The TSH blood test measures the amount of TSH in your blood , helping healthcare providers determine whether your thyroid gland is functioning properly. To understand how TSH levels are used to diagnose specific conditions, it’s helpful to first explain two important concepts: positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is a hormone that regulates your thyroid function and metabolism. Learn about the causes and effects of high or low TSH levels, how to test them and what normal ranges are for different ages and pregnancy stages. TSH levels affect your metabolism, weight, and body temperature. Low TSH may suggest hyperthyroidism, while high levels point to hypothyroidism. TSH stands for “thyroid stimulating hormone, ” and the test measures how much of this hormone is in your blood . TSH is produced by the pituitary gland in your brain, which tells your thyroid ...
