Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

TSH test means a test which helps doctors have a look into your thyroid functionality. This test helps determine if your thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). TSH, also know as thyroid stimulating hormone test can diagnose any ups and downs happening within your thyroid before even your body shows any symptoms.

TSH is also performed to monitor the treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. It is also used to test newborns for congenital hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

When is a TSH test conducted?

A TSH test is performed in following conditions:

• If you have goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).
• If your ultrasound or x ray shows a nodule in your thyroid.
• To check if the medications prescribed to balance thyroid levels are working properly.
• To rule out the symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Following are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism:

• Trembling hands
• Anxiety
• Weakness
• Diarrhoea
• Increased heart rate
• Weight loss
• Visual disturbances
• Disturbed sleep (difficulty in falling asleep)
• Irregular menstruation in women
• Irritated, dry or puffy eyes

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Following are the symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Fertility problems in women
• Irregular menstruation in women
• Weight gain
• Dry and puffy skin
• Cold intolerance
• Hair loss
• Extreme fatigue
• Constipation

How is a TSH test conducted?

A TSH test is conducted just like any other blood test. So a blood sample will be collected from your vein following the normal regimen of a blood test.

TSH normal range

You can interpret the results from a TSH test if you are aware of the high and low levels of TSH. Under normal circumstances your TSH level should fall between 0.4 and 4.0 milliunits per liter (mU/L). High range is variable among different laboratories but anything above 4 to 5 milliunits per liter is considered high. High levels signify that you have an underactive thyroid. The test result can also come out showing low levels of TSH which means an overactive thyroid.

Low levels of TSH can be caused by following reasons:

• Excessive iodine in your body
• Excessive intake of thyroid hormone medications
• Graves’ disease
• Excessive intake of natural supplements that contain thyroid
• Intake of steroids or opioid painkillers

High and low levels of TSH can be treated with the help of medications.

Are there any risks associated with a TSH test?

Risks associated with a TSH test are no different than that of any other blood test which include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Lightheadedness
• Infection on the puncture site
• Hematoma