The thyroid gland is one of the endocrine glands that helps your body to carry out important metabolic processes, which help to carry out the basic functions of the body. How to read a TSH test and the meaning of its results.

What is TSH thyroid test?

TSH is an acronym for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, and it measures the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood that is produced by the pituitary gland, which in turn stimulates the thyroid gland to produce its own hormones.

The tsh test is a procedure that aims to know and ensure the health of the thyroid gland and that it performs the functions required of it. This analysis also detects if there is an increase or decrease in the hormones produced by the gland, and if there is hyperactivity or lethargy of the thyroid gland.

A thyroid test is performed by taking a sample of blood from a vein from the inner elbow. Before taking the sample, you must tell the doctor about any types of medications that interfere with the test results.

How do you read a TSH thyroid test?

First, the normal range for TSH levels is 0.4 to 4.0 mIU per liter, and if you are already being treated for a thyroid disorder, the normal range here is 0.5 to 3.0 mIU per liter.

Thyroid analysis is high

If the value is higher than the normal range, this indicates hypothyroidism, in which case the pituitary gland releases more TSH to stimulate the thyroid gland.

The results may vary between the laboratories regarding the upper limit, which may range between 4 to 5, and if the results are higher than that for you, then the results here mean hypothyroidism.

It is worth noting that in the event of pregnancy, it is normal for TSH levels to decrease, and T3 and T4 hormones to increase.

Low TSH test

In the event that the values ​​are less than the normal range, this indicates the activity of the thyroid gland, and in turn the pituitary gland reduces the release of the TSH hormone.

It is important to know that the analysis does not provide an explanation for the cause of hypothyroidism or its activity, so the doctor can order more tests if the results are abnormal, including:

• T4 thyroid hormone tests
• Tested for T3 thyroid hormone
• Tests for Graves’ disease.
• Tests for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Thyroid analysis fasting or fasting?

In fact, there are no special preparations that must be done before performing a thyroid test, and you should not be fasting before going to the laboratory to take a blood sample, but tell your doctor about the medications you are taking.

Thyroid dysfunction treatment

According to the results that will appear after the test, the doctor will determine the appropriate resulting treatment for the condition of the thyroid dysfunction that you suffer from.

You can learn in detail about the causes and treatment of hypothyroidism.

In the event that the case indicates hyperthyroidism, the treatment will be based on rebalancing hormone production again, through several different methods, whether using medications or surgery.

You can learn in detail about the causes and treatment of hyperthyroidism.

We would like to emphasize the need not to take any treatments for thyroid gland dysfunction without consulting a doctor, and you can also learn more information about thyroid problems.