This test was ordered for me earlier this week too, it is done by a blood test. Ive had this checked at least a few times before and I was always told it was normal. This test is kind of common to have done, especially among pregnant and postpartum women, women over age 35 and newborn babies. I know they checked mine a couple times while I was pregnant too. It is used to diagnose a thyroid disorder and Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism. It also helps evaluate the function of the Pituitary Gland that helps makes the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. TSH is produced by the Pituitary Gland and that makes the Thyroid Gland make and release the Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). Some of the signs and symptoms of Hyperthyroidism are increased heart rate, anxiety, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, hand tremors, weakness, diarrhea, light sensitivity, visual disturbances, puffy or bulging eyes, dry and irritated eyes. Some of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism are similar to having Hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism include weight gain, dry skin, constipation, cold intolerance, hair loss, puffy skin, fatigue and menstrual irregularity. These articles I found go into more depth of what TSH is and what the results of the tests could mean...
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/tsh/tab/test
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003684.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment