Hypothyroidism:
A closer look
No matter how much you already know, it’s important to keep learning about your condition. The better you understand hypothyroidism, the better prepared you are to manage it.
Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism from head to toe*
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough of the thyroid hormone called thyroxine (T4). This causes the body’s system to slow down and can lead to symptoms like fatigue, feeling cold, weight gain due to fluid retention, dry skin, and hair loss.
If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. He or she may want to check your TSH level.
*This is not a comprehensive list of symptoms.
The role of TSH
TSH is short for thyroid-stimulating hormone. TSH is produced by a small gland in the brain called the pituitary and can be measured by a common blood test.
TSH & a normally functioning thyroid
The hypothalamus, located in the brain, produces thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) that tells the pituitary gland to make thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
The pituitary gland sends out TSH, which tells the thyroid to produce the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
The thyroid produces T4 and T3, which help regulate many body functions.
This network of communication continues in a loop. Thyroid hormone levels in the body provide signals to the hypothalamus and pituitary, so they know whether to release more or less TRH and TSH.
TSH & an incorrectly functioning thyroid
With hypothyroidism, the thyroid is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone.
The hypothalamus and pituitary react to these low levels of thyroid hormone by producing more TRH and TSH.
Because the thyroid can’t respond properly, the hypothalamus sends out more TRH and the pituitary keeps releasing more TSH. A high level of TSH plus low thyroid hormone levels indicates hypothyroidism.
The TSH test
A TSH test is used to check the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood. Your TSH level can indicate if your thyroid gland is working properly.
Once you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and your doctor has prescribed a treatment plan, it’s important to have your TSH tested periodically to determine if any adjustments need to be made to your dose or how you take your medication.
Hear from an expert
Learn more about hypothyroidism, its causes, and risk factors from Dr. Levy.
play_circle_outline
