The production of this hormone occurs in the pituitary gland. He is responsible for stimulating the occurrence of thyroid hormones: T3 - triiodothyronine, T4, respectively, thyroxine. The presence of these substances in the body is very important, because they perform several functions.
In particular, they are responsible for protein and carbohydrate metabolism and the functioning of the reproductive system, stomach, intestines, heart, vascular system and the state of the psyche. It is logical, therefore, that when thyroid-stimulating hormone is increased in the body , this affects the human condition not in the best way. TSH stimulates the formation of thyroid hormones. When their level rises, they, for their part, inhibit the release of TSH. Thus, the principle of regulation can be described as “feedback”.
What does the norm depend on?
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) does not depend on any specific cause, but on several at once. For example, if a person has hypothyroidism, this indicates a reduced concentration of T3 and T4. Hyperthyroidism, on the contrary, indicates their increased concentration. If these hormones are produced in the body too actively, thyrotoxicosis, that is, poisoning, can develop. Their normal production is indicated in medicine by the term "eutheriosis".
Thyroid
The thyroid-stimulating hormone in women and men regulates the activity of the thyroid gland, although it is in no way associated with its production. That is why the level of TSH is checked together with the level of thyroid hormones.
Testing
In order to make sure that you have increased thyroid-stimulating hormone, you need to donate blood for analysis. A few days before this you will have to give up smoking and too much physical exertion. Blood donation should take place in the morning, breakfast is forbidden before this. If you want to track how hormone levels fluctuate, you need to take tests at the same time of day. Who is at risk? As a rule, thyroid-stimulating hormone is elevated in patients with thyroid pathologies. In addition, women after fifty must be tested every six months.
Standards Standards
It should be emphasized that the norm for men and women is different. Therefore, this article will not provide specific figures. If you want to know what level of hormone is normal specifically for you, you will have to consult an endocrinologist. In a healthy adult, the amount of TSH changes within 24 hours, with its highest concentration observed in the early morning. This is especially important when planning a pregnancy.
Too high
What can the fact that your thyroid-stimulating hormone is increased testify to? According to experts, this is considered one of the signs of a mental illness. In addition, a high level of TSH may indicate greater physical activity, as well as pregnancy. In this case, you should not be scared, however, it is necessary to carefully monitor your hormonal background and the state of the endocrine system (especially until the second month). This period is considered the most important for the condition of the fetus, since its thyroid gland cannot yet work independently.