TSH
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is a hormone that stimulates the thyroid glands. TSH is released into the blood from a region in the brain called the pituitary. It is very important for the TSH level in the blood to be within normal limits for proper thyroid function.
What is TSH Test?
The TSH test measures the level of the hormone called TSH in the blood. According to the results of this test, it is determined whether the patient's TSH level is normal or low/high. TSH is actually responsible for the production of the hormones T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). TSH plays an important role in the regular functioning of hormones in the body. The pituitary gland produces TSH, which stimulates the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, which is a butterfly-shaped gland, has responsibilities in the systematic functioning of many body functions, from heartbeat to body temperature, from metabolism to sleep.
In Which Situations Is TSH Test Requested?
The TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test is a blood test used to evaluate the functioning of the thyroid gland. TSH is a hormone secreted from the pituitary gland and regulates the hormone production of the thyroid gland. TSH levels are important for controlling how much hormone the thyroid gland produces. TSH testing is usually ordered in these situations:
1. Diagnosis and Monitoring of Thyroid Diseases:
The TSH test is used to diagnose and monitor thyroid diseases such as hypothyroidism (insufficient hormone production by the thyroid gland) or hyperthyroidism (excessive hormone production by the thyroid gland). High TSH levels usually indicate hypothyroidism, while low TSH levels may be an indicator of hyperthyroidism.
2. Symptoms Related to the Thyroid Gland:
A TSH test may be ordered to evaluate thyroid function in people with symptoms such as enlargement of the thyroid gland, nodules, weight changes, fatigue, irritability, or heat or cold intolerance.
3. During pregnancy:
A TSH test may be performed to monitor thyroid functions during pregnancy, especially in women with a history of thyroid disease or at risk. Thyroid functions are important during pregnancy because insufficient or excess thyroid hormone can have an effect on the baby.
4. Thyroid Therapy Control:
In individuals receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy, TSH testing is requested periodically to determine the correct dosage and check the effectiveness of the treatment.
5. Family History:
TSH test can be performed to monitor thyroid functions in individuals with a family history of thyroid diseases or in people previously diagnosed with thyroid disorders.
What is TSH High?
High TSH means low levels of thyroid hormones. TSH rises to increase the level of thyroid hormones. A healthy thyroid responds to this increase and increases hormone production, but when there is a problem in the thyroid gland, an increase in production may not be observed. The condition in which thyroid hormones are low is called hypothyroidism. Situations that may lead to hypothyroidism can be listed as follows:
1. Hashimoto's Disease:
Hashimoto's disease occurs when the immune system incorrectly attacks the thyroid gland. Damage to the thyroid due to disease can prevent the gland from functioning properly, causing hormone production to decrease.
2. Thyroiditis:
Thyroiditis, which is an inflammation of the thyroid gland, disrupts the functioning of the thyroid gland in the long term and causes hypothyroidism.
3. Postpartum Thyroiditis:
Some women may experience a temporary decrease in thyroid hormones after giving birth. This condition is called postpartum thyroiditis or postpartum thyroiditis.
4. Iodine Deficiency:
Since iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, not enough hormones can be synthesized in iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency, which was a very common condition in our country in ancient times, has become less common today thanks to the addition of iodine to table salt.
What is Low TSH?
It means that the thyroid gland is more active than normal, producing more hormones. This condition, called hyperthyroidism, causes the metabolism to accelerate. Conditions that can cause hyperthyroidism are as follows:
1. Graves' Disease (Toxic Goiter):
Graves' disease is a common disorder in which the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces too much hormone. Graves' disease develops due to the production of thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) as a result of a disorder in the immune system. These antibodies act like TSH and stimulate the thyroid gland, causing the gland to become overactive.
2. Thyroiditis:
Inflammation of the thyroid gland is called thyroiditis. Thyroiditis causes underactivity of the thyroid gland in the long term. However, when inflammation first begins, hormones from the thyroid gland suddenly mix with the blood, leading to hyperthyroidism.
3. Excess Iodine:
Iodine is an essential mineral for the production of thyroid hormones. Too much iodine in the body causes the thyroid gland to overwork. Excess iodine accumulation in the body is usually due to long-term use of drugs containing high amounts of iodine. These drugs include some cough syrups and pharmacological agents such as amiodarone, which is used to treat heart arrhythmia.
4. Thyroid Nodules:
Nodules are lump-shaped structures that form on the thyroid gland. These structures, which are generally benign, can sometimes begin to produce hormones independently of the gland. As a result, hyperthyroidism occurs.
The following situations may cause hyperthyroidism in a person:
Weight loss despite eating normally or more
İncreased heart rate
Irregular heartbeat, arrhythmia
Palpitation
İncreased appetite
Irritability, anxiety, restlessness
Tremors, especially in the hands
Sweating
Irregularities in the menstrual cycle
Increased sensitivity to heat
Increased bowel movements, need to go to the toilet more often, diarrhea
Enlargement of thyroid gland size (goiter)
Tiredness
Muscle weakness
Difficulty falling asleep
Thinning of the skin
Weakening of hair strands, breakage and hair loss
These are symptoms seen in people with hyperthyroidism.