The TSH (thyroid stimulation hormone) test checks the level of the TSH and evaluates the function of the thyroid and pituitary glands. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck. It helps to maintain proper blood pressure and your body’s growth and development. Your thyroid is also essential for your nervous and skeletal system, as well as your reproductive system.
A TSH test when someone has symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and/or when a person has an enlarged thyroid gland. It may be ordered at regular intervals to monitor the effectiveness of treatment when someone is being treated for a known thyroid disorder.
What is this Test for?
This test checks for the proper level of TSH in your bloodstream. Normal values are 0.4 - 4.0 mIU/L (milli-international units per liter).
However, those without signs or symptoms of an underactive thyroid who have a TSH value over 2.0 mIU/L but normal T4 levels may develop hypothyroidism in the future. This is called subclinical hypothyroidism (mildly underactive thyroid) or early-stage hypothyroidism. Anyone with a TSH value above this level should be followed very closely by a doctor.
If you are being treated for a thyroid disorder, your TSH level should be between 0.5 and 3.0 mIU/L.
You may require a thyroid stimulation hormone test if you have or are currently experiencing:
The eyes may be affected: puffiness around the eyes, dryness, irritation, and, in some cases, bulging of the eyes.
What should you expect?
Your HealthFair professional may ask you to stop taking drugs that may interfere with the test. Drugs that can affect TSH measurements include:
How often should I get this test?
The American Thyroid Association recommends that adults over age 35 be screened for thyroid disease every 5 years. Several organizations recommend instead screening women over 50 or those at high risk for thyroid disorders, such as pregnant and postpartum women. This test results will show the level of TSH in the blood, whether it is high, low, or normal - and how these levels can affect your health.
What should I wear?
What can I eat?
What equipment does HealthFair use?
Finger Stick
The finger stick is a test used that lightly sticks your finger to draw a small amount of blood to test different levels in your body. It assists in determining if these levels are too high, too low, or at a healthy point. We use the finger stick for various health screening tests we have at HealthFair, and send the samples to our private laboratories where they process them.
Congratulations! You’re ready to schedule your HealthFair screening appointment and, most importantly, you are on the road to better health. Thank you for reviewing the above information. We look forward to screening you soon!