About TSH
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It regulates the endocrine function of the thyroid gland and is a key component in the feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland. TSH stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are crucial for metabolic regulation, growth, and development.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
0.5 - 2.0 uIU/mL
Elite Value
1.0 uIU/mL
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate hypothyroidism, which can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
Low
Low levels may be associated with hyperthyroidism, potentially causing weight loss, anxiety, and heart palpitations.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
Low
Can include anxiety, irritability, and weight loss.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- | Biondi, B., & Cooper, D. S. (2019). The clinical significance of subclinical thyroid dysfunction. *Endocrine Reviews*, 40(1), 89-131.
- Garber, J. R., Cobin, R. H., Gharib, H., Hennessey, J. V., Klein, I., Mechanick, J. I., ... & Woeber, K. A. (2012). Clinical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults: cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association. *Thyroid*, 22(12), 1200-1235.
- Ross, D. S., Burch, H. B., Cooper, D. S., Greenlee, M. C., Laurberg, P., Maia, A. L., ... & Walter, M. A. (2016). 2016 American Thyroid Association guidelines for diagnosis and management of hyperthyroidism and other causes of thyrotoxicosis. *Thyroid*, 26(10), 1343-1421.
- Alexander, E. K., Pearce, E. N., Brent, G. A., Brown, R. S., Chen, H., Dosiou, C., ... & Sullivan, S. (2017). 2017 guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disease during pregnancy and the postpartum. *Thyroid*, 27(3), 315-389.
- Fliers, E., Bianco, A. C., Langouche, L., & Boelen, A. (2015). Thyroid function in critically ill patients. *The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology*, 3(10), 816-825. |