Role of TSH

Know more about TSH:: TSH is produced when the hypothalamus releases a substance called thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then triggers the pituitary gland to release TSH.

TSH causes Function 1:-- the thyroid gland to make two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 and T4 help control body's metabolism.

Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are needed for normal growth of the brain, especially during the first 3 years of life. A baby whose thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone (congenital hypothyroidism) may, in severe cases, have below-average intelligence. Older children also need thyroid hormones to grow and develop normally.

This test may be done at the same time as tests to measure T3 and T4. hyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Why It Is Done

A test for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is done to:

·         Find out whether the thyroid gland is working properly.

§  An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can cause symptoms such as weight gain, tiredness, dry skin, constipation, a feeling of being too cold, or frequent menstrual periods.

§  An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heart rate, nervousness, diarrhea, a feeling of being too hot, or irregular menstrual periods.

        Find the cause of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

         

        TSH levels can help determine whether hypothyroidism is due to a damaged thyroid gland or some other cause (such as a problem with the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus).

Double-check the diagnosis of an underactive thyroid gland in a newborn (congenital hypothyroidism). Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

         

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A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is used to check for thyroid gland problems.

The normal values listed here—called a reference range—These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what's normal.  health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.

Results are usually available in 2 to 3 days.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) footnote1
Adults:	0.4–4.2 microunits per milliliter (mcU/mL) or 0.4–4.2 milliunits per liter (mU/L)
Children:	0.7–6.4 mcU/mL or 0.7–6.4 mU/L
Newborns ( 1-4 days):	1–39 mcU/mL or 1–39 mU/L

A slightly high TSH value may not require treatment. The doctor will consider any symptoms you might have along with other test results to determine if treatment is needed.