The hypothalamus, located in the brain, constantly monitors your blood for levels of thyroid hormones, and accordingly triggers the pituitary gland, also located in the brain, to release Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is a hormone that prompts your thyroid gland to produce triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which work together with other hormones in your body to regulate vital functions such as metabolic rate, weight gain or loss, bone health, respiratory rate, heart rate, digestion, menstrual cycle, etc.
When there is an imbalance in production of TSH in our body, one is susceptible to diseases such as Hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease.
A phlebotomist will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, by inserting the needle, and the blood sample drawn will be collected into a test tube or vial.
You do not need to do any special preparations for a TSH blood test. Unless your doctor has ordered other blood tests, which require you to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. Your provider will let you know of any special instructions you might need to follow before the test.
You might feel slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was inserted. Usually FT4 and FT3 are measured. Laboratories will use reference ranges to compare blood sample results with results of normal healthy populations.
Only if test results show grave abnormalities, then, one might need to consult a specialist, else, one can conclude that TSH tests are safe and effective, and with no risks undertaken.
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