Lab test · Endocrinology
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Thyroid function
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 24 hours
- Home collection
What this test is for
Thyroid function
TSH is a hormone made by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. It tells the thyroid gland in your neck how much thyroid hormone to make. When the thyroid is underactive, the pituitary makes more TSH to push it harder; when the thyroid is overactive, TSH falls. This makes TSH the main first test for thyroid problems and for checking thyroid treatment.
Why a doctor may order it
- If you have signs of an underactive thyroid, such as tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold or constipation
- If you have signs of an overactive thyroid, such as weight loss, a fast heartbeat, anxiety or feeling hot
- To check that thyroid treatment is working at the right level
- Before or during pregnancy, or when trying to conceive
- If you have a swelling in the neck (goitre)
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
There is no need to fast. If you take biotin (vitamin B7) or a hair, skin and nail supplement that contains it, tell your doctor, as large amounts can interfere with some thyroid tests. Keep taking your thyroid medicine unless your doctor advises otherwise, and ask whether to give the sample before your morning tablet.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- A trained collector comes to you at home and draws a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The whole process usually takes a few minutes, and you can carry on with your day straight afterwards.
- Report
- Within 24 hours of collection.
What the results can mean
The report shows your TSH next to the laboratory's reference range. A high TSH usually suggests an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), and a low TSH usually suggests an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Illness, pregnancy and some medicines can also change TSH. Your doctor will interpret the result and may add free T4 or T3 to confirm what is happening.
What's included
One test: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Thyroid Function Test (T3, T4, TSH)A thyroid function test measures TSH, the pituitary hormone that controls the thyroid, together with the thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
- Free Thyroxine (Free T4)Thyroid function৳500
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (Anti-TPO)Anti-TPO antibodies are made by the immune system against thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme the thyroid uses to make its hormones.
- Free TestosteroneMale hormone (testosterone) level৳750
- TSH Receptor Antibodies (TRAb)Graves' disease (overactive thyroid)৳2,350
Questions people ask
What does a high TSH mean?
A high TSH usually means the thyroid is not making enough hormone, so the pituitary gland is working harder to stimulate it. Your doctor may check free T4 to confirm an underactive thyroid.
What does a low TSH mean?
A low TSH often means the thyroid is making too much hormone. It can also happen when someone is taking more thyroid medicine than they need. Your doctor will usually check T3 and T4 as well.
Do I need to fast for a TSH test?
No. Fasting is not needed for TSH, and you can eat and drink normally beforehand.
Why is TSH checked in pregnancy?
Pregnancy changes thyroid hormone levels, and thyroid problems in pregnancy can affect both mother and baby. Doctors often check TSH early in pregnancy or when a pregnancy is being planned.
How much does a TSH test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳400, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the TSH test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the TSH report take?
The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.