TSH hormone – what is it, the norm of the thyroid hormone in women, the treatment of low and high levels

The hormonal system is responsible for the regulation of all processes occurring in the human body. Most of the changes in his work are associated with the hormone TSH. But not every woman knows what it is, so she will not immediately pay attention to the alarming symptoms of a number of diseases or pathology.

What is the hormone TSH

The pituitary gland is responsible for the functioning of the entire endocrine system. In turn, it synthesizes TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). This is a glycoprotein having a protein-carbohydrate origin. It spreads throughout the circulatory system, but directly affects only the thyroid gland.

The thyroid action is aimed at the production of two hormones by the thyroid gland: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Their normal synthesis is responsible for the growth and development of the body, the full functioning of the reproductive and cardiovascular system, metabolism, mental state, and the production of red blood cells.

Between the 3 hormones TSH, T3 and T4 there is a feedback. A decrease in the concentration of triiodothyronine and thyroxine leads to increased production of thyrotropic. Conversely, a high level of T3 and T4 depresses the TSH. In any case, the pituitary gland and thyroid gland will be disrupted.

Therefore, when determining the cause of destabilization, doctors recommend taking tests for the content of all 3 hormones in the blood.

Hormones TSH, T3 and T4 in the body of a woman

What is TSH in the female body responsible for

The functions that the hormone TSH performs are the same in men and women. But what is it, everyone can feel, since it is the female body that is more sensitive to fluctuations in the concentration of thyrotropic.

So, TSH in addition to the synthesis of T3 and T4 performs such functions in the human body:

• promotes absorption and absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland;
• accelerates metabolic processes;
• participates in heat transfer;
• provides gluconeogenesis;
• synthesizes nucleic acids;
• regulates the psycho-emotional state.

The hormone TSH is also responsible for sexual development and the reproductive system. What is it for women, every representative of the weaker sex who wants to get pregnant should know.

Deviation from the norm can lead to a number of serious problems:

• lack of ovulation;
• infertility;
• pathologies in the child, which are acquired during fetal development;
• placental abruption;
• miscarriage.

Hormone T4 in the female body

Thyroxine has many functions and generally affects all processes in the body:

• activates the central nervous system;
• synthesizes protein;
• responsible for normal metabolism;
• prevents the formation of blood clots;
• prevents oxygen starvation;
• takes part in the processing of vitamins;
• lowers blood cholesterol.

It is very important for a woman to control the value of T4 in the blood, especially when planning pregnancy, as well as carrying a child.

In the first case, deviation from the norm to a lower side can enhance the production of prolactin, which blocks the passage of ovulation. In the second – due to the increased work of the thyroid gland, he takes an active part in the formation and development of the fetus.

When is TSH analysis prescribed

Disruption of the pituitary gland causes an activation or decline in the production of the hormone TSH. The cause of this failure may be hypothalamic disease or thyroid disease.

An analysis of the hormone TSH in the blood of women is performed by observing the following symptoms:

• sore throat;
• disorders of the central nervous system: depression, insomnia, neurosis;
• alopecia;
• decreased libido;
• apathy, lethargy, weakness;
• unstable female cycle or lack of menstruation;
• fast weight gain with the same diet or on the background of a decrease in appetite;
• temperature drop below 37,4 – 42,8°F.

The endocrinologist appoints an examination in such cases:

• delayed mental and sexual development in a child;
• suspected autoimmune diseases;
• determination of the state of the thyroid gland;
• monitoring the treatment of thyroid diseases;
• pregnancy planning;
• diagnosis of female infertility and finding out the reasons for the absence of libido;
• thyroid disease prevention.

Symptoms of low TSH

In order to see a doctor in time and start treatment, you must be able to recognize the alarming symptoms of a decrease in the hormone TSH.

In women, such a deviation is characterized by the following symptoms:

• a sharp decrease in body weight with the same diet or increased appetite;
• sweating
• heart palpitations and high blood pressure;
• on the part of the central nervous system – a feeling of anxiety, irritability, tearfulness, insomnia;
• trembling hands;
• impaired memory and hearing;
• retardation of mental activity;
• gleam in the eyes;
• hair loss.

Symptoms of High TSH

An increase in the level of TSH in the blood is manifested through the manifestation of constant symptoms:

• deterioration of the central nervous system: apathy, lethargy, fatigue, drowsiness, depression;
• disorders in the reproductive system: lack of menstruation, unstable cycle, inability to conceive a child, decreased libido;
• from the cardiovascular system: low blood pressure, decreased heart rate;
• disorders in the digestive tract: weight gain on the background of decreased appetite, constipation, flatulence.

Marked external signs characterize a persistent and long-term increase in TSH (decrease in the concentration of T3 and T4).

These include:

• swollen freckled-icteric fac
  e;
• swollen eyelids;
• dry skin, hair loss and fragility;
• low body temperature;
• chills and chills;
• slow speech.

Analyzes

Analysis preparation

For the reliability of the data obtained by the analysis, the patient must adhere to such rules:

1. The use of hormonal drugs (this is especially true for women who take oral contraceptives) is stopped 2-4 weeks before the test. This also includes vitamins, iodine-containing drugs and medicines that reduce the production of hormones.
2. For 2-3 days, it is necessary to refrain from physical exertion, fatty and spicy foods, smoking and alcohol.
3. Refusal of food is carried out 12 hours before the analysis. Dinner on the eve should be light.

How is the analysis on TSH

An analysis to determine the content of thyrotropic is performed on an empty stomach from 8 to 10 in the morning. Blood is taken from a vein in the elbow area on any arm. Before surrender, it is recommended to sit in a calm state for half an hour. This is especially true for those who traveled to the hospital on foot or were late by the appointed time.

Women can do TSH hormone testing on any day of the cycle. For the study of blood, its serum is used. To determine the concentration of thyrotropic and its deviation from the norm, the method of chemiluminescent immunoassay on microparticles is used.

Those with thyroid problems need to be examined twice a year. Doctors insist on doing this at the same medical facility at the same time. Different laboratories may use different equipment and reagents, which leads to errors in the study of the dynamics of the state of TSH.

Normal indicators in women (table)

The peculiarity of the hormone TSH in women is that it constantly changes both during the day and with age. Also, its amount is affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding. During this period, it decreases, which is normal.

The maximum amount of thyrotropic is achieved at night (between 2 and 4 hours) and in the morning (from 6 to 8 hours). In this case, during night wakefulness, the secretion of the hormone by the pituitary gland is disturbed. By evening, its concentration is falling. The smallest value falls from 5 to 7 in the evening. After which it begins to gradually increase.

The content of TSH is measured in such units: mU / fluid ounce and honey / l. The normal concentration of the hormone depends on the age of the woman.

Woman age	Norm TSH, mkU / fluid ounce
Newborn (up to one month)	1.1 – 17.0
1 to 2.5 months	0.6 – 10.0
From 2.5 to 12-14 months	0.4 – 7.0
From 14 months to 5 years	0.4 – 6.0
5 to 14 years old	0.4 – 5.0
14 to 25 years old	0.4 – 4.5
25 to 50 years old	0.4 – 4.0
Over 50 years old	0.27 – 7.8

Normal indicators in women depending on age

The table of standards shows the dependence of TSH concentration on age. The older the woman, the lower the level of the hormone. The highest value falls on the infant period, and the smallest – for women after the age of 50 years. Moreover, during this period, the indications of the norm are quite blurry, therefore, only the endocrinologist can determine the correctness of the development of the thyrotropic.

Differentiation of norm indicators suggests the following dynamics:

1. In girls under the age of 30-35 years, hormone fluctuations are normal in the range of 0.4-4.0 mU / fluid ounce.
2. For those planning pregnancy, the permissible upper limit is 2.5 mU / fluid ounce.
3. With a decrease in reproductive function and preparation of the body before menopause, that is, between the ages of 40 and 50, the thyrotropic begins to decline. The lower limit can go down to 0.2 mkU / fluid ounce, and the upper – up to 3.50 mkU / fluid ounce. This is due to a decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone. Since all hormones are interconnected, T3 and T4 begin to be synthesized in large quantities, and this leads to a decrease in the level of TSH. Therefore, it is so important for women at this age to undergo an examination once every 6 months in order to monitor the dynamics.
4. The concentration of TSH in women who have entered the age of 50 drops to the lowest possible values – less than 0.4 mU / fluid ounce. This is due to menopause.

After 50 years

After the age of 50, almost every woman entered menopause. The hormonal system is aligned, so during this period it is important to regularly monitor the concentration of TSH. Its norm does not significantly differ from the values characteristic of young girls, but the upper limit decreases to 3.5 mU / fluid ounce.

Sharp jumps indicate serious changes in the thyroid gland. In addition, it is older women who are more prone to fluctuations in TSH levels, since at this age the risk of benign and malignant neoplasms increases.

After 60 years

Crossing the border at 60, the pituitary gland needs to allocate more and more thyrotropic for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. For this reason, TSH can reach a maximum concentration of 7.8 mU / fluid ounce.

Values up to 0.27, as well as in the range from 0.2 to 1.0 mU / fluid ounce, are not considered normal by specialists. At this age, they can be a consequence of the development of diseases, and not the norm, as in young women. In any case, the decoding and determination of the norm or deviation should be carried out by an endocrinologist who knows all the nuances of the health of a particular patient.

The importance of the hormone during pregnancy

The endocrine system of a pregnant woman undergoes significant changes. During the attachment of the fetus to the uterus, the hormone hCG is released into the blood. In turn, it activates the enhanced work of the thyroid gland. And this affects the synthesis of TSH, which begins to gradually decrease.

Since the fetus does not yet have its own endocrine system before the tenth week of pregnancy, the level of TSH in the blood of a woman can decrease to the lowest possible values.

The norm of thyroid concentration during pregnancy in trimesters:

1. the first is 0.1-0.3 mU / fluid ounce;
2. the second is 0.2-3.0 mU / fluid ounce;
3. the third is 0.4-3.5 mU / fluid ounce.

Significant deviations require immediate adjustment, as improper production of TSH can cause irreparable harm to the child.

Causes of abnormalities in women

A decrease in the concentration of TSH leads to the active production of T3 and T4. This condition causes hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis).

The reasons for its occurrence may be:

• diffuse toxic goiter;
• an increase in the hCG hormone (during pregnancy, in non-pregnant women and men this is a sign of a malignant tumor);
• neoplasms in the thyroid gland;
• an overdose of hormone-containing drugs.

With the active production of TSH, the synthesis of T3 and T4 begins to decline.

This leads to the development of a state of hypothyroidism, which is a consequence of:

• lead poisoning;
• an excess of iodine in the body;
• benign tumors in the pituitary gland;
• inflammation in the thyroid gland;
• insufficiency of the adrenal glands;
• gestosis in pregnant women;
• dialysis;
• gallbladder removal.

Also, factors such as a rigid diet, stress, debilitating physical activity, taking drugs (antipsychotics, estrogen-based oral contraception) can influence the hormones of TSH in women.

Possible complications if untreated

Late diagnosis and lack of treatment can lead to disastrous consequences.

Complications that threaten women in case of deviation of the hormone TSH from the norm:

• the occurrence of a heart attack, stroke;
• arteriosclerosis of blood vessels;
• thyroid cancer;
• malignant neoplasms in the chest;
• metabolic disorder, which entails obesity;
• hypertonic disease;
• diabetes.

Pregnant girls should carefully monitor their condition. Deviations in TSH can cause pathologies in the development of the child, spontaneous abortion, placental abruption.

How to normalize the level of TSH in the body

After receiving the results of the analysis, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive treatment. Prescribing drugs to oneself (especially hormonal ones) only according to the symptoms present is by no means possible. The selection of drugs by the endocrinologist is determined after finding out the reasons for the increase or decrease in the level of TSH in the blood. Therefore, often the study of the amount of thyrotropic is carried out together with the analysis of T3 and T4.

Medicines

With elevated TSH levels, doctors prescribe synthetic thyroxine. For example, it can be L-Thyroxine, Levothyroxine, Euterox, Bagothyrox. The doctor determines the daily dose, and as the tests are received, it gradually increases the dose.

Treatment lasts until the hormones have reached normal values.

Hyperthyroidism develops as a result of a decrease in TSH production. For its normalization, thyreostatics are used (Tyrosol, Merkazolil).

Their intake is quite lengthy, but as they approach normal indicators, the dose of medications gradually decreases.

Due to prolonged treatment, a decrease in the synthesis of other hormones may be observed. Therefore, the endocrinologist simultaneously prescribes special hormone-replacing drugs.

ethnoscience

Folk remedies also do not recognize self-selection.

Only after consulting a doctor can you turn to herbs and infusions:

• To increase the hormone TSH, you can drink special herbal teas, which in their composition contain licorice and angelica root, coltsfoot flowers, leaves of birch, gingham and yarrow, rosehip berries;
• To reduce the production of TSH, such herbs are suitable – celandine, chamomile, St. John’s wort, chicory, as well as rose hips, dill, mountain ash, dandelion root and elecampane. But to determine the success of treatment in such ways is possible only by conducting an analysis. Herbal teas may not have any significant effect on the growth or decrease of the thyrotropic.

Diet

The preparation of a diet for violations of the synthesis of thyrotropic is a prerequisite. There are a number of products that can affect the functioning of the thyroid gland and central nervous system.

With an increased content of TSH, doctors recommend adhering to such rules:

1. Food should be fractional: 3 full meals and two snacks.
2. All types of chocolate, fatty and spicy foods, strong tea and coffee should be excluded from the diet.
3. Broccoli, cauliflower and soy should be avoided. These foods can contribute to thyroid enlargeme
   nt, which further increases TSH levels.

It is possible to increase the concentration of thyrotropic if you follow this diet:

1. The diet should include fatty fish and seafood in the form of algae (they are rich in iodine).
2. Daily fiber intake is 40 g.
3. You can add flax seeds to salads from fresh vegetables, they normalize blood sugar levels.
4. Do not use dairy products that have been pasteurized. The exception is fresh goat milk.

The proposed recommendations contribute to the treatment and normalization of the hormone TSH in the female body. Compliance with such a diet will also help to lose weight and reduce blood sugar.

The thyrotropic plays an important role in the hormonal system. Violation of its synthesis leads not only to problems with the thyroid gland, but also to the occurrence of concomitant diseases.

Therefore, after 30 years, women in their own interests should be tested for TSH, even in the absence of a disturbing symptom. This will allow you to track the dynamics of the level of the hormone and quickly identify any health problems that have arisen.

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