TSH hormone - what is it, the rate of thyroid hormone in women, 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 its 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 entire endocrine system. In turn, it synthesizes TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). It is a glycoprotein of protein-carbohydrate origin. It spreads throughout the circulatory system, but only directly affects the thyroid gland.

The action of the thyrotropin 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 systems, metabolism, mental state, and the production of erythrocytes.

There is a feedback loop between the three hormones TSH, T3 and T4. A decrease in the concentration of triiodothyronine and thyroxine leads to an increased production of thyrotrope. Conversely, a high level of T3 and T4 inhibits the work of TSH. In any case, the work of the pituitary and thyroid glands will be disrupted.

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

Hormones TSH, T3 and T4 in a woman's body

What is TSH responsible for in the female body

The functions performed by the hormone TSH are the same in men and women. But what it is, 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 the following functions in the human body:

• promotes the absorption and assimilation of iodine by the thyroid gland;
• accelerates metabolic processes;
• participates in heat exchange;
• 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 in women, every woman who wants to get pregnant should know.

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

• lack of ovulation;
• infertility;
• pathologies in a child that are acquired during intrauterine development;
• placental abruption;
• miscarriage.

T4 hormone in the female body

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

• activates the central nervous system;
• synthesizes protein;
• is 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 T4 value in the blood, especially when planning a pregnancy, as well as carrying a child.

In the first case, a deviation from the norm downward can increase the production of prolactin, which will block 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 reasons for this failure may be hypothalamic disease or thyroid disease.

An analysis for the content of the hormone TSH in the blood in women is carried out when the following symptoms are observed:

• 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 against the background of a decrease in appetite;
• decrease in temperature below 36 ° C.

The endocrinologist prescribes an examination in such cases:

• retardation of mental and sexual development in a child;
• suspected autoimmune disease;
• determination of the state of the thyroid gland;
• control over the passage of treatment for thyroid diseases;
• planning pregnancy;
• diagnostics of female infertility and finding out the reasons for the lack of libido;
• prevention of thyroid diseases.

Symptoms of low TSH

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

In women, this deviation is characterized by the following features:

• a sharp decrease in body weight with the same diet or an increase in appetite;
• sweating;
• heart palpitations and high blood pressure;
• from the side of the central nervous system - anxiety, irritability, tearfulness, insomnia;
• trembling hands;
• impairment of memory and hearing;
• mental retardation;
• glitter in the eyes;
• hair loss.

Symptoms of elevated 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;
• violations in the reproductive system: absence of menstruation, unstable cycle, inability to conceive a child, decreased libido;
• on the part of the cardiovascular system: low blood pressure, decreased heart rate;
• disturbances in the digestive tract: weight gain against a background of decreased appetite, constipation, flatulence.

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

These include:

• edematous freckled-icteric face;
• swollen eyelids;
• dry skin, hair loss and brittleness;
• low body temperature;
• chilliness and chills;
• slow speech.

Analyzes

Preparation for analysis

For the reliability of the data obtained from the analysis result, the patient must adhere to the following rules:

1. Taking 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 medicines and medicines that reduce the production of hormones.
2. For 2-3 days, you need to refrain from physical activity, fatty and spicy foods, smoking and alcohol.
3. Refusal to eat is carried out 12 hours before the analysis. Dinner the night before should be light.

How is TSH tested

An analysis to determine the content of thyrotrope is carried out on an empty stomach from 8 to 10 in the morning. Blood is drawn from a vein in the elbow area on either arm. Before surrendering, it is recommended to sit in a calm state for half an hour. This is especially true for those who walked to the hospital or were late for the appointed time.

Women can have TSH tested any day of their cycle. For blood tests, its serum is used.To determine the concentration of thyrotrope and its deviation from the norm, the method of chemiluminescent immunoassay on microparticles is used.

Those who have problems with the thyroid gland 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 studying the dynamics of the TSH state.

Indicators of the norm in women (table)

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

The maximum amount of thyrotrope is reached 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 disrupted. By evening, his concentration drops. The smallest value is from 5 to 7 pm. After which it begins to gradually increase.

Indicators of the content of TSH are measured in the following units: μU / ml and honey / L. The normal concentration of the hormone depends on the woman's age.

Indicators of the norm in women, depending on age

The table of standards demonstrates the dependence of TSH concentration on age. The older the woman, the lower the hormone level. The highest value is found in infancy, and the lowest for women over the age of 50. Moreover, during this period, the readings of the norm are rather blurred, therefore, only an endocrinologist can determine the correctness of the production of thyrotrope.

Differentiation of norm indicators suggests the following dynamics:

1. In girls under the age of 30-35, hormone fluctuations are normal in the range of 0.4-4.0 μU / ml.
2. For those planning pregnancy, the permissible upper limit is 2.5 μU / ml.
3. With a decrease in reproductive function and preparation of the body before menopause, that is, between the ages of 40 and 50, thyrotrope begins to decrease. The lower limit can go down to 0.2 μU / ml, and the upper one - up to 3.50 μU / ml. This is due to the decreased 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 TSH levels. Therefore, it is so important for women at this age to be examined once every six months in order to track the dynamics.
4. The concentration of TSH in women who have entered the age of 50 falls to the lowest possible values ​​- less than 0.4 μU / ml. This is due to menopause.

After 50 years

After the age of 50, almost every woman entered menopause. The hormonal system is leveled, so during this period it is important to regularly monitor the concentration of TSH. Her the norm does not differ significantly from the values ​​typical for young girls, but the upper limit decreases to 3.5 μU / ml.

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

After 60 years

Passing the threshold of 60 years, the pituitary gland needs to secrete more and more thyrotrope for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. For this reason TSH can reach a maximum concentration of 7.8 μU / ml.

Values ​​up to 0.27, as well as in the range from 0.2 to 1.0 μU / ml, are not considered normal by experts. 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 standard or deviation should be carried out by an endocrinologist who knows all the nuances of the health of a particular patient.

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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 hCG hormone is released into the bloodstream.In turn, it activates the increased work of the thyroid gland. And this affects the synthesis of TSH, which begins to gradually decrease.

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

The rate of concentration of thyrotrope during pregnancy by trimester:

1. the first - 0.1-0.3 μU / ml;
2. the second - 0.2-3.0 μU / ml;
3. the third - 0.4-3.5 μU / ml.

Significant deviations require immediate correction, since the incorrect production of TSH can cause irreparable harm to the child.

Causes of deviations from the norm in women

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

The reasons for its occurrence can be:

• diffuse toxic goiter;
• an increase in the hCG hormone (during pregnancy, in non-pregnant women and men, this is a sign of the presence of a malignant tumor);
• neoplasms in the thyroid gland;
• 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;
• a benign tumor in the pituitary gland;
• inflammation in the thyroid gland;
• failure of the adrenal glands;
• gestosis in pregnant women;
• dialysis;
• removal of the gallbladder.

Also, fluctuations in the TSH hormone in women can be influenced by reasons such as a rigid diet, stress, exhausting physical activity, taking medications (antipsychotics, oral contraception based on estrogen).

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;
• atherosclerosis of the blood vessels;
• thyroid cancer;
• malignant neoplasms in the chest;
• metabolic disorder that leads to 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 TSH levels in the body

After receiving the results of the analysis, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive treatment. In no case should one prescribe medications (especially hormonal ones) to oneself based on the symptoms present. The choice of drugs is determined by the endocrinologist after finding out the reason for the increase or decrease in the level of TSH in the blood. Therefore, often the study of the amount of thyrotrope is carried out together with the analysis of T3 and T4.

Medication

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

The treatment lasts until the hormones reach normal levels.

Hyperthyroidism develops as a result of decreased production of TSH. To normalize it, thyrostatics are used (Tyrozol, Mercazolil).

Their reception is quite long, but as it approaches normal values, the dose of medication gradually decreases.

Due to long-term treatment, there may be a decrease in the synthesis of other hormones. Therefore, the endocrinologist simultaneously prescribes special hormone replacement 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 contain licorice and angelica root, coltsfoot flowers, birch, cocklebur and yarrow leaves, rosehip berries;
• To reduce TSH production such herbs are suitable - celandine, chamomile, St. John's wort, chicory, as well as rose hips, dill, mountain ash, dandelion root and elecampane. But it is possible to find out the success of treatment in such ways only by conducting an analysis. It is possible that herbal teas will not have any significant effect on the growth or reduction of thyrotrope.

Diet

Composing a diet for violations of thyrotrope synthesis is a prerequisite. There are a number of foods that can affect the functioning of the thyroid gland and central nervous system.

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

1. Meals should be fractional: three 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 help increase the thyroid gland, which further increases TSH levels.

It is possible to increase the concentration of thyrotrope by following the following diet:

1. The diet should include fatty fish and seafood in the form of algae (they are rich in iodine).
2. The daily fiber intake is 40 g.
3. Flaxseeds can be added to fresh vegetable salads, they normalize blood sugar levels.
4. You can 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. This diet will also help you lose weight and lower your blood sugar.

Thyrotrope 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 disturbing symptoms. This will allow you to track the dynamics of the hormone levels and quickly identify emerging health problems.

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