Increased thyroid stimulating hormone: what does too high a level mean?

The development of this hormone occurs in the pituitary gland. He is responsible for stimulating the appearance of thyroid hormones: T3 - triiodothyronine, T4, respectively, thyroxine. The presence of these substances in the body is very important, because they perform several functions.

In particular, they are responsible for protein and carbohydrate metabolism and the functioning of the reproductive system, stomach, intestines, heart, vascular system and the state of the psyche. It is natural, therefore, that when the thyroid-stimulating hormone is increased in the body, this affects the human condition in a not very good way. TTG stimulates the formation of thyroid hormones. When their level rises, they, for their part, suppress the secretion of TSH. Thus, the principle of regulation can be described as "feedback".

On what does the norm depend?

The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TTG) depends not on any particular cause, but on several. For example, if a person has hypothyroidism, this indicates a decreased concentration of T3 and T4. Hyperthyroidism, on the contrary, indicates their increased concentration. If these hormones are produced in the body too actively, thyrotoxicosis, that is, poisoning, can develop. Their normal production is designated in medicine by the term "euteriosis."

Thyroid

The thyroid-stimulating hormone in women and men regulates the activity of the thyroid gland, although it has nothing to do with its production. That is why the level of TSH is checked along with the level of thyroid hormones.

Delivery of tests

In order to make sure that thyroid-stimulating hormone is elevated, it is necessary to donate blood for analysis. A few days before that, you will have to give up smoking and too much physical exertion. The delivery of blood should occur in the morning, breakfast before this is prohibited. If you want to see how the level of hormones fluctuates, the tests must be taken at the same time of day. Who is at risk? As a rule, thyroid-stimulating hormone is increased in patients with thyroid pathologies. In addition, women after fifty must take tests every six months.

Standards of the norm

It should be emphasized that the norm for men and women is different. Therefore, this article will not give specific figures. If you want to know what level of hormone is normal specifically for you, you will have to contact an endocrinologist. In a healthy adult, the amount of TSH varies within 24 hours, with the greatest concentration recorded in the early morning. This is especially important when planning a pregnancy.

Too high

What can be testified by the fact that thyroid stimulating hormone is elevated? According to experts, this is considered one of the signs of mental illness. In addition, a high level of TSH may indicate greater physical exertion, as well as pregnancy. In this case it is not necessary to be frightened, however it is necessary to closely monitor your hormonal background and the state of the endocrine system (especially up to the second month). This period is considered the most important for the condition of the fetus, since his thyroid gland can not yet work independently.