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TSH, thyrotropin test
This is a blood test that measures your level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Healthcare providers use this test to diagnose problems affecting the thyroid.
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland near the base of your throat above your collarbones. The thyroid makes 2 hormones, T3 and T4. These hormones affect your energy levels, mood, weight, and other important parts of your health.
The pituitary gland in your brain makes a chemical called TSH. TSH triggers your thyroid to make T3 and T4. When your pituitary gland makes too much or too little TSH, this can cause your thyroid to be overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism).
You may need this test if you have symptoms of thyroid problems.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
Anxiety and mood swings
Irritability
Weakness in the arms and legs
Insomnia
Hand tremors
Sweating
Low tolerance for heat
Irregular heartbeat
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
More frequent bowel movements than usual
Eye irritation or bulging eyes, which are symptoms of Graves disease, a common cause of hyperthyroidism
Menstrual irregularity
Enlarged breasts and erectile dysfunction in men
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
Low tolerance for cold
Weight gain
Hair loss
Swelling around the eyes
Slower heart rate
Shortness of breath
Constipation
Loss of consciousness, although this is rare
Healthcare providers may also check TSH levels when diagnosing depression and dementia.
You may have tests to check your levels of:
T4, total and free
T3, total and free
Thyroglobulin, which helps make and store thyroid hormones
TSH receptor-stimulator antibodies, which is used to diagnose Graves disease
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies and antithyroglobulin antibodies, to diagnose Hashimoto thyroiditis
Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. They may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.
Low TSH levels may mean you have hyperthyroidism. High TSH levels can mean you have hypothyroidism. The results of other thyroid tests can help to find the cause.
The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand.
Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore.
Some medicines keep the pituitary gland from releasing TSH. These include:
Phenothiazines
Phenytoin
Dopamine
Glucocorticoids
Other medicines and supplements that can affect thyroid tests include:
Beta blockers
Dexamethasone
Enoxaparin
Furosemide
Heparin
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Salicylates
Lithium
Estrogens
Biotin
Certain medicines or herbs can affect thyroid test results.
Be sure your healthcare provider knows about all the medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.