As you know, the full and uninterrupted operation of all systems and organs of our body depends on the correct synthesis of hormones. And even a failure in the production of one of them can disrupt the work of the whole organism. Today we’ll talk about such an important substance as thyroid-stimulating hormone. The norm of this indicator in the body, its functions, the reasons for the increase or decrease - we will consider these and other issues in the article.
general information
Thyroid-stimulating hormone - what is it? This is a hormone that is synthesized by the pituitary gland. Penetrating into the blood, it stimulates the production of thyroid hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and also promotes the "release" of fatty acids from fat cells. Therefore, if thyroid-stimulating hormone is elevated, the causes may be associated with a decrease in thyroid function. Exploring the hormones T3 and T4, determine the level of TSH
Carrying out an endocrine examination, a blood test for thyroid-stimulating hormone must be prescribed. The norm in women and men does not have a constant value. This is due to the fact that this indicator can be different and depends on the time of day and the health of the patient.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone: normal
The normal level of TSH for women is 0.4-4 ÎĽIU / ml. In a healthy person, the concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone can be different during the day: the highest level is observed early in the morning. It is very important to control thyroid-stimulating hormone during pregnancy and in women after 40 years, even if there are no complaints.
How to prepare for the analysis?
The concentration of TSH is influenced by the emotional state, diet, physical activity. These factors can change the concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone during the day. In order for the assessment of the concentration of the substance to be adequate, blood must be donated at about 8 in the morning. On the eve should abandon the use of alcohol, smoking, exclude physical activity.
Indications for laboratory testing
Thyroid stimulating hormone directly affects the state of the thyroid gland. The analysis is prescribed for:
- goiter;
- suspected latent hypothyroidism;
- diffuse toxic goiter ;
- amenorrhea;
- infertility
- elevated prolactin levels in the body;
- muscle dysfunctions;
- low body temperature of an unexplained cause.
Why does the hormone TSH increase?
High thyroid-stimulating hormone may be the first symptom of thyroid dysfunction. The concentration of hormones T3 and T4 in the blood serum at the same time is at a normal level.
If the study showed that thyrotropic homon is elevated, the causes of this phenomenon may be the following:
- severe mental and somatic ailments;
- insufficient adrenal function;
- tumors of various kinds (pituitary tumor , etc.);
- thyrotropinoma;
- syndrome of unregulated synthesis of TSH;
- thyroid hormone resistance syndrome;
- severe gestosis;
- subacute thyroiditis and thyroiditis Hashimoto;
- cholecystectomy;
- hemodialysis.
A high TSH content may result from intense physical activity or taking medications (for example, beta-blockers, antipsychotics, iodides, Prednisolone, and others).
During pregnancy, thyroid-stimulating hormone may also be elevated, the causes of this condition are different and this is not a deviation.
After the hemodialysis procedure, surgery to remove the gallbladder, an elevated level of TSH can be observed.
Decompensated primary adrenal insufficiency and some forms of thyroid inflammation are often accompanied by a high concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone.
Low concentration of TSH
If thyroid-stimulating hormone is lowered, this may indicate:
- Plummer's disease;
- decreased pituitary function ;
- benign tumors in the thyroid gland;
- sheehan syndrome;
- an overabundance of thyroid hormones due to the self-administration of hormones;
- psychological stress.
Most often, a decrease in TSH is associated with an overdose of medications that contain thyroid hormones.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone can also be lowered due to starvation. Also, the cause of this condition may be inflammation of the thyroid gland or trauma to the pituitary gland, as a result of which it is not able to synthesize hormones.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone: normal in women during pregnancy
Normal TSH values ​​for expectant mothers are slightly different. When determining this indicator, it is important to consider the duration of pregnancy:
- Until the 12th week, the normal level of TSH is 0.35-2.5 ÎĽMU / ml;
- from the 12th to the 42nd week, the hormone values ​​are in the range of 0.35-3 μMU / ml.
During the period of carrying the baby, it is necessary to control your hormonal background and endocrine system. This is especially important in the 10th week of pregnancy. In the child at this time, the thyroid gland does not yet function independently, and the baby’s body is completely dependent on the mother’s hormones.
The content of TSH is directly affected by a woman’s health status. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about if thyroid-stimulating hormone is slightly lower or higher during pregnancy. However, significant deviations from normal values ​​complicate the course of pregnancy and carry a serious risk for the baby.
The level of TSH during pregnancy is determined by doctors. In some cases, additional studies and tests are prescribed. For example, carry out:
- ultrasound examination;
- fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland.
With an increased concentration of the hormone TSH during pregnancy, L-thyroxine is used for treatment, as a rule.
Symptoms of High TSH
High thyroid-stimulating hormone (what it is, was described above) is manifested by the following symptoms:
- slightly thickened neck;
- general weakness (rapid fatigability, decreased activity);
- mental retardation, inattention, apathy, slow thinking, irritability;
- sleep disturbance: insomnia torments at night, during the day a person cannot cope with drowsiness;
- pallor of the skin, swelling;
- obesity, which is difficult to treat;
- lowering body temperature;
- nausea, poor appetite, constipation.
How does low TSH appear?
With a high level of thyroid stimulating hormone, the following phenomena are observed:
- fever;
- heart palpitations;
- headache;
- high blood pressure;
- small trembling in the eyelids, hands, emotional imbalance;
- increased appetite;
- indigestion.
Treatment
Above we talked about such an important substance as thyroid stimulating hormone: what it is, what is its norm, why its level can change. Now let's look at the methods of treatment for high and low TSH levels.
If the concentration of TSH is high and is in the range of 7.1-7.5 ÎĽMU / ml, then this indicates hyperthyroidism. With increased thyroid-stimulating hormone, therapy is carried out using synthetic thyroxine.
Previously, a natural dried and ground thyroid gland of animals was used for medicinal purposes. Currently, it is rarely used and patients are prescribed a synthetic drug that has a constant level of activity.
Since the activity of natural thyroxine is different in all patients, the specialist individually selects the drug necessary for treatment.
At the first stage of treatment, small doses of thyroxine are used, they are gradually increased until the concentration of TSH and T4 is normal and the patient's well-being improves.
A low level of TSH is considered to be up to 0.01 ÎĽIU / ml. Restoring hormonal balance and increasing the concentration of this hormone should be carried out exclusively under the supervision of an endocrinologist.
It is recommended to undergo a physical examination annually to monitor the level of TSH, T3, T4.
Alternative medicine
With endocrine disorders, drug treatment is mandatory, the drugs are taken according to an individually drawn up scheme by the doctor. Folk remedies have only an additional effect, and cannot be used as independent therapy.
Folk recipes to lower TSH levels:
- Birch leaves, licorice and angelica root, yarrow, celandine, rose hips, coltsfoot grass.
- Rowan fruits, elecampane root, birch buds, St. John's wort.
- Chamomile flowers, yarrow and chicory grass, rose hips, muzzle root.
In each recipe, the components are mixed in equal proportions. Two tablespoons of the resulting mixture are brewed with boiling water, covered with a lid, put on low heat and boiled for 10 minutes. The resulting liquid is poured into a thermos and take phyto tea half a cup 30 minutes before meals. The treatment course with one of the types of collection is 3-4 months, after the specified period the drug is changed to another.
A few more ways to treat low TSH folk remedies:
- Mix the fruits of mountain ash with sugar and eat 2-3 tablespoons of the resulting mass before breakfast.
- 1 tsp powder from kelp leaves to take overnight and drink with water. Use the product for a month. After this period, take a break and consult your doctor regarding further treatment.
Conclusion
In this article we tried to tell you as much as possible about a substance such as thyroid-stimulating hormone (what it is, main functions, reasons for increasing and decreasing its concentration, etc.). Remember that in no case should you self-medicate yourself prescribing certain hormonal drugs. Deciphering the tests, establishing an accurate diagnosis, further examination and prescribing appropriate therapy - all these are activities that should be exclusively done by a specialist. Take care of yourself and be healthy!