Hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed by testing TRH. TRH (thyrotropin) is a neurohormone that is produced in the hypothalamus and causes the release of TSH (thyrotropin) from the pituitary gland. It is of significant value for the diagnosis of the early stages of hyperthyroidism and the so-called half-symptomatic forms.
Thyreoliberin test (TRH test)is performed when it is suspected that the abnormal pituitary gland is causing the thyroid gland dysfunction. Failure to react, i.e. an increase in TSH to the administration ofTRH , as well as a delayed or prolonged response, is incorrect. Currently, this test is mainly used to differentiate the causes of hypothyroidism, e.g. whether it is caused by thyroid or pituitary pathology.
The thyroid glandis an endocrine gland located at the base of the neck and composed of two lobes connected by a narrowing called the isthmus. The thyroid gland produces two hormones that influence our growth, maturation, the functioning of the nervous and skeletal systems, as well as muscles and the circulatory system.
When to test - TRH test
Your doctor orders you to perform a thyrotropic hormone (TRH) test when your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level is incorrect. By performing the TRH test, the concentration of TSH in the blood is measured, and then TRH is administered intravenously, intranasally, or orally. After 30 min, the concentration of the TSH hormone is determined again.
Test standard in the TRH test
In a he althy person, after administration of TRH, the increase in TSH concentration after 30 min is by 3 mU / L to 30 mU / L. If the concentration increase is up to 3 mU / L, it indicates hyperthyroidism, and the increase is greater than 30 mJ / l underactive.
ImportantThe referral for thyroid hormone level tests is issued by an endocrinologist (specialist in hormonal disorders).
Thyroid tests
Thyroid examinations can be divided into two parts - examining the level of hormones produced by the thyroid gland and imaging examinations, the most popular of which is ultrasound. Our expert - endocrinologist Marta Kunkel from Medicover Hospital tells what these thyroid tests look like and what they show.