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FAQs
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Biosafe Thyroid TSH test - FAQs
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What is TSH?
Are there known risk factors?
Are there health changes to be aware of?
What is TSH?
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is a chemical substance produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to synthesize and release its own hormones into the bloodstream. When too much thyroid hormone is produced, a condition called hyperthyroidism will result, often referred to as an overactive thyroid. When not enough thyroid hormone is produced, a condition called hypothyroidism will result, often referred to as an underactive thyroid.
Because there are so many different health problems associated with either an underactive or overactive thyroid gland, it is essential that basic thyroid function be tested regularly. The easiest way to do this is by testing for TSH.
(Source Biosafe 2004)
Are there known risk factors?
While anyone can develop thyroid disease, we know that certain things can put you at greater risk. These are called risk factors are broken down into two categories: personal history risk factors and family history risk factors.
Personal History risk factors deal with your own past or current medical conditions and/or drugs you might be taking. If any of the following apply to you, you are at a greater risk of developing thyroid disease.
1. Have you had or do you now have:
Thyroid dysfuncionGoiterSurgery or radiotherapy affecting the thyroid glandDiabetes mellitusVitiligo (non-pigmented skin patches)Pernicious anemiaPrematurely gray hair
2. Are you taking any medications or other compounds such as:
- Lithium carbonate or
- Iodine containing compounds such as:
- Amiodarone hydrochloride
- Radiocontrast agents
- Expectorants containing iodine and kelp
3. There are also risk factors associated with your Family History. If any member of your immediate family suffers from any of the following conditions, you are also at greater risk of developing thyroid disease:
Thyroid diseasePernicious anemiaDiabetes mellitusPrimary adrenal insufficiency
(Source Biosafe 2004)
Are there health changes to be aware of?
There are certain situations and health changes that should immediately prompt you to think about TSH testing:
When pregnant women go for their 1st prenatal visitFollowing pregnancy if postpartum depression strikesIf a child's growth pattern or behavior changesIf mood swings and other symptoms of menopause persist despite hormone replacement therapyIf fatigue, depression and forgetfulness plague older persons.
(Source Biosafe 2004)
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