was sind tsh werte — what can you do yourself?

TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is a key biomarker for thyroid function, produced by the pituitary gland to regulate T3 and T4 levels. Normal reference ranges are typically 0.4–4.0 mU/L, but vary by lab. What you can do yourself: You can order a TSH home test (e.g., dried blood spot) – these consumer tests are available but have limitations. A single TSH value cannot diagnose thyroid disease; it must be interpreted together with fT3, fT4, antibodies, and clinical symptoms. Elevated TSH may indicate hypothyroidism; low TSH may indicate hyperthyroidism. Self-directed actions like taking iodine or selenium supplements can be harmful, especially if you have an autoimmune thyroid condition (Hashimoto's, Graves'). Evidence-based self-care includes a balanced diet with adequate iodine and selenium (from food, not high-dose supplements) and regular monitoring if you have known thyroid issues. However, without a doctor's evaluation, you risk misinterpreting results and delaying proper treatment. The evidence for TSH as a screening tool is strong (human-strong), but self-testing without clinical context is not recommended. Safety note: Do not adjust thyroid medication based solely on a home TSH test.