Conducting this analysis is very important to detect a variety of diseases that can develop in violation of thyroid function. Analysis on the thyroid gland Gorgon held in diseases of the cardiovascular system, mental and other disorders.

Thyroid hormones and other hormones that affect the function of the body

The thyroid gland plays an important role in the regulation of metabolism in the body. Therefore, a violation of its function may affect the operation of any organ. Thyroid effect on metabolism Improves metabolism and losing weight without dieting   using the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones in the blood bind to essential amino acid tyrosine, which transports it to the cells. Once in the cell, hormones stimulate therein all kinds of metabolism.

The activity of the thyroid gland is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone main endocrine glands pituitary (TSH): if thyroid hormones in the blood is small, the amount of TSH in the blood is increased, if more than the norm - is reduced.

In turn, the function of the pituitary gland is controlled by the hypothalamus - part of the brain responsible for the activities of the entire endocrine system. With their hormones and tireoliberina tireostatina it causes the pituitary gland to increase or decrease the secretion of TSH.

Screening for the condition of the thyroid gland

Blood for analysis of thyroid hormones is taken from a vein on an empty stomach. If prior to taking a blood meal, it will lead to an increase in the blood levels of fat and impede research.

First studied in the blood content of TSH pituitary -TTG. It's kind of screening (research, which allows to identify some kind of pathology, which in the future will have to clarify with the help of other studies) on thyroid disease Thyroid disease - women at risk . Elevated levels of this hormone in the blood indicates that the function of the thyroid gland is reduced, and reduction - that it is increased. It is a cause for further study: determined by the level of T4 and T3 in the blood. If the level of TSH in the blood is correct, further study of thyroid hormones Thyroid hormones: mechanism of action and physiological effects   You can not excuse.

Determination of blood thyroid hormone

If the screening has revealed irregularities in the thyroid gland, it is carried out a more detailed study of its hormones - T4 and T3. And as T4 (thyroxine) is the bulk of the thyroid hormone, its parameters have precedence. For example, if the contents of the T4 in the blood increased or decreased, and T3 is normal, it still speaks of thyroid disease.

It investigates not only the content of T3 and T4 levels. Defined indicators of their total number and amount of free T3 and T4 hormones. In human blood, thyroid hormones are in free form and associated with specific transport proteins which deliver them to the cells. Free hormones are very active, so it is important to know their number.

Interpretation of the results of tests for thyroid hormones

Increased thyroid function: reduced number of pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), increased general performance and mostly free thyroxine Thyroxine - the main thyroid hormone   (T4); Indicators of triiodothyronine (T3) may be normal or elevated.

Reduced thyroid function: increasing the amount of TSH reduced values ​​for total and mostly free T4; T3 performance can be increased or normal.

But sometimes it happens and so, the number of one hundred and TSH increased or decreased, and the rate of T4 and T3 are not changed. Most often, it is said the initial stage of thyroid dysfunction. In such a case study on thyroid hormones was repeated after a few months.

What other tests are carried out to study the state of the thyroid gland

Defined as blood levels of the protein thyroglobulin - it is used for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. This analysis is important mainly for thyroid cancer: increase in blood thyroglobulin may indicate disease progression.

If you suspect an autoimmune process in thyroid gland (allergic to their own breast tissue) is determined by the level of antibodies against the thyroid gland. Antibodies to thyroglobulin (Tg antibodies), antibodies to the enzyme thyroid peroxidase (TPO antibodies) and antibodies to receptors of the pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone TSH (AT to rec. TSH).

The increase in one or more indicators may indicate autoimmune process. However, the interpretation of these parameters is carried out only if the results of the blood levels of thyroid stimulating hormone, and, as in normal thyroid autoimmune processes develop.

Galina Romanenko

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is secreted by the pituitary gland. TTG is a kind of messenger - he goes to the thyroid gland The thyroid gland - is responsible for your hormones , Giving it a "team" of the pituitary gland to secrete another dose of thyroid hormone. TSH level is determined by a blood test. At the same time can do analysis on thyroid hormones - thyroxine Thyroxine - the main thyroid hormone   and triiodothyronine.

In advance to prepare for blood sampling for analysis is not necessary. It is necessary to relieve the doctor, as they can affect the results of medicines that you take, but in any case do not stop taking them on their own initiative. Before drawing blood to determine the level of thyroid stimulating hormone doctor may ask you to suspend the intake of the following medications:

• Amiodarone;
• Dopamine;
• Lithium;
• Potassium iodide;
• Prednisone.

Normally, blood sampling almost painless, and without negative consequences for the well-being of the patient. In rare cases, the effects of blood sampling are bleeding, fainting, nausea, dizziness, hematoma, infection. It should be noted that by using sterile instruments and compliance with safety risk to bring an infection is minimal.

Why this analysis?

The doctor may advise the patient to donate blood for the analysis of the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, if there are signs of increased or decreased activity of the thyroid gland. Patients who are being treated for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism: increased secretion of thyroid hormone Also requires regular blood, the doctor can estimate how well being treated.

Normal results

The normal range of TSH is considered to be 0.4-4.4 mIU / L (international units miles per liter). However, the findings of which makes the doctor based on the results of analysis, depend on the existing symptoms, levels of other hormones, as well as whether there is a history of the patient's thyroid disease. For example, even in the absence of the patient's symptoms of hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism - Symptoms: What should pay particular attention If TSH levels had more than 3.5 mIU / L and normal T4 levels, your doctor may recommend that the patient be carefully monitored for their well-being and to undergo regular inspection, such as the indicators point to an increased risk of hypothyroidism.

If the patient has received or is currently in progress on the treatment of any disease of the thyroid gland, normal TSH level for it - between 0.5 and 2.0 mIU / L.

In various laboratories range of normal values ​​may vary slightly.

What abnormal results mean

If TSH levels above normal in most cases indicates hypothyroidism - reduced activity thyroid gland. This can have many causes, including iodine deficiency and certain congenital disorders. Reduced levels of TSH is a sign of an overactive thyroid. The reasons for this are:

• Graves' disease;
• Toxic multinodular goiter;
• Taking certain medications, such as glyukortikoidov, steroids and opioids.