ABSOLOGY

TSH/FT4 Combo

Absoludy TSH & FT4 Combo

Changes in TSH can serve as an "early warning system" - often occurring before the actual level of thyroid hormones in the body becomes too high or too low. A high TSH level indicates that the thyroid gland is not making enough thyroid hormone (primary hypothyroidism). The opposite situation, in which the TSH level is low, usually indicates that the thyroid is producing too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). Occasionally, a low TSH may result from an abnormality in the pituitary gland, which prevents it from making enough TSH to stimulate the thyroid (secondary hypothyroidism). Testing both TSH and Free T4 at once helps diagnosis whether it is primary or secondary disorders.