What Is The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test And Why Do You Need It?
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is that pituitary hormone which triggers the thyroid gland, and hence the secretion of thyroxine and triiodothyronine takes place. We can say that TSH is the main hormone which controls the functioning of thyroid gland. The TSH test, or thyroid stimulating hormone test, helps to evaluate the functioning of thyroid gland, and any problem in the thyroid gland is screened through the symptoms that are shown.
Thyroid disorders are of two kinds, namely, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The pituitary gland, a tiny organ, is below the brain. The thyroid hormones secreted by pituitary gland control the rate of energy consumption by the body. This test is particularly meant to measure the level of such hormones in the bloodstream or TSH in the bloodstream.
How does the hormonal level fluctuate?
TRH is the hormone which stimulates the release of TSH in the first place. Once the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone makes way to the thyroid, hormonal levels are determined by the levels of thyroxine(T3) and triiodothyronine(T4) in the blood. If the level of T3 and T4 level is lower in the blood, the body produces more of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone in the blood in order to stimulate the thyroid gland. On the other hand, if the T3 and T4 levels are high, less of TSH is produced in the body. There may be several other factors affecting the level of TSH in the blood:
- any inflammation of thyroid gland
- genetic factors
- iodine in excess or deficient
- pregnancy
- exposure to radiation and any poisonous substance
- use of antidepressant, chemotherapy can influence the level
- cancer in thyroid gland
Blood test checks thyroid functioning
To evaluate how well the thyroid gland is functioning, the blood test is performed or the thyroid stimulating test is carried out. If you need to undergo the test, you have to talk about the medication you are using, if any. You will be asked to visit the lab for blood draw. After the blood is collected by the lab operator, it is analyzed to check the levels of hormones.
The benefit of taking the test
If you suspect that the thyroid gland is not functioning well, it is important to take the test. Just like for arthritis treatment, you have to undergo X-Rays and medical tests, you have to undergo thyroid hormonal test to ensure that thyroid gland is functioning properly. The physician analyses the report while the report indicates the conditions like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, if any. It may also suggest any autoimmune disorder such as kidney ailment, Grave’s disease or any issue. The doctor prescribes suitable medicine if there is any thyroid condition. Other tests may also be prescribed like ultrasound or thyroid uptake test. So, if tiredness, low energy levels or weight gain are your concerns, then get the thyroid test done today. Higher level of TSH or lower level suggests a problem in the thyroid gland.
Pregnant women need to be careful
TSH level fluctuates when one is pregnant. The one who is expecting has to be extra careful as there may be the case of thyroid disorder during this time. Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may even persist after pregnancy.
The symptoms of cervical radiculopathy and thyroid disorder may be seen earlier. As soon as you show signs like weight gain, tiredness, exhaustion or lack of energy, contact your doctor for proper diagnosis of underlying condition.
