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When a patient is suspected to have a case of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, the preferred test is the TSH. This is used by medical professionals when the patient shows symptoms of thyroid disease. It can also be used to screen newborn babies for underactive thyroid.
Just in case you’re already diagnosed with hypothyroidism, the TSH is necessary to monitor how the thyroid replacement therapy is going. Women with infertility problems can also be checked for TSH levels. Occasionally, the test is required to evaluate the pituitary gland’s function. Experts have varying opinions when it comes to TSH testing or screening, and the ages when it should be conducted.
The thyroid gland can enlarge and if this happens to you, the doctor will surely request for TSH testing. It is ordered for regular monitoring of a thyroid disorder. The treatments should be tested for efficacy to ensure that the patient is receiving the right medications. In the US, the TSH is already part of the newborn screening. The American Thyroid Association has also recommended that individuals aged over 35 should undergo the test every 5 years. Other organizations also suggest that postpartum and pregnant women undergo the test since they are at high risk of thyroid disease.
Since the TSH is usually conducted together with the T3 and T4 tests, a collective interpretation is vital. With a high TSH level, it can indicate that the thyroid gland is underactive while low levels can mean overactive or hyperthyroidism. Whether a patient has a high or low level, any abnormalities will be treated immediately. Abnormal results will lead to further tests like that of the T3 and T4. For instance, if your TSH reading is high and the T4/T3 is normal, it means that you have mild hypothyroidism.
Other readings are as follows -
- High TSH, low T4, and Low to Normal T3 – this means that the person is suffering from hypothyroidism
- Low TSH, and normal T4/T3 – this indicates mild hyperthyroidism
- Low TSH and high to normal T4/T3 – it means that the patient is suffering from hyperthyroidism
- Low TSH, and Low or normal T4/T3 – this indicates non-thyroidal illness or rare pituitary hypothyroidism
The test results can be affected when a patient is taking medications like thyroid hormone replacement therapy and aspirin. If you’re taking any drugs, you have to reveal this to your doctor. When adjustments are made to the thyroid hormone dose, 1-2 months should pass before you undergo another TSH test.
When To Check Your TSH Levels
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