Values/normal values | TSH

Values/normal values

The TSH value can be determined with a simple blood sample taken from the blood. This value reacts very sensitively to changes and disturbances in the hormones of the thyroid gland. If the thyroid hormone levels are clearly too high, the TSH value can fall below the detection limit.

This can be explained by the above-mentioned regulatory cycle, i.e. the thyroid hormones are too high and thus cause the TSH value to drop. If the thyroid hormone levels are too low, the TSH value can be significantly increased. This characteristic underlines the TSH value as an important progression parameter in thyroid disorders.

The normal values in blood serum are given differently by the various medical societies, but are between 0.4 and 4.5 milliunits per liter in a healthy adult. Depending on the investigating laboratory, different reference values are sometimes obtained. If these are scientifically plausible and justified, these reference values should be taken into account.

The TSH value is elevated if too little thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland or even if no thyroid gland is present from birth. The thyroid gland values are too low in the case of hypothyroidism, for example if there is chronic inflammation. The most common form is autoimmune thyroiditis, called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Here, so-called antibodies are present which are directed against enzymes and other important components of the thyroid tissue. This disease usually remains undetected at first, as it does not initially cause any symptoms. The TSH level then returns to normal when thyroid hormones are administered, for example in the form of tablets (L-thyroxine).If the thyroid gland is overactive, the TSH level drops, again due to the control circuit and the so-called “negative feedback” of too much thyroid hormones in the blood.

Thyroid hormones thus lead to a decrease in their stimulating factor. An overactive thyroid can be triggered by various causes. One of these is Graves’ disease.

In this disease, so-called autoantibodies are formed against the receptors of TSH in the thyroid gland. These antibodies cause an increased production of thyroid hormones and thus lead to hyperthyroidism. In addition, individual areas of the thyroid gland can encapsulate themselves as so-called autonomous adenomas. These areas then produce an increased amount of thyroid hormones and also induce hyperthyroidism, without being subject to the above-mentioned control cycle. In addition to all the disease, taking thyroid hormones can also lead to a drop in TSH levels and also to apparent hyperthyroidism.