How does thyroid stimulating hormone affect your health?

How does thyroid stimulating hormone affect your health?

Last updated: 14 November 2024

Thyroid-stimulating hormones play a key role in controlling the release of multiple hormones in your body that are important for the normal functioning of many of your body’s normal processes. When your TSH levels are out of balance, it can disrupt how your body functions and cause a range of symptoms from unexplained weight loss and irregular menstrual periods (in women) to depression and unexplained fatigue.

In this article, we explain how thyroid-stimulating hormone works in your body, how an imbalance can affect your overall health, and how a thyroid-stimulating hormone blood test can help provide insights into the cause of symptoms you may be experiencing.

What is thyroid stimulating hormone?

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), also known as thyrotropin, is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland that triggers your thyroid gland to produce and release hormones. Your thyroid gland is an important endocrine gland responsible for producing and releasing the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). You can find out more about what your thyroid gland does in our guide.

T4 and T3 hormones are essential for maintaining your body’s metabolic rate (the speed at which your body transforms the food you eat into energy) as well as maintaining:

  • Your heart and digestive functions
  • Muscle control
  • Brain development
  • Bone health

How are TSH levels controlled?

TSH levels are controlled by multiple hormones and glands in your endocrine system. This includes your hypothalamus (part of the brain that controls functions like your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and digestion as well as regulating hormones), your pituitary gland, thyroid-releasing hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, T4 and T3. These glands and hormones work in conjunction on a feedback loop system to help keep your levels balanced in the following way:

  1. Your hypothalamus releases thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH) to trigger the release of TSH by your pituitary gland.
  2. TSH stimulates cells in your thyroid to release thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) into your bloodstream.
  3. Once T4 and T3 levels reach a certain level, they prevent the pituitary gland from producing more TSH.
  4. When T4 and T3 levels drop, the cycle starts over again.

This feedback loop means that if your thyroid gland produces abnormally high or low thyroid levels, it affects your TSH levels. Likewise, if your pituitary gland produces too much or too little TSH, this will impact the function of your thyroid.

It is more common for people experiencing abnormal TSH levels to have an issue with their thyroid gland than their pituitary gland.

Symptoms of low TSH levels

If you have low TSH levels, it is likely you will experience some of the following symptoms:

  • Palpitations (rapid heartbeat)
  • Feeling shaky
  • Feeling anxious
  • Unexplained weight loss with increased appetite
  • Diarrhoea
  • Changes to your vision and/or bulging eyes
  • Thin, warm, and moist skin
  • Goiter (a swelling on the neck from an enlarged thyroid gland)
  • Irregular menstrual periods (in females)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important you speak to your doctor or book a private GP consultation to discuss possible causes of your symptoms.

Causes of low TSH levels

In most cases, low TSH levels are caused when your thyroid gland is making excess thyroid hormones. This condition is known as hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid. There are multiple conditions that can lead to hyperthyroidism, including Grave’s disease and thyroid nodules. Hyperthyroidism is a treatable condition, so it’s important you seek advice from your doctor.

In rare cases, low TSH levels can be caused by issues with your pituitary gland, such as a non-functioning pituitary adenoma.

Symptoms of high TSH levels

The symptoms of high TSH levels usually include:

  • Fatigue
  • Numbness and tingling in your hands
  • Constipation
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Depression
  • Feeling cold all the time
  • Low sex drive
  • Frequent and heavy menstrual periods

Causes of high TSH levels

Too much TSH can indicate that your thyroid isn’t making enough thyroid hormone, this is known as hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. It is important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing symptoms of high TSH levels as hypothyroidism is treatable.

In rare cases, an issue with your pituitary gland, such as a TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma, or rare genetic conditions can result in higher-than-normal TSH and thyroid hormone levels.

What happens if your TSH levels are abnormal

If your TSH results are abnormal, it does not necessarily mean you have a medical condition. Your doctor will consider other factors alongside your results when diagnosing a thyroid condition. This can include:

  • Your age – TSH levels tend to be higher in older people, especially those over the age of 80.
  • If you are pregnant – Pregnancy causes changes in your thyroid hormone. It is normal for TSH levels to be slightly lower than normal in the first trimester of your pregnancy, but they should increase as the pregnancy progresses.
  • Severe illness – People who have an illness not related to their thyroid may have temporarily low TSH levels.
  • Other thyroid test results – The results of other thyroid tests, such as free T4 and thyroid antibodies, can affect how your results are interpreted.

How can I test my TSH levels?

It is possible to test your TSH levels using a simple blood draw. A trained health assessment specialist will take a sample of blood from a vein in your arm and send it to a laboratory for testing.

Private thyroid hormone tests with Bluecrest Wellness

If you are concerned that your symptoms could be related to TSH or thyroid hormone levels, consider booking a private thyroid blood test at Bluecrest Wellness. Our thyroid function test analyses your TSH and T4 levels to provide you with insights into your thyroid health. It can be added to any of our full-body health assessment packages to offer comprehensive insights into your overall health and well-being.

We use the latest technologies in all of our tests to ensure accurate results and all can be booked at a time and location that’s convenient for you. In addition, every full health assessment comes with a comprehensive Results Report and free access to a 24/7 GP helpline for a year for complete peace of mind following your health assessment.

Need help? Call free on 0800 652 2183 to speak to one of our team.

Share this article
FacebookTwitterLinkedIn
Other Articles
    Bluecrest News

    Tips to Stay Well and Enjoy a Happy, Healthy Festive Season

    Discover our top tips for enjoying a healthy, happy festive season. From advice on how to stay active and follow a healthy diet to getting your health checked.

    Customer Reviews

    Peter's Story

    “If I hadn’t gone for a Bluecrest Wellness health assessment I probably wouldn’t be here. Bluecrest Wellness saved my life, it’s as simple as that.”

    What are the signs of cortisol?

    Hormonal imbalances can disrupt the normal function of your body and lead to various health problems. Discover how to get your hormones checked for imbalances.

    How Do You Check for Hormonal Imbalance?

    Hormonal imbalances can disrupt the normal function of your body and lead to various health problems. Discover how to get your hormones checked for imbalances.

    What is the Follicle Stimulating Hormone?

    Follicle stimulating hormone plays a key role in the reproductive system. Learn how a private FSH hormone test can provide insights into your hormone health.

    What causes hormonal imbalances?

    Hormonal imbalances can disrupt the normal functioning of the body, resulting in a range of unwanted symptoms. Discover what causes hormonal imbalances.

    Male Health

    What are the Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

    Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men in the UK. Discover more about the symptoms of prostate cancer and understand your risk.

    Do hormones affect energy levels?

    Hormones are important for many body processes, including ensuring a proper night’s sleep. Fluctuations or changes in hormone levels can impact sleep quality and patterns.

    What does your thyroid gland do?

    The thyroid gland is an important endocrine gland that makes and releases hormones responsible for many of your body’s processes, including controlling your metabolism. As a result, when the thyroid gland isn’t working correctly, it can impact your whole body.

    Hormones and skin health

    Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands. They are essential for regulating many different processes in the body. As a result, when hormones are out of balance, it can cause a range of different problems, some of which can affect your skin health.

    What is Hashimoto’s disease?

    Do you know what Hashimoto’s disease is and how it can be treated? Learn more about this chronic autoimmune condition and how it affects your thyroid levels.

    Can Hormones Affect Sleep?

    Hormones are important for many body processes, including ensuring a proper night’s sleep. Fluctuations or changes in hormone levels can impact sleep quality and patterns.

    Male Health

    Movember motivation

    The month formally known as November is taken over every year by Movember - one of the biggest charities and global health campaigns in the world. It puts the spotlight on men’s health, and amongst other awareness and fundraising activities encourages men to grow moustaches – the bigger, weirder and more wonderful the better.

    Customer Reviews

    Chris' Story

    Chris Robinson, from Plymouth, hadn’t noticed any issues with his prostate before he went for a Bluecrest Wellness health assessment - he just wanted a bit of a peace of mind. But the results showed his PSA levels were raised, and on further investigation he was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer.

    Female Health

    What Is Included In A Woman’s Health Check?

    Discover what’s included in a woman’s health check and how it can help you understand your risk of certain health conditions that are more prevalent in women.

    Heart Health

    How Often Should You Check Your Blood Pressure?

    Discover how often you should check your blood pressure to maintain optimal health and detect potential issues early. Learn guidelines and recommendations.

    Heart Health

    Can preventative testing reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease?

    Are you worried about your risk of heart disease? Learn how preventative heart risk assessments can help you take proactive action to reduce your risk.

    Private Health Checks

    How to Naturally Increase Progesterone Levels

    Discover natural ways to boost progesterone levels through diet, lifestyle changes, and holistic approaches to support hormonal balance and overall wellbeing.

    Private Blood Tests

    How Do You Test for Metabolic Syndrome?

    Are you worried about developing metabolic syndrome? Learn how you can test for metabolic syndrome and why doing so can help you proactively manage your health.

    Private Blood Tests

    What is RDW in a Blood Test?

    Discover what RDW in a blood test means and how it can help indicate a range of medical conditions. Plus, book a RDW blood test today with Bluecrest Wellness

    Private Blood Tests

    What is MCH in a Blood Count?

    Mean corpuscular haemoglobin or MCH is a common test carried out as part of a Blood Health Profile test. A MCH blood count provides an average measurement of the amount of haemoglobin carried in your red blood cells. Haemoglobin is an important protein responsible for transporting oxygen to tissues and cells in our bodies and collecting carbon dioxide to be removed from the body in the lungs.

    Private Health Assessments

    Where To Get A Full Health Check-up?

    Discover where to get a full health check-up to learn more about your overall health and wellbeing, including your risk of certain health conditions.

    Male Health

    What are the Key Male Hormones?

    Uncover the fundamental aspects of male hormonal regulation in our in-depth guide exploring the key male hormones, their importance and their functions.

    Male Health

    Signs You Have High Testosterone

    What are the signs you have high testosterone? Discover common symptoms in men and ways to reduce your levels or book a testosterone test today.

    Bone Health

    How Do You Get Tested for Osteoporosis?

    Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones and makes you susceptible to fractures. Learn more about the commonly used tests for osteoporosis diagnosis.

    Heart Health

    How to Lower Your Cholesterol with Food

    Learn how diet can affect your cholesterol levels. From foods that can help lower your cholesterol levels to foods to avoid because they can increase levels.

    Heart Health

    What is HDL Cholesterol? Everything You Need to Know

    Discover what HDL cholesterol is and why understanding your HDL cholesterol range is key if you want to take a proactive approach to managing your health.

    Heart Health

    What is Endocarditis? What are the Symptoms?

    Learn more about endocarditis, a serious condition that can damage the lining of the heart’s valves and linings. From signs of endocarditis to treatments.

    Heart Health

    What is Atherosclerosis? What are the Symptoms?

    What is atherosclerosis? We explain more about this health condition, including atherosclerosis symptoms and how regular health assessments can help.

    Private Blood Tests

    What are Neutrophils in Bloodwork?

    Learn what neutrophils in bloodwork are, why they are important for immune health, and how to get your levels analysed with a private Blood Health Profile test.

    Private Blood Tests

    The Complete Guide to the Different Types of Cholesterol

    Explore the different types of cholesterol found in the body, how they function, and how high levels of certain types can increase your risk of heart disease.

    Kidney Health

    How to Check Serum Urea Levels

    Discover how your serum urea levels can provide key insights into how well your liver and kidney are functioning. With nationwide testing venues, book today.

    Vitamin, Minerals & Nutrition

    Getting Enough Calcium on a Vegan Diet

    Are you worried about whether you are getting enough calcium following a vegan diet? Learn more about your calcium levels with private tests from Bluecrest.

    Vitamin, Minerals & Nutrition

    How Vitamin D & Calcium Work Together

    Discover how vitamin D and calcium work together to keep our bones strong and healthy. Get your levels tested with private blood tests from Bluecrest Wellness.

    Vitamin, Minerals & Nutrition

    Vitamin D For Muscle and Bone Health

    Learn more about the role vitamin D plays in ensuring optimum muscle and bone health, and discover how to book a private vitamin D blood test with Bluecrest.

    Bone Health

    What is Brittle Bone Disease? | Bluecrest Wellness

    Brittle bone disease is a lifelong condition that causes fragile bones and impacts quality of life. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

    Female Health

    9 Routine Health Checks for Women

    Discover the nine essential routine health checks for women to stay informed about potential health concerns and optimise your wellbeing. Book online today.

    Private Blood Tests

    How Much Does It Cost To Have A Private Blood Test?

    Getting private blood tests can provide key insights into your health, but what do they cost? Learn more about the costs of private blood tests in the UK.

    Private Health Assessments

    Learn How You Can Check Your Body Health

    Want to check your overall body health? Learn more about Bluecrest Wellness's full body health checks and how they provide tailored health insights.

    Heart Health

    Where Can I Get My Cholesterol Tested?

    Discover where to get your cholesterol tested to monitor your levels and take proactive steps to maintain a healthy range, reducing the risk of heart disease.

    Private Health Checks

    Routine Blood Tests for the Elderly

    As we age, the risk of certain health conditions rises. Routine blood tests are essential for the elderly to stay informed about their health. Learn more.

    Male Health

    Where Can You Get A Men's Full Health Check?

    Do you want to learn more about your general health? Discover where you can get a men’s full health check and take proactive steps to managing your wellbeing.

    Private Health Checks

    What is Included in a Full Body Health Check?

    Discover what’s included in a full body health check and why getting one will help you take a proactive role in managing your health now and in the future.

    Vitamin, Minerals & Nutrition

    Can B12 Deficiency Be the Cause of Your Tiredness?

    Could your constant tiredness be linked to Vitamin B12 deficiency? Explore the potential connection between low Vitamin B12 levels and fatigue in our comprehensive guide.

    Private Health Checks

    Can I Get a Full Health Check on the NHS?

    An NHS Health Check is a free check specifically for adults aged 40 to 74 in England. Learn more and the private alternatives available.

    Vitamin, Minerals & Nutrition

    What are Dangerously Low Ferritin Levels?

    Discover the risks and implications of dangerously low ferritin levels in the body. Understand the symptoms, causes, and complications caused by low ferritin.

    Female Health

    Does HPV Cause Cancer?

    The Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause six types of cancer, including almost all cervical cancer. Assess your risk of HPV with Bluecrest’s private HPV test.

    Male Health

    What Health Checks Should Men Get?

    Discover the health checks every man should prioritise for optimal wellbeing. From routine health checks to preventive tests, find out how Bluecrest can help.

    Heart Health

    How Much Does an ECG Test Cost?

    Find out ECG test costs. Explore affordable options for heart health with insights on pricing and considerations for this essential diagnostic procedure.

    Kidney Health

    What is the Most Accurate Test for Kidney Function?

    Your kidneys are essential for filtering harmful substances from your blood. Learn more about the most accurate test for kidney function and book yours today.

    Vitamin, Minerals & Nutrition

    What is Omega 3 good for?

    Discover what omega 3 is good for - from heart health and better sleep to enhanced cognitive function. Assess your omega 3 levels with a private blood test.

    Private Blood Tests

    The Benefits of Having a Blood Test

    From early detection to personalised insights, discover how regular blood testing is the easiest and most accurate way to stay in control of your health.

    Female Health

    What is a Well Woman check?

    Explore the importance of Well Woman health checks. Learn about their benefits and how they empower women to take control of their health and wellbeing.

    Private Health Assessments

    How Private Blood Tests Can Show What Stress is Doing to Your Body

    We all encounter a certain degree of stress in our everyday lives, and while some stress is normal, too much stress can have a detrimental effect on the human body. Psychological feelings of stress can lead to physical symptoms. Monitoring long-term stress, through testing adrenal function and cortisol levels, is one way to mitigate the effects before they cause more lasting damage.

    Private Health Assessments

    Is a Health MOT Worth It?

    Explore whether undergoing a full body Health MOT is worth it for you. Learn about the potential benefits and factors to weigh when deciding whether to invest.

    Private Blood Tests

    How to Book a Blood Test Online

    At Bluecrest Wellness, we offer a comprehensive range of private blood tests that can be booked prior to your appointment. Our [comprehensive tests](https://www.bluecrestwellness.com/test-information) cover everything from standard tests like cholesterol and diabetes checks to hormonal and advanced blood tests not routinely available through your GP.

    Male Health

    What is a Well Man check?

    A Wellman check is a comprehensive health assessment specifically designed for men. It typically includes a series of tests and evaluations to monitor and promote overall health, identify potential health issues early, and provide personalised recommendations for maintaining optimal health and wellness.

    Private Health Checks

    What is an over 50s health check?

    Discover the importance of health checks for the over 50s with our guide. Learn about their benefits and how they help you to take control of your health.

    Heart Health

    How To Check Cholesterol Levels

    Keeping a check on your cholesterol levels is a good way to establish how healthy your heart is. Whatever your age, it is important to know your cholesterol levels and what you can do about it if yours is too high.

    Private Blood Tests

    Is it Worth Having Private Blood Tests?

    Private blood tests are an affordable and convenient way to access the testing you need. Learn more about private blood tests and risk assessments.

    Heart Health

    What Blood Tests Detect Heart Problems?

    In this article, we explore what blood tests can detect heart disease and why regular blood tests can help you reduce your risk of some heart conditions.

    Private Health Checks

    Private Over 40s Health Check

    Private Over 40s Health Checks can assess your risk of developing certain health conditions associated with your age. Book a private health check online today.

    Female Health

    How Often Should You Get a Smear Test?

    Attending routine smear tests is important for female health. In this article, we cover why, what the test involves and how often you should get a smear test.

    Heart Health

    Will an ECG Show Heart Problems?

    Concerned you might have a heart condition? Find out how an ECG Heart Test with Bluecrest Wellness can help detect heart problems. Book your ECG Test today!

    Diabetes

    What is Prediabetes?

    What is Prediabetes? Learn all about the signs and symptoms of prediabetes, how you can test for it and how to prevent prediabetes in this useful guide.

    Vitamin, Minerals & Nutrition

    What’s the Difference Between Ferritin and Iron?

    Learn more about the differences between ferritin and iron and how they work together in the human body to store and utilise iron for various bodily functions.

    Digestive Health

    What is Lactose Intolerance?

    Lactose intolerance is the inability to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in dairy products. Learn more about lactose intolerance and how you can test for it.

    Female Health

    What Health Checks Should Women Get?

    Discover the crucial health checks that every woman should get. Book your full body health check tailored to women from reproductive health to heart health.

    Private Blood Tests

    What are the Symptoms of a Low White Blood Cell Count?

    A low white blood cell count leaves you vulnerable to infections. Learn the signs and symptoms of a low white blood cell count and how you can test for it.

    Heart Health

    What is the Best Test to Check for Heart Problems?

    An echocardiogram is one of the best tests to check for heart problems, but many others exist. Learn more about private testing to check for heart problems.

    Vitamin, Minerals & Nutrition

    What is Vitamin D Deficiency?

    Vitamin D deficiency indicates insufficient levels of vitamin D within the body. Our guide provides health insights, preventive measures and testing methods.

    Lung Function

    How to Test for COPD

    There are several ways to test for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including spirometry and blood tests. Learn how to test for COPD and when you should.

    Heart Health

    How to Check Heart Health

    Detect potential heart and stroke risks with our non-invasive PAD test. Book now for a comprehensive assessment. Your health is our priority.

    Kidney Health

    What is Uric Acid? How Can You Test It?

    Uric acid is a waste byproduct of the body, and high levels of it can increase your risk of gout. Learn more about what uric acid is and how to test its levels