TSH: what it is and what you need to know about it

TSH is a hormone that directly stimulates the thyroid, favoring the absorption of iodine and contributing to its correct work. That is why it is so important to know their values.

When we talk about TSH we mean the thyroid stimulating hormone that is produced by the pituitary and which is able to promote the absorption of iodine by the thyroid, at the same time leading it to secrete the right quantities of the hormones T3 and T4 in the blood.
Its presence, as well as its values, are therefore essential to understand the state of the thyroid and if its functions are regular.

TSH and normal values

Also known as thyrotropic hormone, TSH is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary and is part of an important self- regulating mechanism of thyroid hormones.

Its normal values ​​therefore indicate that the pituitary is working properly. And that it is distributing the hormones T3 and T4 through the blood, which in turn are responsible for regulating some important functions. Among the many we remember the regulation of the body temperature, the production of energy and the general balance of the organism.

Measuring the TSH and the values ​​of its concentration in the blood is therefore essential to monitor the functionality and well-being of the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland and the body in general.

Effects of altered TSH values

When you have low TSH, you risk facing major problems ranging from goiter, hypopituitarism, hyperthyroidism. The presence of these pathologies largely depends on the relationship of the TSH thyrotropin values ​​with those of T3 and T4.

Conversely, when you have high thyrotropin you can suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, pituitary adenoma, and some forms of cancer. Also in this case, a possible disease is ascertained through the high TSH value in the blood. Especially if in relation to that of the hormones T3 and T4 and with further clinical tests established by the attending physician.

TSH values ​​may be slightly altered over the course of life. This happens if you are pregnant or are taking drugs, hormonal therapies, etc …
In case of checks it is therefore very important to notify the doctor of any pathology and the relative intake of medicines.