PharmEasy Labs is the new name for convenient and accurate diagnostic testing. These Labs are trusted by doctors because of the ultra-modern machines used and because the Labs are operated by highly skilled technicians and pathologists. The reports are delivered straight to the person's email address. TSH is a commonly booked test at PharmEasy Labs.

Testing the TSH level in the blood can assess if the thyroid gland is working normally. The TSH level is fully controlled by the levels of the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the blood.

The pituitary gland can sense the levels of T3 and T4 in the blood. If the levels are too low or too high in response, the pituitary produces more or less TSH hormone accordingly to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce the right amount of hormones.

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) produces less hormones, so a high level of stimulating hormone (TSH) is needed.

Whereas an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) secretes high levels of hormones, so to regulate it, the pituitary gland lowers the TSH level in the blood.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Feeling cold
• Joints and muscle pain
• Dry skin and thinning hair
• Constipation
• Low heart rate
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Fertility problems

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Anxiety, irritability
• Insomnia
• Weight loss
•  Heat intolerance
• Irregular heartbeat
• Mood swings
• Loose and frequent bowel movements

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are thyroid disorders which may cause health problems. If you have symptoms of any one of these two, your doctor may suggest a TSH test.

Doctors may recommend a TSH test for a number of reasons-

• A TSH test can help detect thyroid problems, even before symptoms appear. It is also done to monitor how well thyroid treatment is working.
• This test, along with other tests, also helps to assess if you are suspected of having other thyroid disorders such as thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules (non-cancerous tumours),  goitre, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
• Your doctor may check your TSH level if you are planning to get pregnant. In some cases, the TSH test is done to rule out thyroid disorders during pregnancy.

Usually, there is no need to fast prior to the TSH test. But if you are undergoing any treatment, talk to your doctor, he or she will let you know beforehand if any preparation is needed.

During the TSH Test

On the date and time selected by you, a phlebotomist will reach your place and using a vein finder, the vein from which blood will be drawn will be pinpointed. Sample collection takes just a few seconds and the sample will be taken to the Labs to be tested.