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What Does TSH Mean for the Thyroid?

Your thyroid gland works with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to produce hormones. These hormones regulate your growth and development, body temperature, metabolism, heart rate, mood, and hair growth.

  1. How TSH Is Made

    • TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone, is released by your pituitary gland to the thyroid gland after the pituitary gland is signaled by the hypothalamus' production of TRH, or thyrotropin-releasing hormone.

    How TSH Works

    • Once your thyroid receives the TSH, it releases T4, or thyroxine, a weak hormone that requires conversion into T3, or triiodothyronine, in order to be effective. Most of the T3 and T4 hormones cling to proteins, and the remainder floats through the bloodstream, regulating your metabolism and other functions.

    Regulation

    • When too much thyroid hormone is produced, your brain decreases the production of TSH. When too little thyroid hormone is produced, your brain increases the secretion of TSH.

    TSH Test

    • If you want to find out if you have a thyroid imbalance, request a TSH test from your doctor. The TSH test is more reliable than only testing the thyroid hormone levels in your blood, particularly for an underactive thyroid. If you are suffering from a thyroid imbalance, you may need thyroid hormone treatment.

    Maintenance

    • In order to keep your thyroid in balance while you are receiving thyroid hormone treatment, your TSH should stay between 0.5 and 2.0 milli-international units per liter. It is wise to have your thyroid tested every three to four months to ensure the treatment is working.

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