TSH Norm In Women By Age: Table With Decoding

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 07:39

Table of TSH norms by age in women

The content of the article:

The norm of the hormone TSH in women
TSH levels during pregnancy
1. Increased thyrotropin in pregnant women
2. Lowered thyrotropin in pregnant women
Features of the preparation and analysis of the TSH level
Increased TSH
Decrease in TSH
conclusions
Video

The table of TSH norms by age in women will help determine the possible deviation of the hormone level from the norm, which is important for understanding the processes taking place in the body with various pathologies.

The hormonal background is the most important component of human health. Hormones control the functioning of all organs and systems, metabolism. A special regulator is responsible for the production and concentration of various hormones - thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, thyrotropin, according to the international classification - TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone), produced by the anterior pituitary gland.

TSH rate in women fluctuates with age

In men, the indicator of its content in the blood changes with age, but during the mature period of life it is generally stable, in women it changes depending on age and condition (for example, during pregnancy). In both sexes, hormone production undergoes daily fluctuations.

To control the hormonal background, it is recommended to regularly take tests, especially in the case when there is reason to suspect an imbalance.

The norm of the hormone TSH in women

Reference values have been developed (i.e., those in accordance with which the data obtained are evaluated) of the thyrotropin content in the blood for each age group of women.

Age category	Normal values of TSH (unit of measurement - μIU / ml)
0 to 3 months	1.1-16.8
From 3 months to 5 years	0.4-6.5
From 5 to 14 years old	0.4-0.5
Under 25	0.6-4.5
26-50 years old	0.4-4.0
After 50 years	0.4-4.5

In different medical laboratories, indicators may differ.

According to the data presented, the highest level of thyroid-stimulating hormone is observed in newborn children. Then it gradually decreases, but until 5 years old it remains high compared to adult indicators - this is a normal condition and does not cause concern for doctors. After 5 years, the production of thyrotropin decreases, from the moment of puberty of the girl, the concentration of TSH in the blood corresponds to normal adult values. Outside of pregnancy, strong fluctuations are not observed until the beginning of the preparation of the body for menopause, after which the TSH content in the blood increases slightly.

A significant increase or decrease in the level of thyrotropin in the blood (above or below the reference values) indicates a pathology and requires an examination of the woman by an endocrinologist.

TSH levels during pregnancy

Pregnant women undergo significant hormonal changes in the body. The endocrine system begins to work harmoniously on a single task - to preserve the fetus and ensure its normal development. At each stage of pregnancy, the body creates special conditions for this, as a result, TSH fluctuations in different trimesters are noted:

Term	Normal thyroid-stimulating hormone level (unit μIU / ml)
Up to 12 weeks (I trimester)	0.1-0.4
12-24 weeks (II trimester)	0.3-2.8
24-40 weeks (III trimester)	0.4-3.5

The pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) increases the production of T3 and T4, which, thanks to a feedback system, causes a decrease in TSH values. While maintaining high rates in the first trimester, it is necessary to undergo an examination with an endocrinologist, since in this case the fetus may be in danger.

In some women, the level of TSH during pregnancy decreases to minimum values, when measured, the indicator can be zero. This indicates a multiple pregnancy.

When carrying one child in the third trimester, the hormone may slightly exceed the pre-pregnancy rate, since by this time the baby has already formed its own thyroid gland and has begun to produce hormones necessary for its growth and development.

Increased thyrotropin in pregnant women

A high TSH level in the first weeks of fetal formation is most dangerous, as the fetus is very vulnerable at this time.

An increase in thyrotropin in pregnant women can be manifested by the following symptoms:

poor appetite;
increased irritability;
fatigue, lethargy;
sleeplessness at night, combined with daytime sleepiness;
intense weight gain.

However, this condition is typical for many pregnant women and does not always speak of pathology, so one cannot rush to conclusions. If you suspect hormonal disorders, you should contact a specialist and donate blood for analysis.

Lowered thyrotropin in pregnant women

The critically low value of thyroid-stimulating hormone also has a negative effect on the child with a singleton pregnancy. This can lead to delayed development of the child and other pathologies.

Symptoms of low TSH in pregnant women:

headaches;
high blood pressure;
bulging eyes;
high temperature;
a sharp loss of body weight;
swelling of the lower extremities.

To restore hormonal balance in pregnant women, the help of an endocrinologist and obstetrician-gynecologist who leads the pregnancy is required. Self-medication is unacceptable.

Features of the preparation and analysis of the TSH level

For an accurate assessment of the endocrine function of the thyroid gland, an analysis of TSH, T4 and antibodies to TSH receptors is prescribed. These are important components of the proper functioning of the endocrine system.

Indications for research:

sore throat of unclear etiology;
alopecia;
aggression for no reason, insomnia, irritability, apathy, prolonged depression and other disorders of the nervous system;
hypertrophy of the thyroid gland;
infertility;
mental and physical developmental delay (in childhood and adolescence);
feeling of a lump in the throat.

The doctor may prescribe a thyroid-stimulating hormone test in the following cases:

control of the therapeutic efficacy of drugs for various diseases;
planning pregnancy;
monitoring of hormonal levels in women with endocrine pathologies;
diagnosis of congenital hypo- or hyperthyroidism in infants.

To pass the study, you must properly prepare, otherwise you may get distorted results.

How to prepare:

Stop taking hormonal drugs 1-4 weeks before the appointed day. The exact term is set by the attending physician, since the period depends on the type of drug.
Refuse to drink alcoholic beverages for 1-2 days.
Donate blood on an empty stomach (last meal 8 hours before analysis).
Avoid emotional and physical overload.

The synthesis of thyroid-stimulating hormone depends on the time of day. The maximum concentration is reached by 2-4 am. The decrease is observed between 6 and 8 am. In the evening, the level rushes to the lower border. Testing is necessary in the morning, preferably in the morning and on an empty stomach. At the same time, TSH depends little on the phase of the menstrual cycle, so the diagnosis can be carried out on any day.

The interpretation of the analysis results is carried out by a specialist who wrote out a referral for analysis, since when evaluating the results, it is necessary to take into account many parameters. Only a doctor can interpret the results as deviations from the norm and regard them as a sign of any pathological process in the body. It should be borne in mind that the diagnosis is usually not made based on the results of only one, even the most accurate analysis. To make the correct diagnosis, an ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland and other clarifying studies are prescribed.

Increased TSH

The rise in thyrotropin level relative to the upper limit may be the result of the following diseases and conditions:

tumor process in the pituitary gland;
inflammation of the thyroid gland;
disruptions in the functioning of the adrenal glands;
complicated pregnancy;
tumors in the mammary gland or lungs;
neuropsychiatric diseases.

TSH production may increase after surgical removal of the gallbladder, upon contact with heavy metals such as lead, while taking medications, or from a lack of iodine. High rates are found in athletes and people whose professional activity is associated with heavy physical exertion.

Symptoms of elevated thyrotropin:

increased fatigue;
low body temperature (can drop to 35 degrees);
swelling of the front of the neck;
insomnia;
sweating;
a sharp increase in weight.

Medicines containing thyroxine help regulate the level of TSH. Appointment of treatment, selection of dosage and dosage regimen is carried out by a doctor.

Significant weight changes in women may be associated with thyroid-stimulating hormone imbalance

Decrease in TSH

Low values of thyroid-stimulating hormone may indicate the following diseases and conditions:

benign neoplasms in the thyroid gland;
improper intake of hormonal drugs;
goiter;
hypothyroidism;
long-term adherence to low-calorie diets;
lack of potassium and iodine in the body;
pituitary pathology;
excessive production of hormones by the adrenal glands;
prolonged stress.

A woman's body reacts to a lack of TSH with the following symptoms:

rapid pulse;
shaking hands;
insomnia;
weakness;
disorders of the digestive system;
violation of the menstrual cycle;
swelling of the face;
feeling of grit in the eyes;
muscle weakness in the limbs;
irritability, tendency to stress;
high pressure;
anxiety, fear for no reason;
increased appetite with a simultaneous decrease in body weight;
slowing down of speech (rare).

Therapy consists in eliminating the underlying disease and correcting hormonal levels. Medicines may be prescribed to normalize the level of TSH in the blood. The drug and the regimen for its administration are selected by the doctor on an individual basis, moreover, they can be adjusted depending on the therapeutic response.

conclusions

The rate of thyroid-stimulating hormone in women depends on age and physiological state. In different periods of life and under the influence of numerous factors, fluctuations in the indicator are observed up or down. Maintaining a normal level of TSH is important for women's health, the proper functioning of all organs, well-being and longevity depend on it.