Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test Booking, Procedure [2022-23]
Dr. Sreelekha DaruvariLast Updated on 27th October 2021Table of contents
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What is a Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test?
Thyroid-stimulating hormone is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland and controls the production of thyroid hormones. Abnormally high levels of TSH cause hypothyroidism, and abnormally low levels of TSH cause hyperthyroidism. Thyroid-stimulating hormone test is ordered when the patients show the following symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, palpitations etc.
What is TSH test used for?
A TSH blood test measures for abnormalities in your TSH, T3 and T4 levels. Abnormally high levels of TSH cause hypothyroidism, and abnormally low levels of TSH cause hyperthyroidism.
What is included in a TSH test?
A TSH blood test includes the following:
TSH, Triiodothyronine (T3) and Tetraiodothyronine (T4).
While TSH is produced in the pituitary gland, T3 and T4 are produced in the thyroid gland.
TSH regulates the production of T3 and T4.
T3, in turn, regulates the production of TSH by signaling the pituitary gland to stop the production of TSH. That is called the negative feedback mechanism.
Malfunction in production in any of these hormones could lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
How to prepare for the TSH test?
No special preparation is required for a standard TSH test. However, keep your doctor informed about any medications that you are taking.
Things to consider after the TSH test is completed.
Side effects of performing a blood test are uncommon. Once the blood sample is withdrawn for the TSH test, it may cause dizziness or nausea for some patients, sometimes bruising is seen in patients with sensitive skin.
What does a Thyroid-stimulating hormone test detect?
The blood test helps detect abnormalities in thyroid levels, namely Thyroid-stimulating hormone, T3 and T4 levels.
How long does it take to get TSH test results?
It takes about 24-48 hours to get the normal TSH blood test on your MFine app, which you can download anytime you need.
Is TSH a definitive test?
TSH is not a definite test. In a few cases, we require T3 and T4 values to diagnose thyroid gland function.
How to read the TSH Blood Test report?
Test | Normal Range |
TSH | 0.27 to 4.20 mlU/L |
T3 | 80 to 200 ng/dL |
T4 | 5.10 to 14.10 mlU/dL |
How much does the TSH test cost?
The cost of the Thyroid Test (T3 – T4 – TSH) in India varies from ₹ 199 to ₹ 400 in most cities of India.
Normal TSH test at home - Why To Book?
- To detect thyroid disorders
- To monitor the treatment of Hypothyroidism/Hyperthyroidism
- Part of routine tests in pregnancy
- Part of fertility panel tests
- To screen newborns of congenital hypothyroidism
Where to get the TSH test done?
Book normal TSH tests Online from certified lab partners in your city through the MFine app. Choose your preferred lab partner and get a normal TSH test at home.
Certified Lab Partners are:
Normal TSH test at home - How it works?
For further assistance
Frequently asked questions | FAQs
What is the best time for a thyroid test?
Thyroid function tests are best done first thing in the morning as the medications do not interrupt the accuracy of the test readings.
Can stress affect Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels?
Yes, Stress has a major role in controlling the thyroid. Cortisol is produced by adrenal glands with stress. Cortisol can, in turn, reduce Thyroid-stimulating hormone secretion from the pituitary gland, leading to partial suppression of thyroxine, the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland
What time of day is Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels lowest?
Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels vary throughout the day, with peak levels occurring between midnight and 8 am and low levels between 10 am – 3 pm and 4 pm – 9 pm.
Should a thyroid test be done on empty stomach?
Generally, fasting is not required for a Thyroid-stimulating hormone test. However, it is best to get the test first thing in the morning as it measures even the slightest abnormalities of TSH in the body.
How many hours of fasting is required for a thyroid test and prerequisites of a Thyroid-stimulating hormone Test?
There is no pre-requisite for the TSH test. Also, fasting is not required for this test but if your doctor is looking for any other tests like FBS(Fasting blood sugar) then it is recommended to take a fasting test which can help to derive the readings and reports of other tests too.
Is a Thyroid-stimulating hormone level of 1.5 good?
The average Thyroid-stimulating hormone is approximately 1.5 mIU/L and that a TSH greater than 5.5 uIU/L may be suggestive of thyroid dysfunction. But it is important to not arrive at a conclusion and make a self-analysis of the results and you are in a safe position if you show your readings to the doctor.
Can anxiety raise TSH levels?
Absolutely, anxiety and stress both play a major role in elevating the TSH levels. So it is important to reduce anxiety and stress levels.
Which fruit reduces thyroid?
There is no particular fruit that reduces thyroid hormones however you need to improve overall eating habits and eat foods rich in Vitamins B, like whole grains. You can include colorful vegetables and tomatoes and bell peppers which are rich in antioxidants.
Does caffeine affect thyroid blood tests?
Yes, high levels of caffeine can mess up with the test results, so it is better to have just one coffee a day and to have it after the blood sample is given for testing as the caffeine affects the thyroid levels in the body.
References
- Biochemical Testing of the Thyroid: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5321289/
- The Normal TSH Reference Range: https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/98/9/3584/2833082
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone Test: https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/tsh-thyroid-stimulating-hormone-test/
- Best diet for hypothyroidism: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hypothyroidism-diet#:~:text=Antioxidant%2Drich%20fruits%20and%20vegetables,whole%20grains%2C%20may%20also%20help.
- Can Stress Cause Thyroid Problems? The Science Between Cortisol & Thyroid: https://www.imaware.health/blog/stress-and-thyroid#:~:text=%22Stress%20increases%20production%20of%20the,Guandalini%20explains.