It often happens that you come to the doctor with only complaints, but you have to treat a completely different organ. If there are signs of thyroid pathology, an endocrinologist or gynecologist suggests taking blood tests for TSH. After receiving the results, the patients are interested in what the TSH hormone is responsible for in women.
TSH: general information
The thyroid gland is the organ that stores iodine and is responsible for the production of iodothyronines. The thyroid gland is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is produced in the anterior pituitary gland. TSH is responsible for obtaining the required amount of iodine in the blood.
The action of the hormone on organs and systems
Thyrotropin promotes the production and activation of hormones T3 and T4, but this is not all that TSH affects. In addition, he:
- activates adenylate cyclase;
- participates in the process of protein synthesis;
- increases the production of phospholipids and nucleic acids;
- increases the number of thyroid cells;
- increases the sensitivity of thyroid receptors, preparing it for the effects of T3 and T4.
The effect of the hormone on the woman’s body
Thyrotropin affects the formation of inactive T4 and biologically active T3, which are important for women’s health and the natural functioning of the whole body.
These hormones affect the following processes in the body:
- metabolism;
- improve heart function;
- increase blood pressure;
- speed up thought processes and brain function;
- increase activity;
- create conditions for maintaining the balance of energy;
- normalize bowel function;
- regulate ovulatory processes.
An increase in the amount of T3 and T4 leads to the suppression of thyrotropin. A TSH deficiency contributes to an increase in thyroid tissue. This condition is called goiter.
The level of prolactin depends on thyrotropin, which promotes milk production and the establishment of lactation. With hypothyroidism, there is an increased production of TSH, which stimulates the formation of prolactin.
Symptoms of elevated TSH levels – hypothyroidism:
- irritable and anxious states;
- systematic insomnia;
- deterioration of vision;
- frequent fatigue;
- tremor of the limbs.
Symptoms of a low thyrotropin content – thyrotoxicosis:
- lethargic, drowsy state;
- frequent headaches;
- increased body temperature and hypertension;
- decreased memory concentration;
- a sharp increase in weight;
- swelling;
- intolerance to changes in air temperature.
Effects of TSH on pregnancy
At different stages of pregnancy, the content of thyrotropin in the blood will differ. In the first trimester, the hormone content is especially low, and in the case of multiple pregnancies, the indicator may even be zero. The reduced content of the hormone is associated with an increased blood supply to the endocrine gland. This depends on the fact that hCG – chorionic gonadotropin – affects the intense production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which reduce TSH levels.
It is important to know that if there is no decrease in TSH in the first trimester, then the unborn child may be in danger. In this case, drugs are prescribed to improve metabolism and stimulate cell growth.
A high TSH level is an indicator of a lack of thyroid hormones. Long-term uncompensated elevated levels of thyrotropin can lead to gross pathologies and mental retardation in a child. That is why it is necessary to pass all tests and not miss scheduled appointments.
Indications for appointment and preparation for analysis
After the analysis, the specialist determines the rate of the hormone and what TSH shows in the blood of women.
A blood test for thyrotropin is prescribed for:
- suspicion of hypothyroidism;
- the appearance of a goiter;
- lack of a menstrual cycle;
- hyperprolactinemia;
- drops in body temperature;
- disturbances in the work of muscles;
- suspicion of thyrotoxicosis;
- insomnia;
- depressive state;
- infertility.
Before conducting the analysis the day before, it is necessary to give up cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, sports and abundant food. The analysis is taken in the morning strictly on an empty stomach.
Normal levels of the hormone are presented in the table. Thyrotropin reference values may vary from laboratory to laboratory.
| A patient | Level, honey / l |
| Women | 0.4-4 |
| During pregnancy: | |
| I trimester | 0.1-2.5 |
| II trimester | 0.2-3 |
| III trimester | 0.3-3 |
An increased level does not always indicate an existing disease. This may be due to the use of certain drugs or non-compliance with the requirements before passing the test. Decreased TSH can be associated with diet or fasting, severe stress.