It is an accepted fact that our well-being depends on the proper functioning of our organs, a slight disruption of the same will culminate into a variety of disorders that can have a lasting impact on our health. Every gland is entrusted with a role which it has to perform to its full potential. Metabolism, one of the primary functions of the body depends on the thyroid hormone secreted by the thyroid gland which is situated in the front of the neck. Any disruption in the functioning of the thyroid gland can adversely affect an individual’s normal functioning.

The proper functioning of the thyroid gland depends on the Thyroid-stimulating hormone also known as the TSH.

What is TSH?
The TSH is a pituitary hormone that is responsible for stimulating the thyroid gland to produce the hormone thyroxine (T ₄ ). This hormone has some degree of control on the body’s metabolism. However, it is the hormone triiodothyronine (T ₃ ), which is known to stimulate metabolism. The hormone T ₄ is converted into the hormone T ₃ , and more than half this conversion takes place in the liver, whereas the rest occurs in the thyroid gland itself.

Why is it essential to maintain normal TSH levels in the body?
The thyroid gland requires TSH to stimulate the production of growth hormones in the body.

The normal TSH levels as established by a majority of laboratories as 0.4 milliunits per liter to 4.0 milliunits per liter.

How does the level of TSH affect an individual?
As mentioned earlier, the TSH acts as a stimulant to the thyroid gland which prompts the secretion of the thyroid hormones. So, one can say that normal TSH levels determine the production of thyroid hormones in the body. In case the TSH level is disrupted it affects the production of the thyroid hormones and can result in the following conditions-

• Hypothyroidism- Hypothyroidism is a condition which arises when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Also, hypothyroidism is linked to high TSH levels in the body. A person suffering from hypothyroidism will show symptoms such as weight gain, dry skin, constipation, fatigue, frequent menstrual cycles, etc.
• Hyperthyroidism- Hyperthyroidism, the condition in which the thyroid gland goes into an overdrive and produces a high amount of thyroid hormones, is linked to the low TSH level in the body. The individual suffering from hyperthyroidism shows symptoms such as- weight loss, irregular menstrual cycles, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, etc.

To avoid such medical complications, it is imperative to maintain normal TSH levels.