Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Serum

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is the primary hormone of your pituitary gland that regulates the function of your thyroid gland. Physicians depend on the serum TSH test because it keeps the production of all the other hormones in check. Also, the hormone acts as the signalling molecule that guides your thyroid gland to release other thyroid hormones in the blood. Hence, the serum TSH test is an essential parameter for understanding the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Maintaining the health of your thyroid gland is very important because it has a vital role in regulating your body’s metabolism and other functions. Thus, constant fatigue, restlessness, depression, anxiety, and sudden weight gain are common symptoms to make you undergo a serum TSH test. If there are sufficient thyroid hormones in the body, TSH levels are under control. However, if thyroid hormones are low or excess, a serum TSH test will return abnormal results.

A serum TSH test allows the physician to diagnose a severe problem related to the thyroid gland without the onset of symptoms. Moreover, this test is also suitable for confirming or ruling out hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. At Apollo 24|7, the TSH test price has been kept competitive for anyone to get tested at regular intervals.

Some possibilities that can be considered to indicate taking a serum TSH test are mentioned below.

• Anxiety, depression, and rapid mood swings
• Feeling too high or too low on energy
• Significant puffiness under the eye
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Sudden weight gain or weight loss
• Irregular menstrual cycle and difficulty in conceiving
   

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Saptarshi Bhattacharya, Endocrinology, Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, South Delhi.

Frequently asked questions

How is the blood sample taken?

To take the blood sample, a tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is asked to make a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein in order to prevent bacteria from entering. The needle is then inserted into the vein in the arm and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid. It is a condition in which the thyroid gland is not able to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are not noticeable at an early stage. If left untreated, it can cause various health problems that include obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease.

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid. It is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism can occur due to various conditions such as Grave’s disease, consuming excess iodine, inflammation of thyroid gland (thyroiditis), tumors of ovaries or testes, benign tumors of the thyroid or pituitary gland, and in cases if large amount of T4 is consumed through dietary supplements or medication.

What are the signs of an underactive thyroid?

The signs of an underactive thyroid include slow heart rate, weight gain, enlarged thyroid, dry skin, constipation, trouble tolerating cold, pain in the muscle and joints, puffy skin, thinning of hair, hair loss, fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, heavy or irregular menstrual periods, and infertility in women.

What are the signs of an overactive thyroid?

The signs of an overactive thyroid include rapid heart rate, anxiety, weight loss, difficulty in sleeping, tremors in the hands, muscle weakness, increased sweating, difficulty in tolerating heat, frequent bowel movements, puffiness around the eyes, dryness, irritation, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, blurry double vision, bulging of eyes, and lighter or less frequent menstrual periods in women.

Which nutrients are harmful to the thyroid gland?

The nutrients which are harmful to the thyroid gland include soy foods such as tofu, tempeh; certain vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, spinach; fruits, and starchy plants such as sweet potatoes, peaches, strawberries; nuts and seeds like millet, peanuts, pine nuts, etc.

Should I inform my doctor if I am taking any medicines?

Yes, please inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements as it might interfere with the test results.

How should I prepare for the serum TSH test?

The procedure for the TSH test is quite simple and does not require any significant preparation. However, it is always safe to consult with your physician if you are on a particular medication. The physician may or may not ask you to skip the medication because each case is different.

What can lead to a false TSH test report?

If your regular medication involves compounds like steroids, opioids, and vitamin B supplements, it might produce a false TSH report. As a result, your thyroid-stimulating hormone levels will be lower than usual.

What is the treatment plan to improve thyroid function?

It is essential to understand that thyroid medication is allowed under the guidance of experts only. Moreover, your physician will suggest you take thyroid hormone in the form of pills daily to normalize the function.

Can serum TSH test detect the efficacy of the treatment?

Yes, a serum TSH test can detect the efficacy of the ongoing treatment, provided you skip your medication before the test. As much as thyroid pills are essential, they might interfere with the actual result of your test by showing a normal range.

What are some treatment options for hyperthyroidism?

The treatment varies as the case is different for hyperthyroidism, and it depends on the symptoms you are facing. Generally, physicians monitor your thyroid function for 2-3 months by suggesting you take anti-thyroid pills daily. Furthermore, if the medication does not help, there are other therapies like radioactive iodine and beta-blockers.

Can diet and food supplements help in curing thyroid dysfunction?

No. A healthy diet and food supplements can only help manage the condition. Unlike medication, it does not provide any permanent solution for thyroid dysfunction because natural ingredients cannot wholly replace the hormone.