Taking synthetic thyroid hormone medication can bring your T4 and TSH levels back to their normal ranges. When you first start taking medication, your doctor will need to monitor your blood to fine-tune the dosage. Medication for hypothyroidism is slow acting, and it can take several weeks for your body to adjust. Some variation is normal because your pituitary gland sends out TSH in pulses, not a steady stream.
TSH levels are likely to be higher at night and lower during the day. Some people, including those who are pregnant or those with a history of thyroid cancer , have different TSH goals. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics.
They then send the blood sample to a laboratory for testing. Usually, people do not need to prepare for a TSH test. However, if the doctor is testing the blood for more than one issue, a person may need to fast or prepare in another way. The doctor will provide this information beforehand. If a person has abnormally high or low TSH levels, the doctor needs to run at least one other diagnostic test to identify the underlying cause.
These tests look at levels of specific thyroid hormones and antibodies. Doctors can treat hypothyroidism with medications, such as levothyroxine, that replace the missing thyroid hormones. A person should take this medication once a day, or as prescribed by their doctor.
The doctor will monitor how well the treatment is working by running additional blood tests every few months. According to the Food and Drug Administration FDA , people should take levothyroxine once a day: in the morning and on an empty stomach, at least half an hour before eating.
They recommend that a person tells their doctor if they eat soybean flour, walnuts, dietary fiber, or cottonseed meal, as these can affect how the body processes levothyroxine. Treatments for hyperthyroidism focus on reducing thyroid hormone levels to prevent long term health complications. A person may need to take beta-blockers and antithyroid medications.
Another effective treatment is radioiodine therapy. This involves taking a capsule or liquid that contains radioactive iodine, which destroys cells that produce thyroid hormones. However, people who take radioiodine therapy may develop hypothyroidism in the future. Surgical removal of the thyroid gland can treat severe hyperthyroidism. Doctors often reserve this for people who cannot take first-line medications, such as during pregnancy.
A TSH test measures the amount of the hormone in the blood. Doctors can use the results to diagnose thyroid conditions, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Reference ranges remain controversial, but for most people, the normal range falls between 0. Having an overactive or underactive thyroid can cause health issues that interfere with daily life. During pregnancy, unusually high or low TSH levels can lead to complications.
Some supplements that claim to boost thyroid health are now commercially available. However, they could lead to dangerous complications. Learn more. The thyroid gland produces hormones that affect metabolism, mood, breathing, heart rate, and more. Learn more about thyroid gland function. At-home TSH tests offer an easy way for people to monitor their thyroid at home. Thyroid disorders may occur if the gland releases too much or too little hormone. Your health care provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. High TSH levels can mean your thyroid is not making enough thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. Low TSH levels can mean your thyroid is making too much of the hormones, a condition called hyperthyroidism. If your test results are abnormal, your health care provider will probably order additional tests to determine the cause of your thyroid problem.
These tests may include:. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. Thyroid changes can happen during pregnancy. These changes are usually not significant, but some women can develop thyroid disease during pregnancy. Hyperthyroidism occurs in about one in every pregnancies, while hypothyroidism occurs in approximately one in every pregnancies.
Hyperthyroidism, and less often, hypothyroidism, may remain after pregnancy. If you develop a thyroid condition during pregnancy, your health care provider will monitor your condition after your baby is born.
If you have a history of thyroid disease, be sure to talk with your health care provider if you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. TSH Thyroid-stimulating hormone Test.
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