Blutwerte · Marker

TSH

Thyreoidea-stimulierendes Hormon · Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone · Thyrotropin

Hormone — SchilddrüseZeitabhängig

Einheit:: mIU/L

TSH quantifies the concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood, reflecting pituitary gland activity and thyroid function.

Reference Ranges

Reference

0.4–4mIU/L

0.4

2.5

LowNormalHigh

Reference

Optimal

Unit · mIU/L

Age-dependent variations; higher in older adults.

Overview

Übersicht

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), also known as thyrotropin, is a pituitary hormone that regulates the production of thyroid hormones by stimulating the thyroid gland. It is a critical component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, playing a pivotal role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Clinically, TSH is a primary marker for assessing thyroid function. Elevated TSH levels typically indicate hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive, while low TSH levels suggest hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is overactive. Subclinical forms of these conditions can present with normal thyroid hormone levels but abnormal TSH, necessitating careful evaluation. For athletes and biohackers, maintaining optimal thyroid function is crucial for energy metabolism, performance, and recovery. Researchers have found that TSH levels can be influenced by factors such as age, pregnancy, and certain medications, which can confound test results. Therefore, interpreting TSH levels requires consideration of the clinical context and potential interfering factors.

Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated TSH levels indicate potential hypothyroidism, while reduced TSH levels suggest hyperthyroidism. Subclinical variations may require monitoring but not immediate treatment.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising TSH suggests worsening hypothyroidism; re-test in 4-6 weeks.

Falling Values

Falling TSH may indicate improving thyroid function or overtreatment.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

Primary hypothyroidism
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Thyroid hormone resistance
Pituitary adenoma
Iodine deficiency

Cause

Low Levels

Graves' disease
Excessive thyroid hormone therapy
Pituitary dysfunction
Pregnancy
Severe illness

Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

Regular exercise
Stress management
Adequate sleep

Lever

Nutrition

Iodine-rich foods
Selenium-rich foods

Lever

Supplementation

Iodine
Selenium

Note:

Consult a physician before starting any supplementation, especially iodine.

Testing Guidelines

✓Fasting Not Required

🕐Time-Sensitive

TSH levels can vary with circadian rhythms; morning testing is preferred.

Testing Frequency

Annually for healthy adults, more frequently if on thyroid medication.

Interfering Factors

Recent intense exercise
Biotin supplementation
Medications like glucocorticoids

Related Peptides & Hormones

Free Thyroxine

Correlated with

hormone

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that the reference ranges for TSH may not be appropriate for older populations, leading to potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment of subclinical hypothyroidism. Researchers have not yet established optimal TSH targets for different age groups or the impact of confounding factors such as concurrent medications and pregnancy on TSH levels. Unanswered clinical questions include the long-term effects of TSH suppression and the necessity of treatment in elderly patients with mildly elevated TSH.

27 Research Publications

1,026

Total Citations

Human/RCT

6.8

Avg. Influence

2023

Latest

Sort

Filter

01Top

#01

2013 ETA Guideline: Management of Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

UnknownInfluence26.0

369

Researchers examined management strategies for subclinical hypothyroidism, categorizing patients based on TSH levels. The study recommended monitoring and potential treatment for younger patients with significantly elevated TSH.

View on PubMed

02Top

#02

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy.

ReviewInfluence18.0

276

This study focused on hypothyroidism in pregnancy, noting that subclinical hypothyroidism is more prevalent than overt hypothyroidism. Researchers highlighted the need for careful management of TSH levels during pregnancy.

View on PubMed

03Top

#03

Laboratory Testing in Thyroid Conditions - Pitfalls and Clinical Utility.

ReviewInfluence5.0

125

This review explored the importance of laboratory tests in diagnosing thyroid disorders, including TSH measurements. Researchers highlighted the need for careful interpretation of results, especially in special populations like pregnant women and critically ill patients.

View on PubMed

#04

Central hypothyroidism.

ReviewInfluence2.0

Researchers defined central hypothyroidism as a condition where TSH fails to stimulate a normal thyroid gland. They highlighted the importance of diagnosing this condition through specific tests and noted that treatment typically involves levothyroxine to manage symptoms.

View on PubMed

#05

Biochemical Testing in Thyroid Disorders.

ReviewInfluence2.0

Researchers summarized the principles of laboratory testing in thyroid disorders, emphasizing the role of TSH measurement. They found that appropriate testing is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management of thyroid conditions.

View on PubMed

#06

Local TSH/TSHR signaling promotes CD8+ T cell exhaustion and immune evasion in colorectal carcinoma.

Human

Researchers investigated the role of TSH signaling in CD8+ T cell exhaustion within colorectal cancer. They found that TSH receptor signaling contributes to immune evasion, and targeting this pathway may enhance immunotherapy responses in cancer treatment.

View on PubMed

#07

Hypothyroidism.

McDermott Michael T · Annals of internal medicine · 2020

HumanInfluence1.0

This study examined hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Researchers found that elevated TSH levels are a key indicator of primary hypothyroidism, and treatment with L-thyroxine is effective for symptom relief and maintaining normal TSH levels.

Key findings

01Researchers found that Hashimoto thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in adults.
02Researchers observed that elevated TSH levels are a key indicator of primary hypothyroidism.
03Researchers noted that treatment is essential for severe cases, but mild cases may not require treatment, particularly in older patients.

View on PubMed

#08

Update on subclinical thyroid dysfunction.

ReviewInfluence4.0

Researchers investigated subclinical thyroid dysfunction, which is characterized by abnormal TSH levels with normal thyroxine concentrations. They emphasized the importance of accurate TSH evaluation and the need for harmonization of TSH testing globally.

View on PubMed

#09

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Values in Pregnancy: Cutoff Controversy Continues?

Review

Researchers addressed the controversy surrounding TSH cutoff values during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining thyroid function. They noted differing recommendations from various guidelines regarding trimester-specific TSH levels. The study highlighted the need for ongoing discussion about the management of thyroid disorders in pregnant women.

View on PubMed

#10

Laboratory interference in the thyroid function test.

ReviewInfluence2.0

This study discussed laboratory interferences in thyroid function tests, particularly TSH measurements. Researchers found that various factors, including antibodies and medications, can lead to inconsistent test results, emphasizing the need for careful interpretation.

2021

Primary outcome

Hypothyroidism-free survival

Hypothyroidism; Irradiation

Thyroid Function and Autoimmunity in Subfertility Women and Assisted Reproductive Therapy

NCT06394466COMPLETED

Sponsor

Rio de Janeiro State University

Enrollment

453

Started

2021

Primary outcome

TSH levels during assisted reproductive therapy and first trimester

Ovarian FailureThyroid Diseases

Normal Range of TSH and FT4 in Pregnancy

NCT04860622COMPLETED

Sponsor

Sehit Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital

Enrollment

528

Started

2021

Primary outcome

TSH

HypothyroidismPregnancy RelatedThyroidDysfunctionIodine Deficiency

A Study of Armour® Thyroid Compared to Synthetic T4 (Levothyroxine) in Previously Hypothyroid Participants

NCT04124705Phase 2COMPLETED

Sponsor

Allergan

Enrollment

284

Started

2019

Primary outcome

Percentage of Participants With a Sustained TSH Response

HypothyroidismThyroid DiseaseEuthyroidThyroid GlandThyroid Hormones

The Possible Role of Thyroxine in Keratoconus Development

NCT03637673UNKNOWN

Sponsor

Alexandria University

Enrollment

150

Started

2018

Primary outcome

measuring the serum concentrations of free T4 (fT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Keratoconus

The Establish of Specific Reference Ranges for Thyroid Tests in Pregnant Women

NCT02966405UNKNOWN

Sponsor

Xiaomei Zhang

Enrollment

1,000

Started

2016

Primary outcome

Detection the FT3,FT4,TSH,TPOAb of the pregnant women in trimester of pregnancy.

Diseases Pregnancy Thyroid

Safety and Efficacy of Empiric Levothyroxine (LT4) Dose Increase Versus Individualized LT4 Dose Increase in Hypothyroid Women During Pregnancy

NCT03115515COMPLETED

Sponsor

Medstar Health Research Institute

Enrollment

Started

2011

Primary outcome

% of TSH values within trimester-specific goal range per patient from study enrollment to delivery

Pregnancy RelatedThyroid

Thyroid Function and Structure in Klinefelter Syndrome

NCT05581147RECRUITING

Sponsor

University of Roma La Sapienza

Enrollment

600

Started

2007

Primary outcome

Peripheral blood TSH concentration

Klinefelter SyndromeThyroiditis, AutoimmuneHypothyroidism

Publication Trend

Research publications about TSH over time

9total

'13

'18

'19

'20

'22

'25

Track your bloodwork in PepStack

Log lab results, track trends and optimize your biomarkers over time.

Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play

Legal Disclaimer

This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer