TSH

Thyroid-stimulating hormone is released from the anterior pituitary, and is the principal regulator of thyroid function, stimulating the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T3 and T4 regulate biochemical processes that are essential for normal metabolism. The principal clinical use for TSH measurement is for the assessment of thyroid status. TSH is measured in conjunction with thyroid hormones or antibodies to: 1) detect or exclude hypo/hyperthyroidism; 2) monitor T4 replacement treatment in hypothyroidism or anti-thyroid treatment in hyperthyroidism; 3) monitor TSH suppression in thyroid cancer patients on thyroxine therapy; and 4) assess the response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation testing.