The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test tests Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in the blood.
The pituitary produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and acts on the thyroid gland to stimulate the production of thyroxine (T4). Higher than normal TSH can indicate a thyroid gland disorder, while low TSH can indicate overproduction of T4, which acts in negative feedback on the pituitary to reduce TSH production. Low TSH can also be caused by problems in the pituitary gland itself, resulting in insufficient TSH to stimulate the thyroid (secondary hypothyroidism). Thyroid disease or dysfunction is notoriously underdiagnosed.
Overt hypothyroidism, with its characteristically high TSH and low circulating T4 levels, or hyperthyroidism, with low TSH and high T4 levels (most commonly manifested as Graves’ Disease), are relatively easy to recognize clinically. But an elevated TSH associated with normal thyroid hormone levels, defined as “subclinical” hypothyroidism, is thought to be present in 4-10% of the general population and in up to 20% of women over 60 years old, while a low TSH and normal thyroid hormone levels, or subclinical hyperthyroidism, occurs in about 2% of the population. Reference range levels of TSH are between 0.5 and 3.0 µU/mL (optimum 0.5—2.0 µU/mL).
Thyroid disease is common in women often under the age of 40. It tends to run in families. You may need a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test if a family member has ever had thyroid disease or if you have symptoms of having too much thyroid hormone in your blood.
Common symptoms include:
- Tiredness
- Being sensitive to cold
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Depression
- Slow movements and thoughts
- Muscle aches and weakness
- Muscle cramps
Test Result: You will receive your test result 3-5 working days after the laboratory receives your sample. You will see your hormone levels in graphics and numbers on your test results. You will also see laboratory comments by a hormone specialist PhD doctor. You will find a doctor's analysis of your hormone levels in the comments and what to do next.
- Collect samples from the comfort of your home and post them to our lab.
- The test must be used within 12 months after the purchase date.
- The test kit includes a laboratory fee: no additional laboratory cost or tax.
- Customers are responsible for shipping their samples to the laboratory.
How does the test carry out?
This blood spot-based testing tool can be done in the privacy of your home. A simple step of collecting your blood spot for the test is required. Once you provide a blood spot, you must seal the sample and send it to us. Your test result report will be emailed to you between 3 and 5 working days after the laboratory receives your sample.
How to Use
