Let us discuss in detail about the TSH, T3, T4 levels and thyroid functioning through this blog.
The thyroid is a gland present in our body which is responsible for producing certain hormones that support metabolic activities. However, thyroid disorders are subjective and the complications are not universal or uniform in patients.
Thyroid Gland – Anatomical and Physiological Significance
Before we discuss more about TSH and its test etc., it’s important to know about its basics first.
Knowing the Thyroid Gland
Is it an endocrine gland that is a constituted structure of multiple glands. It is responsible for the production of many hormones, that contribute to:
- Growth regulation
- Metabolic functioning
- Mood and behaviour regulation
- Sexual health and function
- Sleep schedule and routine
Anatomically, the thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly, situated at the bottom-front of our neck region.
It also regulates the
- Energy levels
- Internal temperature
- Hair production
- Weight
- Metabolism,
- Skin health, etc.
Thyroid disorders show an imbalance in the levels of T3 and T4 hormones in their bodies, which leads to experience of unpleasant symptoms.
What Are the Types of Thyroid Disorders?
Generally, two types of disorders of thyroid functioning are there:
- Hyperthyroidism (when the thyroid gland is overactive)
- Hypothyroidism (when the thyroid gland is underactive)
What Role Does TSH Play in This Equation?
TSH is named a thyroid-stimulating hormone. The TSH hormone is ejected from the pituitary gland in the blood circulation of your body. The TSH once gets released from the gland, stimulates the thyroid gland. The stimulation of the thyroid gland helps secrete thyroid hormones at optimal levels. These thyroid hormones are T3 and T4.
An abnormal rise in the levels of TSH indicates that the thyroid hormones are not being produced in sufficient amounts. On the other hand, the decline in the levels of TSH hormone indicates that the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4 are getting produced in excess.
What Happens With High T3 and T4 Levels in the Blood?
An excess rise in the levels of T3 and T4 is generally indicative of hypothyroidism in the patient. Hypothyroidism brings symptoms with it such as.
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Shaking
- Fatigue
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Hyperactivity
- Hair loss
- Subsequent weight loss
In certain severe cases, the excess production of the hormone T3 increases the amount of hormone in the circulating blood, causing thyrotoxicosis. Thyrotoxicosis leads to certain severe complications when the disorder is not treated in time. Additionally, when the T4 hormone levels are raised and the TSH levels decline in the blood circulation, it often signifies hyperthyroidism presence in the patient.
What Happens With Low T3 and T4 Levels in the Blood?
Like there are chances of rise in the hormone levels of the thyroid, there are instances where the T3 and T4 hormone levels constitute an aggregate alarmingly declining levels in the circulating bloodstream. This condition builds when there is an excess rise in TSH hormone levels in the bloodstream. This condition indicates that the thyroid gland is underactive.
Certain symptoms that can manifest when the hormone levels are low might include:
- Brain fog
- Issues with the functioning of the brain like memory and cognition
- Dry skin
- Excessive weight gain
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
The low levels of thyroid hormones bring a condition known as Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can cause complications in the affected patient, especially in regard to the metabolic functioning of the body.
TSH Hormone – Understanding the Significance and Functions
TSH hormone is also known as thyrotropin or as the thyroid-stimulating hormone. This hormone is produced by the master gland of our body called the pituitary gland. TSH can regulate the formation of the hormones T3 and T4 from the thyroid gland.
As discussed above also, there can be two situations concerning the hormone TSH in the body, these situations can be:
- When there are High TSH levels, accompanied by low levels of T3 and T4. this situation overall signifies hypothyroidism
- When there are Low TSH levels accompanied by high levels of T3 and T4. this situation overall signifies hyperthyroidism
If Pregnant women have a history of disbalanced TSH hormonal levels in their blood circulation, they should try to stay alert all the time and throughout their pregnancy. If they develop excessively high or low levels of thyroid hormone in their circulation, there are chances that the fetus can get affected in its growth and development.
What is the TSH Test?
The TSH test is measured as a regular blood test. This test gives the measure of TSH levels in the circulating blood. For detecting or determining any thyroid disorder, the TSH test plays as a major role and functions as one of the first tests as well.
What Are the Normal and Abnormal TSH, T3, and T4 Levels?
The normal range of the hormone TSH ranges from 0.4-4.0 mIU/L. So, if your blood test reports come out to be in a normal range, it is indicative of a healthy and sound functioning thyroid gland
However, if the test results do not come in the normal range and lie less than 0.4 mIU/L or lie higher than 4.0 mIU/L levels, it might suggest that you have some potent thyroid disorders. In these cases, you are generally prescribed with further diagnostic tests such as for T3, T4, and TSH ranges, before they subject you to any treatment.
- The normal T3 levels in the body ranges from 100 to 200 ng/dL.
- The normal T4 levels range between 5.0 to 12.0 μg/dL.
There is another thyroid function test marker which is known as the free T4 levels. The free T4 levels range normally from 0.8 to 1.8 ng/dL.
When your ranges of thyroid hormones in these test results comes out to be in an “abnormal” range, it might suggest that you are suffering from a potent thyroid disorder. In these kinds of cases, you are treated with hormonal therapy or other assistive treatments that are suggested by your doctor.
What Are Some Unique Markers Tested in the Thyroid Tests?
There can be two other tests that your doctors might suggest you with besides these standard thyroid hormone levels tests,
These Tests Include:
- Thyroglobulin (Tg) test– this test is a measure of the normal or abnormal levels of a certain protein that are produced by your thyroid gland. This test helps suggest the presence of thyroid cancer in your body.
- Thyroid antibodies – The measure of the levels of certain antibodies like TPOAb, TgAb, and TRAb can help your doctor to diagnose any autoimmune disorders. The autoimmune diseases start attacking the thyroid issues and cells of own body.
So, you need to understand the overall health and status of your thyroid gland functioning as it involves not only one but multiple tests to measure its functioning. However, it is the TSH test that is prescribed as the most initial test in the diagnosis of any disorder of the thyroid gland.
How is a TSH Test Done?
The TSH level measuring test is just a traditionally done blood test. You can get your TSH test done at any clinic, hospital, or a renowned diagnostic centre that contains the facility.
You do not need to make any dietary restrictions to get this test done, like eating something specific or fasting. So, you, as a patient, can give your blood samples at any time of the day. However, it is generally recommended that by giving your blood samples first thing in the morning can yield an optimal and accurate results.
What Happens During the Sample Collection?
First of all you will need to sit down on a comfortable chair. Your left or right arm should be lifted then.
Your phlebotomist will then place a band and secure it on your upper arm. The band will restrict the blood flow reaching your veins. It is done for an easy blood sample collection.
In the meantime, the phlebotomist will start to disinfect the area of the skin of your arm from which he will collect your blood sample. For the disinfection purpose, they use 70% isopropyl alcohol pads.
They use a syringe for the blood sample collection. The sample collected from your vein is then transferred into a testing vial.
Your collected blood sample with the vial is then sent to the labs for further testing purposes. Once the blood sample is collected, the hand band is removed from your upper arm. Lastly, a band-aid is placed on the area from where the sample was collected at the injection site.
What Happens if My TSH Test Results Are Abnormal?
Depending on the results of your TSH test, your doctor prepares a diagnosis for you. Once your doctor has determined the type of thyroid disorder you have, it will either indicate an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) gland or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) gland.
Hypothyroidism Treatment
If you are diagnosed with a hypothyroidism disorder, where the thyroid gland is underactive and is not producing sufficient amounts of the thyroid hormones, you will be prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills that you need to take every day early in the morning while you are on an empty stomach. These hormone pills are prescribed as they contain the property to mimic the functions of natural TSH hormones and are capable of regulating the production levels of T3 and T4 from your thyroid gland.
Initially, you will be needing a follow-up or check-ins with your doctor every 2-3 months to keep a check/monitor on your hormonal levels. You will be asked to get a routine TSH level test before getting a follow-up appointment with your doctor.
Depending on the levels of your TSH in follow-up tests, your doctor will keep adjusting your thyroid hormone pills dosage that you are on. Once the dosage is adjusted to the optimal levels, you will be asked to return for your annual check-ups.
Hyperthyroidism Treatment
The treatment for an overactive thyroid gland:
You will be prescribed with a radioactive iodine that contains the potential to reduce the overactive tissue of your thyroid gland. This regimen will lead to the management of the symptoms in a better manner.
You will probably be suggested some anti-thyroid medications as these help reduce the excess production of thyroid hormone and circulation in the bloodstream.
In certain rare instances, you can be suggested to undergo surgery that will remove your thyroid gland completely. This is suggested only when your initial medications along with the assistive therapies do not yield any result and fail to work for your condition.
If you have a hyperactive thyroid gland, you will probably need to undergo multiple hormone tests to ensure that you do not have any possible complications in the upcoming years.
Natural Ways to Manage Thyroid Levels
Getting the TSH test, T3 and T4 level tests are not enough. You will need to get yourself familiarised with the natural ways to regulate your hormonal levels.
Home Remedies to Normalize Your Thyroid Hormone Levels-
Managing Stress
Stress puts a strong impacts on the functioning of your thyroid gland. Patients who suffer from chronic stress stimulate adrenal fatigue. This leads to further worsening of the thyroid hormone profile and production of hormones in the bloodstream. Taking stress does not increase the thyroid levels but in opposite starts to reduce your T3 and T4 hormone production. Stress therefore contributes to the decreased production of hormones and makes your thyroid gland underactive. Taking stress continually can hamper your T3 and T4 conversion after production. So, you need to manage your stress is the first place so as to move toward to support your normal thyroid functions.
Effective Ways to Manage Your Stress
- Yoga
- Vacation
- Meditation
- Removal of stress triggers
- Journaling, etc.
Sometimes, nothing works. In these cases, you can consider getting psychological therapy from a professional. It can help you with your constant battles of finding yourself.
- Eating a Balanced Diet
The food that you eat plays a great role when it comes to thyroid disorders. For example, there are certain foods that can support the normal functioning of your thyroid gland, and there are certain foods that act as an antagonist against the thyroid gland functioning. Ideally, you should fill up your daily diet with a nutritious combination of vegetables, colorful fruits, and green leafy vegetables. Also, you should focus on increasing the consumption of healthy fats in your diet. You should especially avoid skipping meals. You should not eat very low calories than you are recommended as it can further degrade your lethargy and fatigue symptoms that accompany your thyroid disorders. Your goal should be to consume a balanced, filling and nutritious. You should skip any processed and refined food items.
- Stay Active
The general levels of the thyroid hormones in conditions involving hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism state vary according to patients. While your doctor would suggest you follow a good rigorous and tiring exercise routine for a hypothyroidism state, you will be asked to take certain restrictions for the hyperthyroidism state. You might be wondering why exercise is moderated in a hyperthyroidism state, it is so because most patients can suffer from tachycardia or a faster heart rate. Irrespective of the limitations and boundaries, exercise routine plays a crucial role in both the hyperthyroidism state and the hypothyroidism cases. It is the exercising intensity that makes the difference. You can do brisk walking, yoga, strength training, etc., to keep yourself in an active routine. Your doctor will suggest a daily exercise routine in case you have hypothyroidism or if you are on thyroxine replacement therapy as it can help enhance the medication’s effectiveness. You will be guided to stretch your activity capacity levels as per your ability. Listening to your body’s voice and doing what your conscience thinks is the best for you will work. You are never suggested to overdo or overexert anything that could possibly impose repercussions on your body’s health and state.
Frequently Asked Questions Related TSH Test
What are the Normal TSH Levels in Adults?
Your body should contain the TSH hormone levels in adults in the range of 0.4-4.0 mIU/L.
What Happens If TSH Level Is High?
Patients who suffer from a disorder possessing a less/underactive thyroid gland usually have high TSH hormone levels in their bloodstream, this condition is known as hypothyroidism. Your doctor will approach the treatment of this disorder by prescribing you thyroid hormone pills along with closely monitoring you every month to keep adjusting your dosage according to your needs.
What Is Normal TSH Level in Females?
Your body should contain the TSH hormone levels in females range between 0.4-4.0 mIU/L.
Conclusion
The TSH level test is considered as an important marker for determining different thyroid disorders. If you are facing certain issues with your energy levels throughout the day and in your metabolic functions, you should get your TSH test ideally. Additionally, you should consult your doctor for an effective understanding of the possible complications of the thyroid gland disorder, followed by the treatment that can help prevent the conditions from getting even worse.
