Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
What is the thyroid?
The
thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland you can feel at the base
of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. Two lobes (the "wings"
of the butterfly) fit on either side of the windpipe. The
thyroid helps to maintain blood pressure, regulates tissue
growth and development, is critical for skeletal and nervous
system development and plays an important role in the development
of the reproductive system.
What is TSH?
The TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) measurement reflects the sufficiency of the brain's supply of thyroid hormone. A normal TSH indicates thyroid levels are maintained at a stable rate. An elevated TSH level indicates an insufficient supply of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), and may produce an underactive thyroid and symptoms associated with fatigue. A reduced TSH level indicates an increased amount of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), and may produce an overactive thyroid and symptoms associated with nervousness.
Why should you be tested?
The thyroid is one of the body's most important glands. If the thyroid is not working correctly, the following conditions can be present: weight gain or loss, feeling nervous or tired, muscle weakness, rough and dry skin, slight impairment of mental activity, cold intolerance and affect on menstrual flow. Once a thyroid deficiency is diagnosed, your Doctor may be able to correct the problem with a simple daily supplement.