Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone

Alternate Terms:
  • TSH
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Thyroid Disease & Disorders
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)



Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Definition by Healthwise:

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by and stored in the pituitary gland, which is located beneath the brain. The release of TSH into the bloodstream stimulates the thyroid gland to release its hormones, called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

When the pituitary gland detects that thyroid hormone levels are too low, it secretes more TSH. If the pituitary gland detects too much thyroid hormone, it releases less TSH.

Author: Jeannette Curtis
Medical Review: Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: May 25, 2007

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