THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE

TSH blood tests or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone blood tests are used to help detect and diagnose disorders of the thyroid gland.

A high TSH result often means an underactive thyroid gland caused by failure of the gland (hypothyroidism). Rarely, a high TSH result can indicate a problem with the pituitary gland, such as a tumour producing unregulated levels of TSH, in what is known as secondary hyperthyroidism. A high TSH value can also occur in people with underactive thyroid glands who have been receiving too little thyroid hormone medication.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in adults include:

Easy fatigue, exhaustion
Poor tolerance to cold temperatures
Constipation
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Poor appetite
Weight gain
Dry skin
Hair loss
Intellectual ability worsens
Deeper, hoarse voice
Puffiness around the eyes
Depression
Irregular menstrual periods or lack of menstrual periods

A low TSH result can indicate an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). A low TSH result can also indicate damage to the pituitary gland that prevents it from producing TSH. A low TSH result can also occur in people with an underactive thyroid gland who are receiving too much thyroid hormone medication.