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Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test (TSH Test)

This Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test or TSH test evaluates the overall function of the thyroid by measuring levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

$49
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Test Preparation:
None
Testing Method:
Blood draw

This Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test or TSH test evaluates the overall function of the thyroid by measuring levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This substance triggers the production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which play active roles in the body’s metabolism regulation. However, unexplained changes in weight, mood, or sleep patterns can be indicative of a thyroid condition. This Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test can help identify hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and can be used to determine your potential risk for other thyroid conditions.

How Our Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test Works

For our Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test, simply place your order online and stop by one of our 4000+ nationwide testing facilities at your convenience (no appointments). A member of the center’s staff will collect a small blood sample via the skin prick method, at which point your part of the process is done. 

The sample collection itself takes only a few minutes, and most patients are in and out and about their day in under half an hour. From there, your sample will be processed in a CLIA-certified laboratory, and in as little as 24-72 hours, you’ll have full results regarding your thyroid function.

Common Thyroid Problem Symptoms

The thyroid is a tiny butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the neck. The thyroid is a gland. Member of the endocrine system, the thyroid gland uses iodine from the food you consume to produce hormones that control how your body uses and stores energy (metabolism), among other vital bodily functions. 

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) signals to your thyroid gland the levels of hormones it needs to make. TSH is regulated by another gland in your brain, the pituitary gland. If the level of thyroid hormones in the blood is too low, the pituitary gland produces more TSH to stimulate your thyroid glands to produce more hormones. 

The pituitary gland makes little or no TSH if the thyroid hormone levels in your blood are too high (, effectively telling the thyroid gland to produce fewer hormones. An underactive thyroid or overactive thyroid can lead to health issues that interfere with daily life. 

Common symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) include:

  • Sudden weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Trouble falling and staying asleep (insomnia)
  • Muscle aches or cramps
  • Constipation
  • Increased sensitivity to cold
  • Low sex drive
  • Brittle hair and nails
  • Dry skin
  • Depression

Common symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) are:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Irregular heart rate
  • Being too sensitive to heat
  • Trembling and twitching
  • Enlarged thyroid gland (swelling in your neck)

Symptoms develop slowly, and you may not know you have a thyroid problem for years. Your doctor may order a TSH if you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms. By gauging the level of TSH in the bloodstream, a physician can tell if your thyroid is functioning properly. 

How to Interpret Your Results

The most accurate way to diagnose a thyroid disorder is via a blood test. Our Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test measures the amount of TSH in the blood. An abnormal TSH level in the blood usually suggests an excess or deficiency in the amount of thyroid hormone available. 

It’s essential that you carefully interpret the results of your TSH test and understand their implication for your overall health. Test results will be delivered via our secure online portal. Our TSH test will indicate whether your TSH levels fall above or below normal limits, also known as the reference range.

The outcome of your TSH test can be found under the flag column, reported as either normal or abnormal. This section of the results chart will declare in plain language whether your thyroid gland is functioning properly. Detecting a thyroid problem early and getting the necessary treatment helps avoid subsequent medical issues.

What Are the Possible Complications of An Overactive or Underactive Thyroid? 

If hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to severe symptoms and complications. Fortunately, most underactive or overactive thyroid cases are identified before more serious symptoms occur. That being said, possible complications of thyroid disorders include: 

  • Goiter — larger thyroid due to constant stimulation 
  • Heart problems
  • Birth defects
  • Anemia 
  • Hearing loss
  • Reduced heart rate
  • Voice change 
  • Hair loss
  • Nerve injury
  • Infertility

Keep in mind that an underactive or overactive thyroid can be caused by other conditions that affect the way the thyroid gland works.

FAQs

  • A blood test is the most definitive test for an underactive or overactive thyroid. For our Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test, simply place your order online and stop by one of our testing facilities at your convenience.

  • After an abnormal TSH test result, your doctor will usually recommend further testing to identify the exact cause of your thyroid issue. Additional testing will vary from patient to patient, usually depending on the specific diagnosis, i.e., whether your thyroid is overactive or underactive.

  • Our Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test does not require any preparation. Your doctor may have specific instructions for you. For instance, your physician may instruct you not to eat or drink for a few hours before the test.