Check Your Own Thyroid: How to Do a Self-Exam

Millions of Americans are suspected of having undiagnosed thyroid problems. There are simple self-exam techniques you can do with no visit to your physician needed.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology explained that all you need for your own thyroid self-exam is a handheld mirror and a glass of water.

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Here is how to do a self-exam to check your thyroid:

1. Hold the mirror in one hand and look at the area of the neck where the thyroid gland is located. This will be on the lower front of the neck, above the collarbone but below the voice box, or larynx.
2. Continue to focus on this area, and tip your head back slightly.
3. Take a drink of water. As you swallow the water, look for any bumps or areas the look swollen or protruded in the area of the thyroid gland. You may need to repeat this procedure a few times to get a good look. Don’t confuse the thyroid with the Adam’s apple.
4. If you do notice any bulges or bumps, contact your physician. They will evaluate the thyroid and do further testing if necessary.

According to the EndocrineWeb, bumps, nodules, or swelling seen on the thyroid self-exam could indicate a thyroid disorder such as an under- or overactive thyroid gland, autoimmune disease, goiter, or cancerous thyroid tumor.

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Most thyroid cancers have a good prognosis and are easily treatable.

If you want to test only for underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), there is another self-exam you can do at home, said Dr. Julian Whitaker.

He advised keeping a thermometer next to your bed and, for four consecutive days, measure your basal temperature by placing the thermometer in your armpit and leaving it for 10 minutes. This should be done immediately upon waking up and before moving around.

If the average temperature over four days is cooler than 97.8 degrees Fahrenheit, you could have hypothyroidism and you should ask your physician about further testing.

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