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An increase in TSH above the normal range indicates under-replacement or poor compliance with therapy. A significant reduction in TSH suggests over-treatment. In both cases, a change in dose may be required. A low or low-normal TSH value may also signal pituitary disease in the absence of replacement. [citation needed]
Thyroid function tests (TFTs) is a collective term for blood tests used to check the function of the thyroid. [1] TFTs may be requested if a patient is thought to suffer from hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), or to monitor the effectiveness of either thyroid-suppression or hormone replacement therapy.
Subclinical hypothyroidism is a biochemical diagnosis characterized by an elevated serum TSH level, but with a normal serum free thyroxine level. [ 48 ] [ 49 ] [ 50 ] The incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism is estimated to be 3-15% and a higher incidence is seen in elderly people, females and those with lower iodine levels. [ 48 ]
TSH levels are determined by a classic negative feedback system in which high levels of T3 and T4 suppress the production of TSH, and low levels of T3 and T4 increase the production of TSH. TSH levels are thus often used by doctors as a screening test, where the first approach is to determine whether TSH is elevated, suppressed, or normal. [25]
T 3 is preferred, because in hypothyroidism T 3 levels may be normal. [84] The ratio of bound to unbound thyroid hormones is known as the thyroid hormone binding ratio (THBR). [ 85 ] It is also possible to measure directly the main carriers of the thyroid hormones, thyroglobulin and throxine-binding globulin. [ 86 ]
Affected patients may have normal, low, or slightly elevated TSH depending on the spectrum and phase of illness. Total T4 and T3 levels may be altered by binding protein abnormalities, and medications. Reverse T3 levels are generally increased, while FT3 is decreased. FT4 levels may have a transient increase, before becoming subnormal during ...
Each time the dose is adjusted, TSH levels may be measured at that frequency until the correct dose is determined. [71] Once titrated to a proper dose, TSH levels will be monitored yearly. [71] The target level for TSH is the subject of debate, with factors like age, sex, individual needs and special circumstances such as pregnancy being ...
Therefore, when TRH is given exogenously, TSH levels increase. If the increase in serum TSH level following TRH administration is absent or very slight, then the cause of the hypothyroidism is in the anterior pituitary gland, i.e. the pituitary is not secreting TSH. Therefore, even when TRH is given exogenously, TSH levels do not rise as the ...