The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test is a simple and widely used blood test that determines the level of TSH in the body. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and is vital in controlling the thyroid gland, which produces hormones necessary for numerous biological activities, including metabolism and energy levels.
A TSH test is frequently used to help diagnose and monitor disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. In addition, TSH test results can provide vital information regarding thyroid gland function and assist your doctor in making treatment decisions. A TSH test is usually performed with testing for the thyroid hormones T4 and T3 to obtain a complete picture of thyroid function.
What Is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test?
TSH testing is a blood test that detects this hormone. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test levels that are too high or too low may indicate a thyroid issue.
The thyroid gland is a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate how your body uses energy. Thyroid hormones impact almost every organ in your body, including your heart. They assist in the regulation of your weight, muscle strength, body temperature, and even your mood. Many of your body's functions slow down if you do not have enough thyroid hormones in your blood. Conversely, many physiological functions accelerate when you have too much.
The pituitary gland is a brain organ that regulates your thyroid. The pituitary gland creates thyroid-stimulating hormones. TSH informs your thyroid about how much thyroid hormone it needs to produce. Search for thyroid stimulating hormone test prices to connect with the top-notch diagnostic center.
Why Do I Require TSH Test?
You may require a TSH test if you have symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism in your blood.
Hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone) is also known as an overactive thyroid. Having more thyroid hormones than necessary speeds up your body's functioning and creates symptoms such as:
- Weight loss, even though you are consuming more than usual
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Feeling tense and nervous
- Sleeping troubles and exhaustion
- Hand tremors, muscle weakness
- Sweating or extreme heat sensitivity
- Constant bowel motions
- Goiter (enlarged thyroid)
Hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormone) is also known as an underactive thyroid. Thyroid hormone deficiency slows down your body's processes and causes symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Gaining weight
- Joint and muscular pain
- Dry skin and hair thinning
- Menstrual cycles that be heavy or irregular
- Depression
- Constipation
You may also have a TSH test, in addition to another test, to help determine unusual bumps or lumps on your thyroid that could be thyroid cancer or thyroid nodules (non-cancerous growths on your thyroid). Explore the TSH test price to know the best diagnostic center near you for appropriate TSH test procedures and accurate results.
TSH Test Procedure
TSH levels are measured in the blood by a diagnostic center. A phlebotomist will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm and send this sample for testing to a laboratory. You typically do not need to do anything extra to prepare for a TSH blood test. TSH test home sample collections are also accessible if you are busy with your daily schedule.
TSH Test Results
TSH test results can indicate if your thyroid produces too much or too little thyroid. However, the test cannot tell you why your TSH levels are abnormally high or low.
If your TSH test results are abnormal, your doctor will most likely order additional thyroid blood tests to determine the source of your thyroid problem. These blood tests may include the following:
- T4 thyroid hormone test
- Free T4 thyroid hormone test
- T3 thyroid hormone test
- Free T3 thyroid hormone test
- Thyroid antibodies are used to aid in the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid disorders such as:
- Graves' disease- The most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
- Hashimoto's disease- The most common cause of hypothyroidism.
An abnormal TSH test may be a symptom of pituitary gland dysfunction in some circumstances, but this is uncommon. Check for thyroid tests near me to consult the best diagnostic center in Hyderabad.
1. TSH Normal Test Levels
Normal levels of TSH test vary based on your age. It is measured in micro-international units per milliliter (uIU/mL). However, in general, TSH test normal range for healthy people who are not pregnant includes:
- 1 day old to 5 days old: 1.0 – 39 uIU/mL
- 6 days old to 7 months old: 1.7 – 9.1 uIU/mL
- 8 months old to 17 years : 0.70 – 6.40 uIU/mL
- Adults Male - 18 years old onwards: 0.27 – 4.20 uIU/mL
- Adults female - 18 years old onwards: 0.27 – 4.20 uIU/mL
TSH Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Check your lab report’s reference range on your TSH test thyroid results.
2. TSH Normal Levels During Pregnancy
Pregnant women must have enough TSH and thyroid hormones to guarantee their babies' healthy development. TSH test requirements levels change throughout pregnancy. Normal TSH levels during pregnancy, in general, include:
- First trimester: 0.1 – 2.5 uIU/mL
- Second trimester: 0.2 – 3.0 uIU/mL
- Third trimester: 0.3 – 3.0 uIU/mL
Always check your lab’s reference range on your results report.
TSH Test Cost
The average thyroid stimulating hormone test cost may range from ₹550 to ₹750. Connect to the top diagnostic center to know the price and any requisites to be considered before the TSH test.
Things To Note Before Taking The TSH Test
- Even if your thyroid gland is healthy, your TSH levels may be high or low. In addition, serious illnesses unrelated to your thyroid may temporarily suppress TSH levels. TSH levels may also be greater in adults over 80, even if they do not have thyroid disorders.
- TSH levels are also affected by pregnancy. During the first three months, they are frequently low. Thyroid illness can, however, develop during pregnancy. If you acquire thyroid disease while pregnant, your doctor will closely monitor your condition during and after your baby is born. This is because hyperthyroidism and, less frequently, hypothyroidism can persist after giving birth. If you have a history of thyroid problems, consult your doctor if you are pregnant before taking the test.
- TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) tests are frequently performed on newborns to determine if they were born with hypothyroidism (congenital hypothyroidism).
Final Words
The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test is a simple and significant technique for determining thyroid gland function. This test gives essential information about thyroid hormone production and aids your doctor in diagnosing and monitoring disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
It is critical to follow your doctor's instructions and inform them about pregnancy or any medications you use before the TSH test. TSH levels should be checked regularly to verify that the thyroid gland is working properly and to avoid issues associated with thyroid illness. Search for TSH test costs in Hyderabad to connect to a world-class facility and accurate results from the best diagnostic center.
