TSH
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is made by the pituitary gland and tells the thyroid how much hormone to produce.
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is made by the pituitary gland and tells the thyroid how much hormone to produce. The thyroid hormones in turn affect metabolism, energy and body temperature. When there is little thyroid hormone in the blood, TSH goes up, and when there is a lot, TSH goes down. Retesting shows how it changes over time.
TSH varies through the day and is usually highest at night and around dawn. Iodine intake, pregnancy, age, a recent infection, hard training, very low calorie intake and some medicines affect it.
Foods that help
A varied diet with iodine from iodised salt, fish, dairy and eggs, and selenium from fish, eggs and Brazil nuts.
Foods to limit
Very large amounts of iodine, for example from seaweed or iodine supplements, and highly processed food.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →