Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Why It Is Done
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Why It Is Done
A test forthyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is done to:
- Find out whether the thyroid gland is working properly.
- An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can cause symptoms such as weight gain, tiredness, dry skin, constipation, a feeling of being too cold, or frequent menstrual periods.
- An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heart rate, nervousness, diarrhea, a feeling of being too hot, or irregular menstrual periods.
- Find the cause of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). TSH levels can help determine whether hypothyroidism is due to a damaged thyroid gland or some other cause (such as a problem with the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus).
- Keep track of treatment with thyroid replacement medicine for people who have hypothyroidism.
- Keep track of thyroid gland function in people who are being treated for hyperthyroidism. This treatment may include antithyroid medicine, surgery, or radiation therapy.
- Double-check the diagnosis of an underactive thyroid gland in a newborn (congenital hypothyroidism).
| Last updated: | June 11, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Bets Davis, MFA |
| Reviewed By: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism |
| Editors: | Maria Essig, Tracy Landauer |
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