TSH is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland that aids in the function of the thyroid gland. A TSH test can assess whether there is enough of this hormone to produce adequate levels of T3 and T4. Some conditions, like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, are not evident with a TSH test. Low or high TSH levels can indicate underactive or overactive thyroid, respectively. Testing for TSH and thyroid hormones is vital in early childhood.
TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone, also called thyrotropin. This is an extremely important hormone produced in the pituitary gland that aids in the function of the thyroid gland and its release of two hormones called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 and T4 are indicated in the control of normal development of children, including brain development and a variety of other body functions. People who have too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) of these hormones can develop very serious medical problems.
Often, if thyroid problems are suspected, doctors order what’s called a TSH test, as a way to assess whether there is enough of this hormone to produce adequate levels of T3 and T4. There are many in the medical community who criticize this practice when used on its own and not with other tests assessing actual T3 and T4 levels. However, a TSH test can be a good starting point to determine if low levels of this hormone exist. The tests are a bit difficult to read because the actual levels can be within a significant range and there is debate as to whether the range considered normal is too generalized. Some people falling into the low norm, particularly those with bipolar conditions, may benefit from supplementing with T4 and/or T3 to control mood.
Some conditions are not evident with a TSH test and these include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This autoimmune condition treats the hormones produced in the thyroid gland as foreign and will work to destroy them. One of the tests that can most accurately diagnose this condition is a thyroid antibody test. People with this condition can have normal TSH levels and therefore miss an important diagnosis.
When TSH levels are considered low, it usually indicates an underactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. Doctors may use medications to slow down the production of thyroid hormones, and in some cases, the thyroid gland is removed and people are given thyroid medications instead so that these hormones continue to be available in the body in appropriate and beneficial amounts. High TSH levels can suggest hypothyroidism and this can be as dangerous as very high thyroid levels. The usual supplementation is with T4, although some people also benefit from supplementing with T3.
One of the times it is most vital to test for thyroid stimulating hormone and the presence of the hormones it stimulates is in early childhood. Children with high TSH levels and low T3 and T4 levels may not have adequate thyroid hormones for normal physical and mental development. In many countries, TSH and other thyroid tests are done within the first few days of a baby’s life to make sure that thyroid levels are well within the normal range.
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