Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Thyrotropin, TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)

Why It Is Done

A test for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is done to:

• Find out whether the thyroid gland is working properly.
  • An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can cause symptoms such as weight gain, tiredness, dry skin, constipation, a feeling of being too cold, or frequent menstrual periods.
  • An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heart rate, nervousness, diarrhea, a feeling of being too hot, or irregular menstrual periods.
• Find the cause of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). TSH levels can help determine whether hypothyroidism is due to a damaged thyroid gland or some other cause (such as a problem with the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus).
• Keep track of treatment with thyroid replacement medicine for people who have hypothyroidism.
• Keep track of thyroid gland function in people who are being treated for hyperthyroidism. This treatment may include antithyroid medicine, surgery, or radiation therapy.
• Double-check the diagnosis of an underactive thyroid gland in a newborn (congenital hypothyroidism).

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Author:	Douglas Dana Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: November 30, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
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