Blood test TSH

What does the TSH blood test measure and why does it matter?

A blood test TSH measures the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and signals the thyroid to release T3 and T4 hormones, which regulate your metabolism, energy, temperature, and mood.

When thyroid function is optimal, TSH stays in a normal range. If the thyroid slows down (underactive), the pituitary ramps up TSH to push it harder. If the thyroid is overactive, TSH levels drop to slow it down.

When this balance is off, your entire system feels it—from your weight and mood to your hair and skin. Unfortunately, most standard checks stop at this single test, leaving deeper imbalances unexplored.

Which symptoms suggest it’s time to check your thyroid with a TSH test?

• Constant tiredness or low energy
• Unexpected weight gain or weight loss
• Cold hands and feet
• Brain fog or forgetfulness
• Dry skin or thinning hair
• Irregular periods or fertility issues
• Anxiety or rapid heart rate
• Slow digestion or constipation
• Low mood or depression
• Poor exercise recovery

What can lead to abnormal TSH blood test results?

The primary cause of high or low TSH is an imbalance in thyroid function, either underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism). But why the thyroid is off track often lies deeper:

Autoimmune triggers

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (linked to high TSH)
• Graves’ disease (linked to low TSH)

Stress and adrenal dysfunction

• Cortisol imbalance from chronic stress can disrupt thyroid hormones.

Nutrient deficiencies

• Low iodine, selenium, iron, or zinc can impair hormone production.

Blood sugar imbalance

• Poor blood sugar regulation puts pressure on hormonal systems.

Andropause and menopause

• Hormonal shifts affect thyroid function, especially in midlife.

Environmental factors

• Toxin exposure (plastics, heavy metals) may affect the thyroid directly.

How is thyroid function tested beyond just a TSH blood test?

A standard TSH blood test is often the first step—but it’s only part of the picture. For a clearer view, a functional approach uses advanced lab testing from home that includes:

• Free T3 and Free T4 (active thyroid hormones)
• Thyroid antibodies (TPOAb, TgAb) to check for autoimmunity
• Cortisol rhythm test (via saliva)
• Detoxification and kidney function
• Heavy Metals

Professional guidance from a Functional Medicine Specialist ensures these results are not just collected, but interpreted in context— correlating your symptoms with your biochemistry.

Check your thyroid in 60 seconds

This quick check helps you spot the signs of a potential thyroid imbalance. Just answer a few simple yes-or-no questions. It only takes a minute—and your answers could be the first step to feeling like yourself again.

Let’s get started.

What habits and tips support healthy TSH levels naturally?

Managing TSH starts with supporting your thyroid and its allies (like the adrenal glands and gut). Here’s how:

• Prioritise 7–9 hours of sleep, especially if you wake up tired
• Use adaptogens to support adrenal health (e.g., ashwagandha, rhodiola)
• Avoid skipping meals—steady blood sugar stabilises hormone output
• Stay active, but don’t overtrain—low thyroid function hinders recovery
• Include iodine-rich and selenium-rich foods like seaweed, brazil nuts, and eggs
• Reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors (BPA, fragrances, etc.)
• Practise stress-reducing techniques—breathwork, journalling, walking outdoors
• Heal your gut and cleanse your liver.
• Remove all Food sensitivities

How can abnormal TSH levels be managed for long-term health?

Short-term strategies often focus on thyroid hormone replacement, especially when TSH is high. This includes synthetic or natural thyroid hormone options. But unless the root cause is identified, symptoms often return.

A more effective approach involves:

• Balancing nutrient intake with tailored supplementation and diet
• Reducing autoimmune triggers through food sensitivity mapping
• Supporting gut health to improve thyroid function and thyroid conversion
• T4, T3 TPO and TgAb every 8 weeks initially and 6 monthly once you are stable
• Resetting stress response systems and improving sleep
• Tracking TSH and other thyroid markers over time—not just once

This requires an understanding of your unique thyroid pattern—not a one-size-fits-all solution.

How does Forbes.health manage abnormal blood test TSH results effectively from home?

At Forbes.health, we go beyond just managing symptoms. We specialise in identifying THE root cause through comprehensive health assessments using functional lab testing at home.

Here’s how we support you:

• In-depth thyroid testing including TSH, T3, T4, TPO and TgAB
• Cortisol rhythm testing (saliva-based) to understand your stress load
• Nutrient and gut health assessments
• BHRT options where sleep and hormonal symptoms are present
• Metabolic Typing Diet to guide personalised food intake
• Tailored supplementation plans, reviewed by Functional Medicine Specialists
• One-on-one consultations and digital progress tracking
• Easy-to-understand results, clear action plans, and retesting to track your progress

You don’t need to travel or wait weeks for vague answers. You’ll know what your Thyroid markers mean and what’s next—without guesswork.