Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a peptide hormone that is
secreted by the pituitary gland which is located at the base of the
brain. It's main function is to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce
thyroid hormones, thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine or T3. TSH is
also responsible for maintaining the levels of thyroid hormones in the
body.
The levels of TSH in the blood can be used as a measure of performance of thyroid gland. If there is a problem with the thyroid gland, this will reflect on the TSH levels in the body. Therefore, in order to determine an underlying thyroid disorder, a doctor usually orders a TSH blood test.
There is a normal range of TSH which is an indication of an active or healthy thyroid gland, but any deviation from the normal range is a sign of under-active or thyroid disorder. The normal range of TSH is 0.4 - 4.0 ml U/L. Any other value which is above or below this normal range indicates that you have a thyroid problem.
High TSH Levels
If your blood test results indicate high TSH levels, this shows that your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones required by the body. This condition is known as hypothyroidism. When this happens, the pituitary gland then releases more TSH hormones to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones.
A high level of TSH is an important indication of malfunctioning of thyroid gland. This also indicates that there may be problems with the pituitary gland. Other factors that may cause high levels of TSH in the body are surgery, medication and tumor of the pituitary gland.
Low TSH Levels
Low TSH blood tests result implies that you have a hyperactive thyroid gland which often produces excess thyroid hormones. This condition is known as hyperthyroidism. A low-level of TSH is also an indication of problems with the pituitary gland.
A TSH blood test result is very important in the diagnosing of thyroid problems. A test which is above or below the normal range of TSH is an indication of deficient or excess thyroid hormones in the body. Therefore it is very important to maintain normal level of TSH. The treatment for abnormal TSH level depends on whether you are suffering from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Once you are diagnosed, it is important to consult your doctor for proper treatment and medication.
The levels of TSH in the blood can be used as a measure of performance of thyroid gland. If there is a problem with the thyroid gland, this will reflect on the TSH levels in the body. Therefore, in order to determine an underlying thyroid disorder, a doctor usually orders a TSH blood test.
There is a normal range of TSH which is an indication of an active or healthy thyroid gland, but any deviation from the normal range is a sign of under-active or thyroid disorder. The normal range of TSH is 0.4 - 4.0 ml U/L. Any other value which is above or below this normal range indicates that you have a thyroid problem.
High TSH Levels
If your blood test results indicate high TSH levels, this shows that your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones required by the body. This condition is known as hypothyroidism. When this happens, the pituitary gland then releases more TSH hormones to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones.
A high level of TSH is an important indication of malfunctioning of thyroid gland. This also indicates that there may be problems with the pituitary gland. Other factors that may cause high levels of TSH in the body are surgery, medication and tumor of the pituitary gland.
Low TSH Levels
Low TSH blood tests result implies that you have a hyperactive thyroid gland which often produces excess thyroid hormones. This condition is known as hyperthyroidism. A low-level of TSH is also an indication of problems with the pituitary gland.
A TSH blood test result is very important in the diagnosing of thyroid problems. A test which is above or below the normal range of TSH is an indication of deficient or excess thyroid hormones in the body. Therefore it is very important to maintain normal level of TSH. The treatment for abnormal TSH level depends on whether you are suffering from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Once you are diagnosed, it is important to consult your doctor for proper treatment and medication.
If your TSH levels indicate that you are suffering from hypothyroidism, you can maintain a normal level by making use of Natural Remedies For Hypothyroidism. To learn more and to control your hypothyroidism effectively, visit http://www.squidoo.com/natural-remedies-for-hypothyroidism.
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