Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test
A TSH test is a blood test used to measure thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. The thyroid gland, shaped like a butterfly and is situated in the front of the neck, produces hormones that regulate how the body uses energy. These hormones substantially impact the heart, weight, muscle strength, body temperature, and mood. Too high or too low blood levels of the thyroid hormone can indicate a thyroid issue.

The pituitary gland, located in the brain, regulates the thyroid gland. It creates TSH, which instructs the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones properly. The pituitary increases TSH synthesis to encourage the thyroid to work harder when blood levels of thyroid hormone are low. The pituitary gland reduces or stops TSH synthesis when there is an overabundance of thyroid hormone in the blood. TSH levels can be measured using a blood test to evaluate if the thyroid is releasing enough hormones.
What is it used for?
A TSH test is used to evaluate the thyroid gland's functionality. It can detect hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone) or hypothyroidism (inadequate thyroid hormone levels) in the circulation. A TSH test, on the other hand, cannot determine the underlying cause of a thyroid disease.
TSH tests are used to evaluate thyroid hormone levels after hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism treatment.
Why do I need a TSH test?
You might need a TSH test if you show signs of having too much or too little thyroid hormone in the blood.
Hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone) is also known as an overactive thyroid. Possessing more thyroid hormones than necessary speeds up the body's functioning and creates symptoms such as:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Trouble sleeping,fatigue
- Sweating or being very sensitive to heat
- Weight loss
- Frequent bowel movements (pooping a lot)
- Feeling nervous or irritable
- Goiter (enlarged thyroid)
- Shaky hands,muscle weakness
Hypothyroidism (inadequate thyroid hormone) is also known as underactive thyroid. Thyroid hormone deficiency slows down the body's processes and causes symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Joint and muscle pain
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
- Being very sensitive to cold
- Dry skin
- Depression
- Dry, thinning hair
- Constipation
A TSH test and additional tests may be performed to help determine whether unusual bumps or lumps on your thyroid could be thyroid cancer or thyroid nodules (non-cancerous growths on the thyroid).
What happens during a TSH test?
A small needle will be used by a healthcare expert to draw blood from a vein in the arm. A little blood will be collected in a test tube once the needle has been inserted. When the needle goes in or out, you can experience a little sting. Normally, this takes less than five minutes.
How to prepare for the test?
If the doctor has ordered further blood tests, you may be required to fast (not eat or drink) before the test. The provider will inform you if there are any special instructions to follow.
Are there any risks to the test?
A blood test poses relatively minimal risk. You may experience some pain or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms will subside soon.
What do the results mean?
TSH test results can indicate if the thyroid produces too much or too little thyroid. However, the test cannot explain why the TSH levels are abnormally high or low.
If the test results are abnormal, the provider will most likely order additional thyroid blood tests to determine the cause of the thyroid problem. These blood tests may include the following:
- T3 thyroid hormone test
- T4 thyroid hormone test
- Thyroid antibodies are used to aid in the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid disorders such as:
- Hashimoto's disease (common cause of hypothyroidism)
- Graves' disease (common cause of hyperthyroidism)
An abnormal TSH test may be a symptom of a pituitary gland dysfunction in some cases, but this is uncommon.
Additional information about a TSH test
Even if the thyroid gland is healthy, the TSH levels may be high or low. Severe illnesses unrelated to the thyroid may significantly suppress TSH levels. TSH levels may also be higher in adults over the age of 80, even if they do not have thyroid disorders.
TSH levels are also affected by pregnancy. If you get any thyroid disease while pregnant, the doctor will closely monitor the condition both during and after your baby is born. This is because hyperthyroidism and, less frequently, hypothyroidism can persist after giving birth. If you have a history of thyroid problems, consult the physician if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
TSH tests are frequently performed on newborn babies to determine if they were born with hypothyroidism (congenital hypothyroidism).
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test Cost in India
Test Type | Blood Test |
---|---|
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Hyderabad | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 approximately. |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Mumbai | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Pune | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Vizag | Rs. 400 to Rs.1400 approximately. |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Nashik | Rs. 450 to Rs.1450 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Aurangabad | Rs. 450 to Rs.1450 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Nellore | Rs. 450 to Rs.1450 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Chandanagar | Rs. 400 to Rs.1400 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Srikakulam | Rs. 400 to Rs.1400 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Sangamner | Rs. 400 to Rs.1400 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Kurnool | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Kakinada | Rs. 500 to Rs.1500 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Karimnagar | Rs. 400 to Rs.1400 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Zaheerabad | Rs. 300 to Rs.1300 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Sangareddy | Rs. 400 to Rs.1400 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Nizamabad | Rs. 300 to Rs.1300 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Begumpet | Rs. 450 to Rs.1450 approximately |
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test in Vizianagram | Rs. 400 to Rs.1400 approximately |

Book a TSH test at Medicover Hospitals. Call us at 040-68334455
Normal TSH Levels
TSH normal values are 0.5 to 5.0 mIU/L.
For any abnormal value, you must consult a doctor.
If there is an abnormal value, you should probably visit a doctor