It is a pituitary hormone regulating the synthesis and release of T3 and T4 hormones from the thyroid gland. TSH release is stimulated by low T3, T4 levels in the blood(hypothyroidism) and inhibited by high T3, T4 levels. However, TSH stimulation is done by a hypotalamic hormone (TRH). Thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolic rate, heat generation, neuromuscular function and heart rate. If there insufficient thyroid hormone in the brain, hypotalamus detects this and TRH will be released from the hypotalamus as a first messenger signal of throid hormone synthesis via stimulation of TSH release from the pituitary gland.
Interpretation: Thyroid diseases in general are called hypothyroidism (Low T3, T4 hormones) and hyperthyroidism (High T3,T4 hormones). Throid hormone tests and TSH informes the doctor whether it is hypo or hyperthyroidism and the severity of the situation, but when it comes to the reason of the problem, some more tests might also be needed (Anti Tg, Anti TPO etc). Hyperthyroidism may occur in several ways: Grave’s Disease (Immmune system attacks the thyroid increasing the synthesis of thyroid hormones in the gland), Toxic adenomas (Nodules in the thyroid gland producing hormones), Subacute Thyroiditis (Inflamation of the thyroid gland, causing the gland to leak excess hormones), Pituitary gland malfunctions (Inability to feedback control of hormone release by TSH), cancerous growth in the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism may occur because of; Hashimoto’s Thyroididtis (An autoimmune disorder in which body’s own immune system attacks throid tissue impairing its hormone production), removal of the thyroid gland for any reason, exposure to excessive amounts of iodine, excessive cold and sinus medicine use, heart disease treatment medicines, certain contrast dies before some x-rays may enhance the already existing thyroid problems, lithium usage.
Sample: Arm vein blood. Nonfasting
Working day: Everyday
Result Time: Same day 6:00 PM
