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.

Medicover Call Center Number 04068334455

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).