The production of this hormone occurs in the pituitary gland. It is responsible for stimulating the appearance of thyroid hormones: T3 - triiodothyronine, T4, respectively, thyroxine. The presence of these substances in the body is very important, because they perform several functions.
In particular, they are responsible for protein and carbohydrate metabolism and the functioning of the reproductive system, stomach, intestines, heart, vascular system and mental state. It is natural, therefore, that when thyroid-stimulating hormone is increased in the body, this does not affect the human condition in the best way. TSH stimulates the production of thyroid hormones. When their level rises, they, for their part, suppress the release of TSH. Thus, the principle of regulation can be characterized as "feedback".
What determines the norm?
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) does not depend on any particular cause, but on several at once. For example, if a person has hypothyroidism, this indicates a reduced concentration of T3 and T4. Hyperthyroidism, on the contrary, indicates their increased concentration. If these hormones are produced too actively in the body, thyrotoxicosis may develop, that ispoisoning. Their normal production is designated in medicine by the term "eutheria".
Thyroid
Thyroid-stimulating hormone in women and men regulates the activity of the thyroid gland, although it has nothing to do with its production. That is why the TSH level is checked along with the level of thyroid hormones.
Testing
In order to make sure that you have elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone, you need to donate blood for analysis. A few days before that, you will have to give up smoking and too much exercise. Blood donation should take place in the morning, it is forbidden to have breakfast before that. If you want to track how the level of hormones fluctuates, you need to take tests at the same time of day. Who is at risk? As a rule, thyroid-stimulating hormone is elevated in patients with thyroid pathologies. In addition, women over 50 should be tested every six months.
Normal standards
It should be emphasized that the norm for men and women is different. Therefore, this article will not provide specific figures. If you want to know what level of the hormone is normal for you, you will have to consult an endocrinologist. In a he althy adult, the amount of TSH fluctuates over the course of 24 hours, with the highest concentration occurring in the early morning. This is especially important when planning a pregnancy.
Too high level
Which may be evidenced by the fact that you haveincreased thyroid stimulating hormone? According to experts, this is considered one of the signs of mental illness. In addition, a high TSH level can indicate a lot of physical activity, as well as pregnancy. In this case, you should not be afraid, but it is necessary to carefully monitor your hormonal background and the state of the endocrine system (especially until the second month). This period is considered the most important for the condition of the fetus, since its thyroid gland cannot yet work on its own.
