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What is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone?
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland and released into the blood. It plays a crucial role in regulating and controlling the function of the thyroid gland.
What Does Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Do?
TSH is responsible for stimulating the production of hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate the body’s metabolism. As such, it helps to regulate the body’s energy levels and how quickly food is converted into energy.
Normal TSH Levels and Testing
The normal range of TSH levels in the blood is generally between 0.4 to 4.0 milli-international units of TSH per liter (mIU/L) of serum. Doctors will often test TSH levels to help diagnose thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Complications of Abnormal TSH Levels
Abnormal levels of TSH can cause a variety of health issues. An overproduction of TSH can lead to hyperthyroidism, which is associated with an increased heart rate, anxiety, fatigue, and an enlarged thyroid gland. An underproduction of TSH can lead to hypothyroidism, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, depression, and fatigue.
Managing TSH Levels
It is important to maintain healthy TSH levels in order to prevent any of the above complications. This can be done through lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding stress. It may also be necessary to take prescription medications such as thyroid hormone replacement therapy to manage one’s TSH levels.
Keywords: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, TSH, Thyroxine, Triiodothyronine, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Healthy Diet, Exercise, Stress, Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy
