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If the TSH level is normal or low and serum free T 4 levels are low, this is suggestive of central hypothyroidism (not enough TSH or TRH secretion by the pituitary gland or hypothalamus). There may be other features of hypopituitarism , such as menstrual cycle abnormalities and adrenal insufficiency .
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland, another hormone-producing organ in the head. This in turn causes the thyroid to produce T3 and T4, which play a role in the ...
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]
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]
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.
Thyroid function tests include a battery of blood tests, including the measurement of the thyroid hormones, as well as the measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). [84] They may reveal hyperthyroidism (high T 3 and T 4), hypothyroidism (low T 3, T 4), or subclinical hyperthyroidism (normal T 3 and T 4 with a low TSH). [84]
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 ...
When pregnant, a woman with a low-functioning thyroid will also need to increase her dosage of thyroid hormone. [16] One exception is that thyroid hormones may aggravate heart conditions, especially in older patients; therefore, doctors may start these patients on a lower dose and work up to a larger one to avoid risk of heart attack.