The thyroid gland processes hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism (weight, temperature, energy). Thyroid blood tests can help determine if hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones) or hyperthyroidism (high levels) are present.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone, commonly called TSH and also referred to as thyrotropin, is a hormone that your pituitary gland releases to trigger your thyroid to produce and release its own hormones â thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These two hormones are essential for maintaining your bodyâs metabolic rate â the speed at which your body transforms the food you eat into energy and uses it. Thyroxine and triiodothyronine also maintain:
Your heart and digestive functions.
Muscle control.
Brain development.
Bone maintenance.
Your pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of your brain below your hypothalamus. It makes and releases eight hormones, including TSH.
The thyroid gland processes hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism (weight, temperature, energy). Thyroid blood tests can help determine if hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones) or hyperthyroidism (high levels) are present.
