Some people come across the fact that they are prescribed an analysis for TSH, the decoding of which is unknown to them. This is a thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is the glycoprotein hormone of the pituitary gland. Among them, you can also name hCG, FSH and LH. But it is thyroid-stimulating hormone that is the main regulator of the functioning of the thyroid gland itself. The indicator of its secretion controls the thyrotropin-releasing factor. It also regulates the secretion of thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which are designated T4 and T3, respectively. Their concentration is very important in human blood, and its fluctuations are proof that serious changes are occurring in the human body.
The value of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the human body
Decoding TSH analysis plays an important role for all people. This hormone seriously affects various metabolic processes that occur in the thyroid gland. They are associated with cell membrane receptors, thereby activating adenylate cyclase. The latter provokes the production of AMP. As a result, the synthesis and secretion of T3 and T4 are enhanced, and the thyroid gland remains physically integral and its functions are not disturbed. The concentration of the hormone allows you to determine the TSH blood test, the decoding of which will draw a clear picture of what is happening. As a rule, it is prescribed in such cases:
- to exclude hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism;
- to track the result of antithyroid therapy during hyperthyroidism;
- in order to control T4 suppression in a non-toxic goiter or in order to control T4 suppression - the trophic effect of TSH in a non-toxic goiter or “cold nodes”;
- in order to evaluate the response to the stimulating test.
Modern methods for determining TSH are very effective and quite affordable. Their analysis is used to determine subclinical and latent forms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Such an examination is quite possible to conduct in any diagnostic laboratory.
Indications for
- for a screening examination of TSH analysis, the decoding of which will make it possible to determine latent hypothyroidism;
- for differential diagnosis of diseases associated with the thyroid gland;
- in order to determine the stage of primary hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism;
- to monitor the adequacy of treatment with hormones.
Analysis preparation
In order for the study to be correct, blood should be taken on an empty stomach. Only water is allowed. At least 8 hours have elapsed since the last meal. The examination must be carried out before taking the medication. If they have already been taken, then you need to wait until two weeks have passed since their last use. If you need to be examined during medical treatment, you should definitely indicate what the patient is taking. Before the examination, you should not eat fried and fatty foods for the day, alcohol and serious physical activity are prohibited. Do not go to the laboratory after physiotherapeutic procedures, rectal examination, ultrasound, fluorography, x-ray. Separate drugs, such as acetylsalicylic acid, corticosteroids, iodine preparations, may affect the result of the study. Sample chilosis and hemolysis are also some of the factors that can affect such an examination.
Interpretation of Results
A blood test for TSH, the decoding of which gives an excellent opportunity to evaluate the functioning of the thyroid gland, is very important for those people who have certain health problems. Examining the patient, the clinician pays special attention to the lower value of this indicator. The concentration of this hormone is very important in such cases:
- when it is necessary to diagnose thyrotoxicosis;
- in order to trace the various forms of goiter;
- in order to suppress the level of TSH and differentiate the true thyrotoxicosis that occurs during gestation;
- to find out the reasons why the results of determining T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone itself differ from the clinical picture;
- in the case of the use of a large number of thyroid hormones;
- in the case of taking drugs that contain T3;
- if there is an extra thyroid pathology;
- in case of insufficient therapy with thyroid hormones;
- when using drugs that can affect thyroid status;
- in the case of total resistance to thyroid hormones.
There are certain indicators according to which a TSH blood test is determined, decoding, normal. According to them, in men this result at 10 reaches the highest value of 3.5, and in women - 4.2. The highest result can be observed in pregnant women in the last trimester - 3.2.
What does a high result lead to?
When tests for TSH hormones are submitted , deciphering them shows that the indicator exceeds the norm, this indicates the possible presence of such diseases as:
- thyroid cancer;
- endemic goiter;
- ectopic secretion, which occurs with tumors of the lung or breast;
- thyroiditis;
- hypothyroidism at the initial stage;
- pituitary tumor.
What does the low rate mean?
If the results of the analysis are below normal, this also indicates various pathologies, among which:
- injury or tumor of the pituitary gland;
- the presence of Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome ;
- hypothalamic-pituitary insufficiency;
- hyperthyroidism in the primary stage.
Thus, we see that the analysis of TSH, its interpretation is very important for every person. This hormone regulates the entire thyroid gland, and quite serious metabolic processes occur in it, which seriously affect the human condition. Any deviations from its norm can lead to a serious consequence. Often even a fatal outcome is possible. That is why it is worth being attentive enough to your health. If you feel worse, do not hesitate, you need to go to the doctor. The specialist will prescribe the appropriate tests and will be able to timely prevent the disease itself or its dangerous consequences. Take care of yourself, your loved ones and be healthy!