Analysis of TSH for hormones: deciphering the result, the norm

Often, for various diseases, the doctor prescribes a blood test for the hormone TSH. This is an abbreviated name for thyroid-stimulating hormone, which implements the uninterrupted functioning of the thyroid gland. Deviations from the norm can cause various malfunctions in the body. What is the analysis of TSH and what this hormone is responsible for, we will analyze below.

What is TTG

TSH is a hormone synthesized by the pituitary gland and controls the human endocrine system. It affects the functioning of the thyroid gland, in which the production of thyroid hormones - T4 and T3. They are responsible not only for metabolic processes, but also affect the proper functioning of body systems. TSH together with thyroid hormones interact with each other. If the level of T4 and T3 is reduced in the body, the pituitary gland begins to increase the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone to normalize the thyroid gland. Conversely, if T3 and T4 are produced in large quantities, the level of TSH decreases. This allows you to maintain a normal metabolism and ensures hormonal stability. If certain diseases are suspected, a TSH test is prescribed in conjunction with the determination of thyroid hormones.

What is TTG responsible for?

TSH affects the production of thyroid hormones and affects the whole body, taking part in the following processes:

• glucose production;
• maintaining heat metabolism;
• complete protein production;
• red blood cell production;
• metabolic activation;
• egg maturation;
• assimilation of oxygen by cells;
• supports the respiratory system;
• takes part in the synthesis of nucleic acids and phospholipids.

Also, interacting with thyroid hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone provides processes such as:

• the work of the cardiovascular system;
• mental activity;
• oxygen metabolism;
• physical activity;
• mental condition;
• digestive system functioning;
• genital area.

Indications for analysis on the level of the hormone

TSH is responsible for many processes that occur in the body. Therefore, an analysis of its level in the blood is prescribed primarily for many diseases. This is especially true for women, because these hormones have a direct effect on reproductive function.

An analysis of thyroid hormones is prescribed for the following pathological conditions:

• infertility;
• amenorrhea;
• cycle disturbances;
• hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism ;
• depressive states;
• enlarged thyroid gland;
• baldness;
• malfunctions of the cardiovascular system;
• unreasonable decrease in body temperature;
• early sexual development or lag in it;
• pregnancy in the presence of pathologies of the thyroid gland;
• goiter;
• decreased libido;
• in children - with developmental delays and poor weight gain.

If you suspect a thyroid disease, such tests are the most informative diagnostic method.

Norms

When analyzing TSH, the norms will differ depending on age. The maximum values ​​are diagnosed in newborns - this is important during the formation of the nervous system. With age, the norms of indicators decrease. It is also worth noting that in men, normal values ​​are slightly higher than in women.

When a blood test for TSH, the rate of performance may have slight differences depending on the laboratory. The hormone level can change during the day, reaching maximum values ​​at night. The exact decoding of the TSH analysis should be carried out by the attending physician.

Since TSH together with thyroid hormones are interconnected, very often an analysis of their level in the blood is prescribed simultaneously. Consider some decoding indicators:

• TSH is low, T3 and T4 are normal. This situation may be the norm during pregnancy or indicate the manifestation of subclinical hyperthyroidism (when the disease began to develop, but the symptoms are not yet expressed).
• TSH is low, T4 and T3 are elevated - as a rule, thyrotoxicosis manifests itself.
• TSH, T4 and T3 are lowered - a violation of the relationship between the thyroid gland and the pituitary gland.

Analysis preparation

Since the hormone is quite sensitive to the influence of external factors, to obtain the most accurate values, you need to know how to take TSH analysis:

1. Blood is given on an empty stomach. If for some reason the doctor does not prescribe an analysis in the morning, then this should be done no earlier than 4-5 hours after eating.
2. It is necessary to limit the consumption of spicy, fatty, salty foods.
3. For a day, it is not recommended to smoke and drink alcohol.
4. Try not to be nervous.
5. Do not take medication. If this is not possible, the laboratory technician should be notified.

Reasons for increased values

If the results of the analysis show an increase in the level of TSH in the blood, this may indicate a risk of developing diseases such as:

• hypothyroidism;
• lack of iodine in the body;
• inflammatory processes of the thyroid gland;
• autoimmune diseases;
• thyroid injury;
• malignant thyroid tumor;
• insufficient adrenal function;
• thyroiditis;
• endemic goiter;
• hypothalamic hyperfunction;
• insensitivity to thyroid hormones;
• pituitary tumors;
• hyperprolactinemia;
• physical exercise;
• severe stress;
• complications of SARS and flu.

Also, increased blood test values ​​for TSH can provoke the use of medications. These include the following categories of drugs:

• hormonal (Prednisone, Metimazole);
• antiemetic (Motilium);
• antipsychotics (Perazin, Clopentixol);
• anticonvulsants ("benzerazide");
• cardiovascular ("Lovastatin");
• diuretics (Furasemide);
• antibiotics ("Rifampicin") and others.

Symptoms of increased hormone

An elevated TSH level often occurs with thyroid insufficiency, and therefore the symptoms will be similar to hypothyroidism.

The following conditions may bother a person:

• weight gain;
• swelling of the extremities, eyes, lips;
• chills and a feeling of chilliness even in a warm room (this is often associated with metabolic disorders);
• hearing impairment;
• disorders of the nervous system, which are accompanied by depressive states, apathy, lethargy;
• bradycardia;
• dyspnea;
• fragility of hair and nails;
• visual impairment;
• menstrual irregularities - malfunctions of the cycle, lack of ovulation, scanty or copious discharge;
• disorders of the digestive system, in connection with which there are constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;
• mastopathy may occur;
• lack of sex drive.

It happens that a slight increase is asymptomatic.

Treatment for elevated TSH

With high levels of TSH, it is strictly forbidden to engage in self-medication. Therapy should be prescribed by the attending physician individually, based on the results of the tests. In most cases, hormonal preparations are used that contain synthetic thyroxin - L-thyroxine, Eutiroks and others. It is noteworthy that previously, dried thyroid of animals was used to treat elevated TSH.

The synthetic analogue is available in the form of tablets of different dosages, which are selected individually by the doctor. It has constant activity and is predictable in composition.

In the treatment of hormones, there are certain rules that must be adhered to in order to achieve the maximum effect and not harm your body. These include the following:

• hormonal medicine should be started with small doses, gradually increasing the dosage;
• during treatment, hormone levels in the blood are necessarily monitored;
• dosage is selected by the doctor individually;
• with normalization of indicators, treatment should be stopped.

In addition to medications, there are certain herbs that can help normalize TSH levels. They are used in the form of infusions, alternating every month. Such herbs include chamomile, St. John's wort, rose hip, chicory. Reception of herbal teas along with medicines will accelerate the process of regulating hormonal levels.

If autoimmune processes in the body are diagnosed, as well as with genetic diseases that destroy the thyroid tissue, lifelong administration of drugs can be prescribed.

Reasons for Lower Values

Despite the fact that lower results of TSH analysis are not as frequent as elevated ones, they can also be a sign of the development of dangerous diseases. Lowering the level of the hormone can cause conditions such as:

• toxic goiter;
• pituitary injury;
• hyperthyroidism;
• thyrotoxicosis of pregnant women;
• Plummer's disease;
• in thyroid tumors, TSH analysis also shows reduced values;
• disruption of the hypothalamus;
• malignant tumors;
• decreased pituitary function;
• injuries, inflammations, and brain tumors;
• severe stress and excitement.

Medicines that help lower TSH values ​​include:

• hormonal - corticosteroids, "Dopamine" and others;
• anticonvulsants ("carbamazepine");
• drugs for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia;
• improper dosage of drugs prescribed for the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of a decrease in TSH

Symptoms of a decrease in the hormone coincide with signs of thyrotoxicosis. Often a person leaves these signs without attention, which can lead to the further development of diseases.

The patient may be disturbed by:

• apathy, drowsiness;
• sharp weight loss;
• sweating and fever without visible signs of infectious diseases;
• frequent stools;
• bulging eyes;
• muscle weakness;
• tachycardia, which, if untreated, can turn into heart failure;
• goiter is well visualized;
• mental disorders - irritability, mood swings, panic attacks, obsessions.

Treatment for low TSH

When treating low values, it is necessary to conduct additional examinations in order to find out the causes of this pathology. Assignment of hormone tests, ultrasound and other diagnostic methods. Based on the results of these studies, individual treatment is determined. If nodular goiter was diagnosed, radioiodine therapy may be indicated, and with Graves' disease, B-blockers are used.

In a situation of lowering the hormone, herbal teas are sometimes prescribed. Rowan, seaweed powder, gingerbread, nettle, eleutherococcus and others are very good. Before taking herbal preparations, it is very important to consult your doctor, as in some cases their use may aggravate the course of the disease.

TSH during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you must carefully monitor your health. Especially behind the state of the hormonal background, since violations of the endocrine system can provoke serious deviations in the development of the child and complication of pregnancy. Low TSH is more dangerous than high TSH, as it can cause malformations of the child and the risk of miscarriage. If there is a suspicion of hormonal imbalance, the doctor sends for analysis of TSH and thyroid hormones already in the first weeks of gestation. At this time, the fetus is completely dependent on the hormonal background of the mother.

Any deviations from the norm require a more thorough examination and the appointment of appropriate medicines. Therapy is determined by the attending physician.

Conclusion

Hormonal disorders can lead to irreversible consequences. But we must remember that at the initial stage they are quite easily amenable to adjustment. The hormone TSH, along with thyroid hormones, can affect the functioning of many organs and systems, therefore, their blood level should be monitored systematically. It is recommended not to neglect scheduled examinations and follow all the doctor's recommendations. Self-administration of hormonal drugs, which in most cases are used to adjust the hormonal background, is unacceptable. It is important to remember that in order to draw up an optimal treatment plan, you need to know the exact cause of the hormonal imbalance, and for this you need the results of many tests that only a doctor can correctly interpret.