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Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
About this test
A thyroid-stimulating
hormone (TSH) blood test is used to check for
thyroid gland problems. TSH is produced when the
hypothalamus releases a substance called
thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then triggers the
pituitary gland to release TSH. See pictures of the
thyroid gland 
and the
pituitary gland .
TSH causes the thyroid gland to make two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 and T4 help control your body's metabolism.
Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are needed for normal growth of the brain, especially during the first 3 years of life. A baby whose thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone (congenital hypothyroidism) may, in severe cases, be mentally retarded. Older children also need thyroid hormones to grow and develop normally.
This test may be done at the same time as tests to measure T3 and T4.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 21, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology | |
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