TRH test (thyrotrophin releasing hormone test)

Your doctor has recommended that you take this test to help with the diagnosis and the management of your condition. Please would you read this carefully and ask us about anything that is not clear or if you would like more information.

Your thyroid blood test results are not normal and this test will help us to work out why.

The test will last about two hours.

The test will be carried out by an endocrine nurse specialist.

You will not have to do anything to prepare for this test.

You will be given an injection of TRH (thyrotrophin releasing hormone). This is a natural hormone (chemical signal) produced by the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is part of the brain which controls hormone function.

A nurse will use a needle to put a small plastic tube into a vein in your arm. We will use this to take blood samples and to give you an injection of TRH, without the need for any more needles. After we have taken the first blood test, we will give you an injection of TRH. Over the next hour we will measure your response to the test by taking more blood samples. After we have completed the test, you will be able to go home.