Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Test (TSH)
For those patients who have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, treatment will likely consist of thyroid hormone replacement with Dr. Goodbinder. Initially, our skilled physicians will test your TSH levels (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) against a standard range for your age, gender, and other factors.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormones are not produced by your thyroid. They are instead generated in your pituitary gland that resides in your brain. When this gland notices even the tiniest decrease in hormone production for the thyroid, it begins to release a greater amount of TSH in attempts to make your thyroid produce additional hormones. When this happens the common symptoms of a hyperactive thyroid and Hashimoto’s begin to surface such as:
- Weight Loss
- Increased Heart Rate (tachycardia)
- Increased Appetite
- Anxiety and Irritability
- Sweating
- Changes in Menstrual Patterns
- More Frequent Bowel Movements
- Swelling at the Base of Your Neck (enlarged thyroid gland)
- Muscle Weakness / Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Brittle Hair
The goal of the TSH test is to determine if your TSH levels are abnormally high. Adequate TSH levels vary from patient to patient and our physicians at The Epigenetic Healing Center can assist you in determining if your production rate is too high.