The endocrine system in humans is very complex and contains several organs, thanks to which our body receives the hormones it needs. It is they who regulate the work of our body as a whole and the work of its various systems in particular. Among the many hormones, there is a hormone that is produced in the brain, namely the pituitary gland. It is a thyroid stimulating hormone. The TSH rate in men and women is different. In men, this indicator should be in the range of 0.4-4 mU / l. Deviations both in the smaller and in the larger direction entail serious health problems.
Hormone function
Since everything in the body is interconnected, deviations from the norm in the amount of any of the hormones of the endocrine system will certainly negatively affect the human condition and jeopardize his health. Therefore, it is so important that the endocrine system does not malfunction.
TSH affects the size of thyroid cells, promotes the absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland, the transformation of energy ATP molecules by acting on a special enzyme. The synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids and autophospholipids depends on whether the level of TSH is high or low.
It is impossible to consider the hormone TSH without the other two hormones that the thyroid gland produces: T3 and T4. T3 is triiodothyronine, T4 is thyroxine. The pituitary gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone around the clock in order to act on the thyroid gland and thereby contribute to the production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
Both of these hormones are extremely important, since they determine how our body works: how we think, what our psyche is, how we move, what is our pressure and heart rate, whether the cells of our body are absorbed enough of protein and oxygen.
Causes
An increase or decrease in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone is associated with various reasons.
The consolidated reasons for the increase can be divided into:
- pathology of the thyroid gland;
- changes in the work of the pituitary gland;
- dysfunction of the hypothalamus.
- Thyroid. If, as a result of thyroid disease, an increased amount of T3 and T4 hormones begins to be produced, then this immediately leads to a decrease in the production of the hormone TSH by the pituitary gland.
- Pituitary. Functional damage to the pituitary gland can lead to disruption of its connection with the thyroid gland. In this case, the pituitary gland does not receive information about the residual amount of T3 and T4 hormones and it begins to increase the production of TSH.
- Hypothalamus. Malfunctioning of the hypothalamus also leads to increased production of TSH.
If we consider specific diseases, then among them we can distinguish:
- tumors of various origins;
- thyroiditis;
- mental illness;
- adrenal insufficiency.
However, there are situations where elevated TSH levels are not at all associated with disease. Very often in men, increased production of the hormone begins due to increased physical exertion or taking special drugs.
Symptoms and features in men
Experts have long proven that problems with hormonal changes in the body in general and with TSH in particular more often occur in women. However, men can also suffer from similar diseases with the only difference that more often it occurs at a fairly mature age, while women are susceptible to them from youth.
The level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the male body can either decrease or increase relative to the norm.
If a man develops symptoms such as high sweating, absent-mindedness, accelerated digestion, inability to concentrate, inattention, lethargy, and sleep problems, then his TSH level is low.
If you miss this moment and start treatment, then this can lead to changes in the level of other hormones, for example, a decrease in testosterone, which, as a result, will lead to impotence.
The opposite situation, when the hormone TSH in men is elevated, causes:
- brittle hair and nails;
- slightly reduced body temperature;
- swelling;
- pressure surges: either increased or decreased;
- weight gain in the absence of appetite;
- irritability;
- dry skin;
- depressed mood;
- bradycardia;
- anemia.
What to do?
First of all, it must be remembered that any suspicion of deviations from the normal level of thyroid-stimulating hormone requires an appointment with a doctor. You should never, under any circumstances, prescribe treatment on your own.
Hormonal changes in the body can lead to many concomitant diseases, and uncontrolled intake of drugs may not improve, but only worsen the situation.
The doctor, when contacting him, will prescribe a blood test, based on the results of which a decision will be made on which treatment to choose. Most often, drugs prescribed to correct hormone levels are taken throughout life.