The Scoop: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

What’s the link between your thyroid and reproductive health?

What is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)?

TSH is produced in your pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland located at the base of your brain. It tells your thyroid how much thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) to release and is responsible for important functions in your body like regulating hormones and metabolism.

Why does Noula measure TSH?

Not only does TSH play an essential role in your overall health, it’s especially important to your reproductive health! It plays a vital role in menstruation, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum health.

A TSH test is used to monitor thyroid function and recommended during pregnancy.

Why should I care about my thyroid?

While the medical community isn’t entirely sure why, women are five to eight times more likely to have thyroid problems than men. And up to 60% of people with thyroid disorders are unaware of their condition.

Did you know that 1 in 8 women will be affected by a thyroid condition at some point in their life?

When the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, this is called hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism typically develop slowly over several years. They can include feelings of sluggishness, fatigue, feeling cold, constipation, thinning hair, weight gain, and heavy menstrual bleeding (If you have PCOS, your doctor might have checked your thyroid due to similarities in symptoms).

Your cholesterol levels can even be impacted too. You may have high LDL '(or “bad” cholesterol) which can raise risk for heart disease. (Your Noula Health test will measure this too!)

When the body produces too much thyroid hormone, this is called hyperthyroidism. Symptoms can include weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, feeling irritable, nervous and/or anxious, trouble sleeping, sweating more than usual, diarrhea, fewer or lighter menstrual periods.

What’s the link to my reproductive health?

Menstruation

Imbalances in your TSH levels can cause irregular periods and heavier flows.

Fertility

Low levels of thyroid hormone can impair fertility by disrupting ovulation (the natural release of an egg from your ovary).

Pregnancy

Pregnant people with imbalances in their thyroid hormone, specifically undiagnosed or untreated hypothyroidism, have an increased risk for preeclampsia, miscarriage, preterm birth, low-birth weight and fetal development problems.

Postpartum

Inflammation of the thyroid after giving birth, also known as postpartum thyroiditis, impacts 10% of birthing people. Symptoms are pretty similar to “baby blues” so can often go undiagnosed. Postpartum thyroiditis can start as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) at first but over time, it can lead to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Experts aren’t entirely sure of the cause of this condition. It affects about 5% of birthing people after delivery.

How can I measure my TSH?

The Noula Health test allows you to measure your TSH levels along with other important reproductive health biomarkers from the comfort of your home. Once your results are in, easily share your report with your medical care team to start working on a care plan together. Your dedicated Noula Care Coach is also there for you every step of the way.

Get started with Noula for only $79 per month.