Darrick Robles Thyroid problems are among the most common diseases in the world. An estimated 200 million people are affected worldwide. But very few people know how the thyroid gland works and which hormones play a role in it.
The thyroid is shaped like a butterfly. Located in the front part of the neck, it plays an important role in our body. The hormones it produces help regulate metabolism, growth, energy reserves, and the reproductive system.
dr Céline Guyomar is a general practitioner at Med-Healths and answers the most important questions about the TSH value.
What is TSH and what is the function of the TSH value?
The thyroid makes two hormones – triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) – and releases them into the blood. They regulate many different processes in the body, including energy, metabolism, muscle strength, appetite, respiration and organ function.
“If someone has too little or too much of these hormones in their blood, it means they have thyroid disease ,” explains Dr Guyomar.
TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone (thyroid stimulating hormone). It helps maintain the proper balance of thyroid hormones in the blood.
By releasing TSH, the anterior pituitary gland in the brain regulates the levels of T3 and T4 in the blood. When there is too little, it releases more TSH and tells the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. When there is enough, TSH production stops.
How and why does the TSH value change?
People with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) may have excess TSH in their blood because they don’t have enough T3 or T4. To counteract this, the pituitary gland in the brain releases more TSH.
People with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) may have too much T3 and T4 in their blood. This prevents the brain from producing TSH and keeps TSH levels low .
Values can also change with each stage of life. The TSH level in newborns usually rises shortly after birth.
Also, TSH levels are lower during the first three months of pregnancy , when the body’s extra needs lead to changes in the anatomy and function of the thyroid gland. For this reason, TSH tests are performed during pregnancy.
When should I have my TSH level checked?
according to dr Guyomar, there are 5 main reasons doctors measure TSH:
- to test for suspected thyroid dysfunction
- to determine whether an abnormality in the secretion of thyroid hormones originates from the thyroid or the pituitary gland
- to check whether treatment for a thyroid disorder is working
- to monitor thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy
- for newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
How do doctors measure the TSH value?
TSH levels are measured with a blood test. The normal range varies and is between 0.4 and 4 mu/l (milli-units per liter of blood)
People with high TSH levels can suffer from an underactive thyroid. In rare cases, this can be a sign of a pituitary tumor.
A low TSH level is often a sign of an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). A second possibility is a toxic adenoma, a rare noncancerous tumor.
If TSH levels are too high or too low, other tests are usually done, e.g. B. checking the T3 and T4 levels before the doctor makes a diagnosis.
Other thyroid antibodies may also be checked, including: thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, which can be a sign of Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease thyroglobulin (Tg) antibodies, which can be a sign of Hashimoto’s disease TSH receptor, which can be a sign of Graves’ disease
Are thyroid problems hereditary?
Some forms of thyroid cancer, such as B. medullary thyroid cancer, are genetic, says Dr. Guyomar.
“There is also a form of inheritance where members of the same family can have different thyroid problems,” she explains. “For example, a grandmother can have an overactive thyroid and a daughter can have an underactive thyroid.”
When should I get examined?
If you have symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid, you should talk to a doctor.
Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism (underactive) are:
- fatigue
- Muscle aches
- weight gain
- Slow heartbeat
- Sensitivity to cold
The most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive) are:
- sensitivity to heat
- weight loss
- anxiety states
- irritability
- Unusually rapid heart rate
- insomnia
- shortness of breath
“In both cases, mental health issues such as depression can also be present,” says Dr. Guyomar. Even if you’re having trouble having a baby, you should get a thyroid test.
