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TSH test measures the TSH hormone levels in a blood sample. This hormone is secreted by a gland present below the brain region called the pituitary gland. Labwork360 provides TSH tests in Houston and all other categories of medical diagnostic tests. Thyroid-stimulating hormone testing is for men, women, and children. The TSH test helps diagnose hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism which are among the most common thyroid gland disorders.
Hormones are specific regulatory substances transported across the body in fluids such as sap or blood to stimulate specific tissues and cells into action. They regulate various functions in the body, such as digestion, metabolism, circulatory system, and other chemical reactions. Hormones could also affect mood or behavior.
One of the most significant hormones in the human body is the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland, which is also called the 'master gland' of the body as it controls the function of other glands too. The pituitary gland is a small-sized gland that has a vital role in maintaining general well-being and body functions.
The pituitary gland secretes the TSH hormone. It acts on the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland affects the way your body utilizes energy. Several chemical molecules and compounds store energy in the body. By breaking down the chemical bonds in those substances in chemical reactions, the body gets energy.
The function of the TSH hormone is to regulate the activity of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland secretes important hormones and pours them into the bloodstream. The two essential hormones produced by the thyroid gland are thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
TSH hormone regulates thyroid gland activity. The hormones synthesized by the thyroid gland are called thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones have a vital role in several functions and processes in the body. The thyroid gland synthesizes the TSH hormone, hence the TSH test analysis the activity of the thyroid gland.
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, the storage, and the release of energy within the body.
TSH affects weight gain or weight loss as it impacts the burning of calories & metabolism in the body.
It also affects brain & bone development as well as the digestive function in the body.
TSH levels regulate the body temperature, increasing and decreasing it.
TSH affects the cholesterol level, rate of heartbeat, and blood pressure. An excess of thyroid hormone in the body increases heart rate. Thus, an increase in heartbeat is one of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
The iodine nutrient is essential for the thyroid gland.
Thus, thyroid hormones impact many functions and systems within the body; consequently, the TSH blood test is a part of the general health examination and many other diagnostic tests.
The TSH hormone regulates the metabolism of calories, causing weight gain or weight loss during the process. They can also reduce or increase the body's temperature, and speed up or slow down the heartbeat. It controls muscle contraction and the speed with which food moves in the digestive system. Moreover, it affects the rate of replacement of dying cells in the body.
The rate of production of the TSH hormone changes with age. The normal range of TSH hormones that should be in the body depends on the individual's age. The need for TSH hormone in the body also changes in the state of pregnancy. TSH hormone requirement in the body increases with the increase of age. Moreover, there is a significant difference in normal TSH levels between females and males. The normal range of TSH hormones differs among different diagnostic labs. Consequently, the diagnostic labs differ in the reference values set for the normal range of TSH in the TSH lab test for diagnosing hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Do you know that more women than men are at risk of developing thyroid dysfunction? About 1 in 8 women suffer from a thyroid problem at some point in their lives. The risk of having abnormal TSH levels and thyroid problems increases in the menopause and pregnancy phases. Studies on normal TSH levels in men and women differ in their results. Some studies report higher levels of TSH in females compared with males. Other studies report opposite results concluding that TSH levels are higher in males.
About 5% of women and only 3% of men in the USA have some thyroid problem. Thyroid problems are more pronounced in older women as studies show them to be at a greater risk of thyroid cancer if they develop high TSH levels in addition to thyroid nodules.
Thyroid problems are not just common in adults, but children also often suffer from them. An estimate shows that about 37 in every 1000 children develop a thyroid problem. The thyroid gland has many essential functions in children as it regulates their growth, brain development, puberty, and other systems. Even newborns may have thyroid disease. Therefore, most infants get a diagnostic test for hypothyroidism within 72 hours of birth as part of a general health examination for diagnosing any abnormality.
A thyroid nodule is a mass of cells or lump formed in the thyroid gland region. It is an overgrowth of the natural thyroid tissue. Mostly, thyroid nodules are innocuous and seldom cancerous. The exact reasons for forming a thyroid nodule are unknown; however, one of the frequent causes is a genetic abnormality. In a few cases, thyroid nodule is a sign of thyroid cancer, thyroiditis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and iodine deficiency. A physician diagnoses a thyroid nodule in physical examination, and then they further refer you to an endocrinologist for assessment of the condition and prescription of diagnostic tests.
Abnormal levels of TSH hormone in the TSH test signal a fault in the thyroid gland. If the level of TSH hormone falls above or below the normal range in the TSH blood test, then it signals a problem in the thyroid gland. TSH test helps diagnose hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism disorders of the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the body's pituitary gland starts to produce an extra amount of the TSH hormone due to a deficiency of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Studies show that apple cider vinegar helps recover from thyroid problems. It boosts weight loss and metabolism, which are one of the primary problems with hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism: In this condition, the pituitary gland produces a lower amount of TSH hormone than normal. Hyperthyroidism is a consequence of an overactive thyroid gland and consequently an overproduction of thyroid hormones. L-carnitine is a natural supplement frequently used to treat hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid problems can develop at any age. However, they are more common in women in the age bracket of 20-30 years. Children also get the TSH test as they may incur thyroid disease too.
You may not have all the symptoms of a thyroid problem. Some people with thyroid problems do not have any symptoms at all. Untreated thyroid dysfunction can worsen into hypertension, cognitive impairment, cardiac dysfunction, dyslipidemia, and in certain cases, myxedema.
The symptoms may develop suddenly or gradually and can be mild or very severe in their intensity. Thyroid diseases may also remain asymptomatic, TSH test diagnoses asymptomatic thyroid infections.
Treatment is available for all thyroid problems. However, you may frequently need to take medication to restore the normal state of the thyroid. Thyroid cancer is cured by doing surgery and performing radioactive iodine treatments.
Labwork360 is a licensed lab providing a variety of diagnostic tests at different locations in the USA. We also provide mobile phlebotomy service/at-home specimen collection for TSH test in Houston and almost all other medical diagnostic tests within a 10-miles distance from the lav. The lab has all the necessary and standard equipment required for testing and meticulously carries out every procedure to ensure accuracy. For any information on the diagnostic tests, please explore our website or consult with us on our helpline.