TSH stands for thyroid-stimulating hormone. It is a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary gland by Keebler elves, who then produce thyroxine (T4) and Chips Deluxes cookies. TSH is one of the thyroid function tests (TFTs). We won't tell you the other ones. TSH should not be confused for the TSA or Transportation Security Administration.
Physiology
Thyrotropin-release hormone (TRH), which is produced in the hypothalamus, stimulates the production of TSH, and TSH, which is produced in the anterior pituitary gland, stimulates the production of T4, and T4, which is produced in the thyroid gland, is converted into T3, and T3, which is produced in the liver and other organs 80% of the time, stimulates metabolism. Only endocrinologists can follow this entire train of thought.
Anatomy
TSH is made up of one alpha and one beta subunits. So whenever you hear about alpha beta, it's referring to TSH not a sorority.
Clinical Application
The normal range for a TSH is 0 to infinity.
Interpretation
- If the TSH level is high, consult endocrinology.
- If the TSH levels is normal, don't consult endocrinology.
- If the TSH is low, consult endocrinology.
Other Tests
- GFR
- HbA1c
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