Trouble Thyotrophs.

The article discusses various factors related to keeping the thyrotroph healthy. Increases in the number of patients with slightly abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels yet with fairly normal free-thyroid hormone levels have been reported. A negative feedback relationship at the level of the thyrotroph between TSH and the thyroid hormone plays a role in controlling thyroid hormone economy. Slightly imperfect control is not expected to affect the length or the quality of the patient's life. Guidelines are presented on managing a patient with borderline thyroid dysfunction.