Thyroid Panel with TSH

Other names:
TSH test, Thyroid profile, Thyrotropin test

What is a TSH test?

A TSH test is a blood test that determines thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) hormone in your blood. A high or a low level of TSH can lead to a thyroid problem. A thyroid is a gland of small shaped like a butterfly. It is present in front of the neck. The purpose of the thyroid is to make hormones, which move into the bloodstream. The thyroid hormones regulate different functions of the body’s metabolism. These hormones show affect every organ in the body. They help to maintain the temperature, weight, muscle strength, heart, and mood of a person. The speed of many body functions decreases if you have a low thyroid hormones in your blood. Your body’s functions speed up if you have a large quantity. 

The pituitary gland in your brain controls the thyroid and makes a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The thyroid produces hormones according to the body’s needs when the TSH tells it. Your pituitary gland creates a large quantity of TSH when the levels of thyroid hormone in your blood are low. When the pituitary gland develops less or no TSH, this shows that your thyroid hormone levels are high. A TSH test gives information for maintaining the level of thyroid hormones in your body. 

What is the purpose of this test?

A TSH test analyzes the working conditions of a thyroid. This test shows the disease of hyperthyroidism (too high thyroid hormone) and hypothyroidism (too low thyroid hormone). The TSH test does not define the causes of a thyroid problem.

When do I need a thyroid panel with a TSH test? 

Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience signs of too large or small amounts of thyroid hormone in your blood. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, the Endocrine Society, and the American Thyroid Association routine screening for thyroid problems in adults if you do not have any symptoms. According to some experts, adults that have family history of thyroid or an autoimmune disorder need to conduct this test.

You may need to perform a TSH test regularly to see the status of hormone levels due to hypothyroidism or if the case when your doctor had removed your thyroid. 

Hyperthyroidism is a disease in which overactive thyroid produces high amounts of thyroid hormones in your blood. It leads to an increase in the speed of the body’s functions. It has symptoms include:

• Sleep trouble
• Fatigue
• Irregular or slow heartbeat
• Intolerance to heat or sweating
• The Irritating or nervous feeling
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid)
• Weight loss despite eating more
• Muscle weakness
• Increased bowel movement (frequent pooping))

Hypothyroidism is a condition of having few thyroid hormones in your blood due to an underactive thyroid. It reduces the speed of the body functions. Some causes include:

• Weight gain
• Pain in muscle and joint
• Skin dryness
• Hair thinning or dryness
• Constipation 
• Fatigue
• Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
• Fertility problems
• Intolerant to cold
• Depression

Your provider may also recommend other tests to evaluate lumps or bumps on your thyroid. It may lead to thyroid cancer or thyroid nodules (solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid)

What happens during a TSH test?

You may need to provide a blood sample from your veins to your healthcare provider. A small quantity of blood collects in the test tube when your provider inserts a needle into your vein. This test generally takes at least 5-10 minutes.

Is there any risk to the test?

A thyroid blood test contains no risk. You may feel a little pain when the needle goes in or out into your vein. Its symptoms disappear in less time. 

How do I need to prepare for the test?

You do not have to prepare for anything before the test. If your doctor suggests more blood tests, you may need to keep fast for at least 8-10 hours. Your healthcare provider will inform you about any specific instructions. 

What does the test result mean?

The results of the TSH test show how much quantity of thyroid hormone is present in your blood. Your doctor may order more thyroid blood tests to observe the reasons for a thyroid problem. The blood tests can include

• T4 thyroid hormone test
• T3 thyroid hormone test
• Thyroid antibodies test – It is used to diagnose autoimmune thyroid disorders, including grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s disease. These are the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, respectively.

 
Abnormal TSH results may show a sign of disorder for the pituitary gland in the specific case. It occurs less often. 

What else do I need to know about the TSH test? 

The healthy thyroid of a person may also show high or low TSH levels. A few illnesses that do not link with your thyroid can cause low TSH levels for a short time. Generally, older people aged 80 have a high value of TSH without any thyroid problems.

Pregnancy also changes the level of TSH. Thyroid disease may occur during the three months of pregnancy. Sometimes thyroid disease occurs during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider observes and monitors your condition during pregnancy and after birth, if you develop thyroid disease during pregnancy. That is because of hyperthyroidism, which may process after birth. If you have ever had a thyroid disease, you need to talk with a doctor if you are pregnant or thinking about it. The screening of pregnant women for thyroid problems without symptoms if they have these conditions:
 

• Having a family history of thyroid disease
• Age over 30 years
• Medical history of miscarriage, premature birth, or infertility 
• Obesity
• Living in an area where iodine deficiency is common

 
TSH test screens for hypothyroidism (congenital hypothyroidism) in newborn babies.

You can order this test by visiting UmbrellaMD. You can make an appointment with the doctor to diagnose your condition. Umbrella Health Care Systems help to create an online connection between you and a doctor. You can check your test results and get treatment for your disease while sitting at home. You can register here to grab the online facility and e-consultation.