Has anyone used 23 and me to get genetic information?

[Mollyfan]

I was interested in looking at some genes relating to thyroid function and asked if they were included in the health 23 and me checks. This is the reply I got.

Has anyone used them and was it helpful?

“Thank you for your reply. Based on your message, it sounds like you may be interested in our Browse Raw Data feature. 23andMe performs genotyping, meaning that we look at specific positions along your genome that are known to differ between individuals. These positions are called SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms). The raw data feature shows the raw read out of our genetic analysis; you can see your genotype result for each position, or SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism), we test.

We do not provide a preview of the Browse Raw Data feature as this data is only suitable for informational use and should not be used for medical purposes. 23andMe raw data has undergone a general quality review, however only a subset of markers have been individually validated for accuracy. For this reason, if receiving raw data is your primary goal, we cannot recommend that you purchase our service.”

[SlowDragon Administrator]

The most popular thyroid related Genetic test is Dio2 gene test by Regenerus

thyroiduk.org/deiodinase-2-...

[Mollyfan in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks!

[radd]

Mollyfan,

I used 23&me some years ago.

They send you reports already interpreted and it can be useful in determining which conditions you are predisposed to but guess it could also freak you out if a load of bad stuff came up. It showed the two copies of a certain variant on a gene known to indicate haemochromotosis, that I have.

Genetics play a prominent role in thyroid physiology & you can get ideas of what's related to thyroid issues from websites such as Genetic Lifehacks. Just type 'thyroid' into the search bar to see loads of info & articles.

If you download your 23&me raw data its quite good fun inputing your markers and seeing what comes up, but awfully long winded unless you are a geneticist who know what influences what, and unless you get two straight copies what is the likelihood of certain conditions actually happening. 23&me also have blogs that are interesting to read.

geneticlifehacks.com/thyroi...

If you are only interested in knowing about the deidinase2 gene that influences hormone conversion, you would need the Regenerus test.

regeneruslabs.com/products/...

[Ezzie33]

I downloaded my file from 23andme and uploaded it into Promethease and SelfDecode.

I've found SelfDecode to be most helpful because they do reports on specific things (there is a thyroid report) and give suggestions based on your genes.

The 23andme data may not contain all the relevant SNPs if you are particularly interested in thyroid ones. I chose this route because I was curious about finding potential relatives, and I have several health concerns so wanted a good overview.

[RABIDFOX in reply to Ezzie33]

i used self decode but it was expensive and it was before i found out my thyroid was messed up

[MaryMary]

I found 23 and me useful but I had to send the raw data to another company to provide reports. I think it was Genetic Genie? I found out about possible vitamin D, B12 and methylation issues but nothing about thyroid. As this is a developing area of science, the data will keep improving (hopefully!). I also like researching my genetic relatives, but as it is American there are less UK/European relatives who participate.

[RABIDFOX]

worked fine for me you can load the genetic data into other sites that can interpret it for you i recommend my fitness genes

photo of thyroid

[jimh111]

My brother used 23 and me to checkout ancestory. My mother was from Ireland and my father England. The results said we had no Irish ancestory but lots of ancestors from South America! I think you would find voodoo or a ouija board cheaper options.

[radd in reply to jimh111]

jimh111,

😂

I love that it also gives the likely hood of having a unibrow 🤣 or detached earlobes. I had to look that one up!

[Mollyfan in reply to jimh111]

🤣🤣

[designguy]

I started to do the 23 & me test but was told that some of the better sites for interpreting the data no longer accept 23 & me data, like Dr. Ben Lynch's site. They now have their own tests. available. I also wasn't interested in the genealogy info.

[Mollyfan]

Thank you so much everyone.... I will think about it as the response has been so mixed. Not sure that having a genetic test for unibrow is what I am looking for!!🤣