Ttg (thyroid stimulating hormone)

Not only women, but also the representatives of the stronger sex, there are failures in the endocrine system, the most important organ of which is the thyroid gland. One of its tasks is to produce a thyroid-stimulating hormone that regulates many processes in the body. Maintaining the rate of TSH in men allows you to maintain health and sexual function.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone: what is it?

Men face this medical term infrequently. But some still had to donate blood to determine the level of TSH in the body. Thyroid-stimulating hormone is produced by the pituitary gland. It supports the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. The state of the latter largely depends on how other internal organs function, including the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract.

In turn, the rate of thyroid-stimulating hormone in men directly depends on the production of two more compounds - triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4). If their concentration in the body is insufficient, the level of TSH increases. With excessive production of these hormones, the amount of TSH in the blood decreases.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone is actively produced in the morning. An analysis to determine its concentration in the body of a man will make it possible to determine whether there is a risk of developing some endocrine diseases.

How is the test done?

To determine the level of the hormone, a man takes a certain amount of blood. The analysis is appointed if the doctor suspects:

• hyperthyroidism;
• hypothyroidism;
• enlarged thyroid size.

Preparation for the test includes some procedures, compliance with which is mandatory for obtaining a true result:

• for two days the use of nicotine and alcohol is completely excluded;
• It is necessary to avoid stress conditions and emotional stress, since they contribute to the release of hormones;
• 2 days have to eliminate heavy physical exertion.

However, the designated study shows only the level of TSH, but does not disclose the causes of violations. In order for the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis, the patient will have to undergo a comprehensive examination, in particular, to be tested for the hormones T3 and T4.

TSH - the norm in men and causes of rejection

If a man has no problems with the thyroid gland, his TSH level will be normal. The average index of the hormone, which does not indicate pathology, ranges from 0.4 to 4.90 mU / l. For disorders in the endocrine system, the indicator drops to 0.3-3.0 mIU / L.

Hypothyroidism

If the test showed abnormalities, it is necessary to check the concentration of T3 and T4. Any changes in one direction or another will indicate a change in the work of the thyroid gland.

At a low concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone, hypothyroidism develops. Factors contributing to its appearance can be:

• tumors;
• trauma to the pituitary gland;
• Graves disease;
• taking medications that increase thyroid activity;
• tight diets, fasting;
• emotional disorders, severe stress;
• mental disorders.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

• weakness;
• constant fatigue;
• heat intolerance;
• weight loss with good appetite;
• irritability;
• rapid pulse;
• depression;
• rarefaction of bone density;
• chills;
• slow speech;
• puffiness of face;
• trembling hands.

Hyperthyroidism

If TSH is elevated in men, this may manifest itself in the following specific signs:

• fragility of hair, nails;
• chills;
• deterioration of the skin;
• malfunctions in the digestive tract;
• mood swings;
• hypotension;
• decreased sexual function;
• muscle weakness;
• reduced concentration of attention;
• overweight.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in men are quite noticeable. The first of these is swelling of the face. Sacks appear under the eyes, the edema passes to the larynx, the tongue becomes so thick that it has teeth imprinted on it. The voice changes, grows coarse.

After that, body weight changes dramatically, the skin becomes yellow. Man freezes, even if it is hot around. Gradually, other signs associated with the malfunctioning of the internal organs begin to appear:

• dyspnea;
• malfunction of the heart;
• decrease in body temperature;
• hypotension;
• anemia;
• chest pains;
• mental disorder, memory impairment;
• bloating, flatulence.

The liver is gradually enlarged and even palpable. Violated sexual function.

The reasons for this condition can be:

• insufficient work of the adrenal glands;
• pituitary tumors;
• inflammation in the thyroid gland;
• excessive exercise;
• lack of gallbladder;
• taking certain medications, in particular, iodine drugs, blockers, anticonvulsants;
• psychosomatic disorders;
• immunity of the thyroid hormones.

Sometimes an excess of TSH can occur after hemodialysis (blood purification procedure) or in renal failure.

If you suspect one of these diseases and a sharp deterioration of the condition, you should immediately consult a doctor. In no case can not take hormones. They can further disrupt the metabolism in the body and lead to the acceleration of the development of associated diseases.

Treatment

Therapy for hormonal imbalance is strictly individual. With increased production of TSH, thyroid hormone substitutes are taken. The most frequently used drugs are El-thyroxin (in the initial stages of the disease), T-reocomb, but they cannot be used without an endocrinologist.

To increase the level of TSH, is assigned to thyroxine.

TSH is an extremely important hormone for the normal state of the male body. At the first suspicion of deviations from the norm, you should contact the endocrinologist and pass a test for hormones. This will allow time to notice violations and prevent their rapid development.