Q. Why is a TSH Ultrasensitive test performed?
Your doctor may suggest a TSH Ultrasensitive test if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism, like weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, hair thinning, slow heart rate, and depression, or hyperthyroidism, like weight loss, muscle weakness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and frequent bowel movement.
Q. Is there any risk associated with an TSH Ultrasensitive test?
There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting while the needle is pricked and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely some people may experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.
Q. Can I take a TSH Ultrasensitive test during pregnancy?
Yes, a TSH Ultrasensitive test along with other tests are usually recommended during pregnancy to measure the levels of thyroid hormones as thyroid disorders can complicate pregnancy.
Q. How can hyperthyroidism affect a pregnant woman and her baby?
An untreated hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight of the baby, preeclampsia (a very high rise in blood pressure in late pregnancy), thyroid storm (a sudden, severe worsening of symptoms of hyperthyroidism), and congestive heart failure.
Q. What are the causes of high TSH in a newborn?
Congenital hypothyroidism is an important cause of elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in newborns. Other causes of an elevated TSH include transient hypothyroidism due to neonatal illness, premature birth, iodine excess, or deficiency. High TSH can also be seen in case the mother is taking some medicines that could affect thyroid hormone levels or the mother has some underlying thyroid disease.
Q. What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive and there is an increased production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Causes of Hyperthyroidism include Graves’ disease, multinodular goiter, thyroid nodules, toxic adenoma, inflammation of the thyroid, eating too much iodine, and too much synthetic thyroid hormone. Diagnosis of this condition can help to relieve the symptoms and prevent long-term complications.
Q. What are the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism include: Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats/minute — irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or pounding of your heart (palpitations), sudden weight loss, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, tremor (usually a fine trembling in your hands and fingers), changes in menstrual patterns, increased sensitivity towards heat, changes in bowel patterns (especially more frequent bowel movements), an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck, increased appetite, sweating, fatigue, muscle weakness, sleep disturbances, skin thinning, fine and brittle hair.
Q. What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid or low thyroid is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It can be commonly caused by intake of low iodine diet or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease). Less common causes include previous treatment with radioactive iodine, injury to the pituitary gland which secretes TSH, intake of certain medicines, previous thyroid surgery, or a lack of a functioning thyroid gland at birth.
Q. What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as tiredness (fatigue), hoarseness, constipation, feeling cold, dry skin, dry and thin hair, puffy face, weight gain, and muscle weakness. Along with that, one may experience decreased sweating, depression, slowed heart rate, increased blood cholesterol levels, pain, and stiffness in your joints, impaired memory, problems of infertility or menstrual changes, muscle stiffness, aches, and tenderness.
Q. What additional tests your doctor may ask for in case the TSH levels are not in the normal range?
If the TSH levels are not in the normal range, your doctor may ask for the following tests to establish the diagnosis of a suspected disease: T4 thyroid hormone test, T3 thyroid hormone test, Thyroid Hormone Binding Globulin (THBG) test, and Thyroid profile.