Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Your thyroid controls your metabolism, your mood, and your energy level. The TSH blood test is usually the most reliable initial test to assess how well your thyroid is functioning.

What Does TSH Do in Your Body?

Your pituitary gland secretes TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone). It tells your thyroid to produce hormones that control nearly all your body organs.

Your thyroid may not be functioning when your TSH is either too high or too low. Signs like fatigue, weight gain or loss, and mood changes start showing.

Significance of a TSH

The TSH test is a blood test used to detect the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in your body. It’s one of the best methods in knowing whether your thyroid gland is overactive or underactive.

A complete check-up on your body, which also includes an executive check-up, will typically include this test since thyroid conditions can affect the quality of your life unconsciously in the long term.

Normal TSH Levels

The normal range for TSH levels is 0.35 to 4.94 mIU/L.

High TSH may suggest your thyroid gland is underactive (hypothyroidism).

Low TSH may mean your thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism).

Narrower ranges may be recommended depending on your age, symptoms, or if you’re pregnant.

When to Get TSH Test?

You may need to have a TSH test if:

• You experience symptoms like weight gain, tiredness, or anxiety.
• You have a history of thyroid disease in your family.
• You are undergoing a pre-employment medical exam.
• You are pregnant or wish to become pregnant.

TSH Blood Test Preparation

There is no special preparation for a TSH test, but it is advisable to:

1. Notify your doctor about all medications and supplements.
2. Pair it with other medical tests like FBS blood sugar for a complete check.

Getting this done as part of your annual health check-up or whenever you feel something’s wrong is a good idea.

Factors That Influence TSH levels

Your TSH level can be affected by:

• Stress
• Pregnancy
• Medications like steroids or birth control
• Iodine in your diet
• Other diseases

Managing High TSH and Low TSH Levels

If you have a high TSH, then your thyroid is likely underactive. You might be tired, gain weight, or get cold a lot. If it’s low, your thyroid can be overactive, leading to jitteriness, weight loss, or a rapid pulse.

With regular check-ups and proper treatment, thyroid conditions can be managed well.

FAQs

What is a healthy TSH level?

A healthy one is within the normal TSH healthy range, but it will vary depending on what your body requires.

What if your TSH is high?

High TSH usually means hypothyroidism, where your thyroid is not working hard enough, slowing down your body processes.

Test Your Thyroid and More at Medi Linx Laboratory!

Don’t let symptoms get the upper hand. Book your test with Medi Linx, a Reference Laboratory in Metro Manila. We can be your trusted companion for accurate results and better health, one test at a time.