Around 10% of the British adult population – both men and women – suffer symptoms caused by an underactive thyroid gland, commonly known as hypothyroidism. Conversely, some people have an overactive thyroid gland, called hyperthyroidism.
The thyroid hormones essentially control the metabolic rate of all cells throughout the body. This means that it influences our weight, but is an oversimplification of the overall role of the thyroid within the body.
Metabolism literally means “tissue change”, and therefore includes all the physical and chemical processes by which the living body is maintained, as well as those that produce and make energy for various forms of work.
In other words, the thyroid influences every system, organ and muscle in the body. Problems with the thyroid gland can therefore be the cause of many recurring illnesses and chronic conditions.
Please use the menu on the right to find out more about the conditions listed.
US Custom changes Aug 29 2025
Every US shipment, regardless of value or content, must now undergo full entry with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Our lab partners are working hard to reduce the impact of these new customs procedures on returning US bound test samples.
Unfortunately this change may impact your test results turnaround time
Transit times may be longer due to increased customs processing.
Samples may be delayed or held while clearance is completed.
If you have already sent back your sample and it is directly affected by these customs delays, our team will contact you individually to advise on the next steps.
We know how vital timely testing is for you and we greatly value your understanding while these changes take effect.
We expect the situation to improve as customs processes adjust, and we will provide updates as this develops.
Please do not return samples to the laboratories that may arrive after Wednesday 27th March and up to and including Monday 2nd April.
The laboratories are closed from the 28th March – 2nd April for the Easter Holiday.
