 may suggest an overactive thyroid. If thyroid antibodies are also present, this pattern could point toward Graves' disease as the underlying cause.

Several conditions can produce a similar pattern, though, so this result is not a diagnosis. A doctor can interpret the results together with your symptoms. If you first want only the basic function of your thyroid in view, look at the thyroid function test.

Blood is drawn at a certified sample point. There are 700+ locations across the Netherlands, which you choose yourself after ordering. The appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You arrange this without your GP: no referral, just choose a location and time that suit you.

This Graves' test can be useful with symptoms that could be associated with an overactive thyroid, such as unexplained weight loss, an increased heart rate, tremors or anxious feelings. It can also fit if you previously had abnormal thyroid values and want a more targeted follow-up.

Because it is a blood test without a referral, you decide yourself when to start.

Your result shows each marker alongside a reference range. The presence or absence of thyroid antibodies, together with your hormone values, can provide additional context.

Individual values say little on their own. A doctor can help determine what the overall pattern may indicate and whether further evaluation is worthwhile.

For this test you usually do not need to fast. If you use medication or supplements that can affect your thyroid or the measurement, such as biotin, ask your doctor whether that could influence your result.

Schedule the draw at a calm moment so your result is as reliable as possible.

Your results are available within a few working days in your personal dashboard, clearly presented with reference ranges. Because Graves' disease calls for professional assessment, it is wise to discuss your result with a doctor, especially if antibodies are found or values fall outside the reference range.

Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.