What is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test?
TSH test is a blood test that is used to measure how well the thyroid gland is working. Your thyroid gland regulates various functions in the body. The thyroid produces more of its hormones when the pituitary gland produces more TSH. In this way, the two glands work in sync to make sure the right amount of thyroid hormones is always produced. However, when this system gets disrupted, the thyroid gland can produce abnormally high levels of hormones (hyperthyroidism) or low levels of hormones (hypothyroidism).
Why get the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test?
Women of all ages are more likely than men to have low thyroid hormone levels. However, certain symptoms of thyroid diseases are often misdiagnosed. A blood test for TSH is a highly sensitive test, which is used for determining whether you have hypothyroidism. Many people with hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) or hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone levels) are unaware that they might have thyroid disease because they have not been tested yet. This test can also detect a thyroid disease before the symptoms occur. Early diagnosis may reduce the risk of developing more serious problems like cardiovascular diseases. Thyroid diseases can disrupt weight, body temperature, muscle strength, and sexual health as well.
When to take this test?
AnytimeEvery 6 monthsNo particular precautions are required, unless it is recommended by your doctor.TSH