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TSH

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone that regulates thyroid function

TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland. TSH is tested when examining thyroid function.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone is the first test that is carried out when examining thyroid function.
  • TSH is essential for the production of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine.
  • TSH can be tested due to symptoms of fatigue, for example.

What is thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?

TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland. TSH is tested when examining thyroid function. Thyroid-stimulating hormone is essential for the production of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine.

The thyroid affects the functioning of the whole body. It regulates metabolism, affects our energy levels and mood, and much more. 

The TSH level is the primary investigation when suspecting thyroid underactivity or overactivity. Symptoms of these conditions include changes in weight, fatigue, low or high blood pressure, and mood changes.

High TSH value 

A high TSH value may indicate the following conditions: 

Low TSH value 

A low TSH value may indicate the following conditions: 

When is TSH measured?

TSH level in the blood is examined to diagnose hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. TSH can also be measured when the thyroid’s health needs to be investigated.

If there is a genetic predisposition to thyroid disease, it is advisable to measure the levels in a timely manner.

Fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms associated with thyroid overactivity or underactivity are good reasons to measure TSH levels.

Blood tests are conducted regularly during thyroxine treatment to ensure its effectiveness. For investigating thyroid disorders, TSH measurement is primary but not the only test.

If TSH level is outside the reference values, determining free T4 hormone levels is necessary. Thyroid-stimulating hormone is highly sensitive to changes in thyroxine hormone levels.

In the following cases, the examination of TSH does not yield a reliable result: 

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