In the 'Lab Values - Hormones' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about your Thyroid Stimulation Hormone level:
 |
 |
 |
|
Have you had your thyroid function tested within the last year? The usual test is for TSH (Thyroid Stimulation Hormone). Unit: uIU/mL or mIU/L
|
Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"Don't know" |
|
|
| 2. |
"Under 1.0 (low - too much thyroid activity)" |
Low TSH |
A symptom |
| 3. |
"1.0 to 3.4 (normal)" |
Normal TSH |
A symptom |
| 4. |
"3.5 to 6.9 (early / marginal elevation)" |
Mildly elevated TSH |
A symptom |
| 5. |
"Over 7.0 (elevated - not enough thyroid activity)" |
Elevated TSH |
A symptom |
|
|
 |
|
 |
Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
GLOSSARY
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
IU (mIU, uIU)
International Unit: An arbitrarily defined but agreed upon unit that depends on what is being measured.
mIU: 0.001 or one thousandth of an IU.
uIU: 0.000001 or one millionth of an IU.
Milliliter (mL)
0.001 or one thousandth of a liter.
Thyroid (Thyroid Gland)
The thyroid gland is an organ with many veins, anchored around the front of the throat near the voice box. It is essential to normal body growth in infancy and childhood. It absorbs iodine from the diet and releases thyroid hormones - iodine-containing compounds that help govern the rate of the body's metabolism (its total life processes), affecting body temperature, and regulating protein, fat and carbohydrate catabolism in all cells. They keep up growth hormone release, skeletal maturation, and heart rate, force, and output. They promote central nervous system growth, stimulate the making of many enzymes, and are necessary for muscle tone and vigor. To a high degree, metabolism is regulated by the hormone thyroxine, which can be made by the thyroid if enough organic iodine is available. An enlarged thyroid gland that is not cancer is sometimes called goitre.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
|
 |
|
|
