1004. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Description
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland (a small part of the brain). Its main role is to regulate the thyroid gland’s release of the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Measuring TSH levels is used to assess the functional status of both the pituitary and thyroid glands, as well as to help diagnose disorders affecting these organs. It serves as a screening test to evaluate thyroid function.
TSH levels should be checked if you have signs or symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), if a thyroid nodule is detected, or if you are undergoing treatment related to a thyroid condition. Because symptoms of thyroid dysfunction especially in the early stages can be vague and similar to many chronic illnesses, TSH testing is often included as part of a routine annual lab panel.
It is optimal to perform this test along with other tests from the thyroid panel.
When and who needs the test?
- Assessment of thyroid gland function.
- Monitoring of treatment for hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis.
- Delayed cognitive and sexual development in children.
- Goiter.
- Hyperprolactinemia.
- Diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction as one of the underlying causes of pathological conditions.: arterial hypertension or hypotension, coronary artery disease (CAD), dyslipidemia, anemia, menstrual irregularities (MI), infertility, obesity, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and bone fractures (associated with decreased bone mineral density).
Biological material
- Venous blood
Preparing for a blood test
In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules:
- an important condition for laboratory tests is to take blood on an empty stomach.
- 6-12 hours before the test, you should avoid eating, drinking alcohol, smoking, and limit physical activity. Drinking...
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