1. T HYROID S TIMULATING H ORMONE By: Cooper Nichols

2. W HERE IT COMES FROM AND AFFECTS Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is produced in the pituitary gland. After being produced and released from the pituitary gland, its target is the thyroid gland where it tests for any problems in the thyroid. TSH is produced after the hypothalamus releases Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TrH) to inform the pituitary to make TSH to check for thyroid issues.

3. S TRUCTURE OF TSH: P ROTEIN (201)

4. H OW TSH ENTERS THE THYROID Because TSH is a protein and not a steroid, it cannot pass directly through the plasma membrane. In order to get into the thyroid, TSH attaches to receptor cells that then allow it to enter in and do its job.

5. F ACTS ABOUT TSH Up until the age of three, TSH is most active in people in order for normal growth. Normal levels of TSH in the blood are shown in the table below. After TSH is released and it enters the thyroid, it causes the thyroid to release Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) that account for normal growth.

6. D ISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH TSH Goiter- an enlargement of the thyroid gland. It is not cancer. Graves’ Disease- an autoimmune disorder that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis- swelling (inflammation) of the thyroid gland that often results in reduced thyroid function (hypothyroidism). Iodine Deficiency- causes abnormal function of the thyroid

7. Graves’ Disease Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Goiter/Iodine Deficiency

8. T REATING TSH DISEASES In order to treat people that have either overactive or underactive thyroids, people must either get their thyroid removed and take replacement supplements or work to lower their iodine counts (for overactive), or take iodine pills to get their count up (for underactive.

9. T HYROID S TIMULATING H ORMONE R EPLACEMENT If your thyroid has to be removed because of complications, you must go through thyroid hormone replacement therapy and take levothyroxine for the rest of your life for your body to function properly.