Introduction.
Many people feel anxious when they are told that their health checkup or blood test shows that their TSH level is high.
TSH is an important test to check the function of the thyroid gland. However, TSH alone cannot accurately determine the condition of the thyroid gland. It is important to check it in conjunction with the thyroid hormone levels.
Mechanism of thyroid hormones and TSH
The thyroid is a small organ located in front of the neck that regulates the body's metabolism.Thyroid hormonesI am making it.
Thyroid hormones are involved in various functions throughout the body, such as body temperature, pulse rate, energy consumption, and gastrointestinal function.
Blood tests primarily check the following:
- FT4: The main thyroid hormone secreted by the thyroid gland
- FT3: Thyroid hormones that act more strongly in the body
- TSHA hormone secreted from the pituitary gland in the brain that sends instructions to the thyroid gland to produce hormones.
When the thyroid hormone is deficient, the body tries to compensate by secreting more TSH. Conversely, when the thyroid hormone is high, TSH levels decrease.
Therefore,When TSH levels are high, it is often a sign that the thyroid hormone is either lacking or starting to be lacking.I think so.
However, if TSH is slightly elevated, it does not necessarily mean that treatment is required immediately. It is determined in conjunction with the levels of thyroid hormones such as FT4.
The main causes of high TSH
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
The most common cause of high TSH is Hashimoto’s disease (chronic thyroiditis).
The effects of the immune system can cause chronic inflammation in the thyroid gland, which gradually reduces the gland’s ability to produce hormones.
If necessary, we will perform blood tests for thyroid autoantibodies and thyroid echo scans.
Excessive intake of iodine
Iodine is a component of thyroid hormones, but if consumed in excess it can actually impair the thyroid gland’s function.
Especially if you regularly consume a lot of kombu or kombu dashi, kombu tea, etc., you need to check.
Effects of medication
Some medications can cause a decrease in thyroid function and high levels of TSH.
If you are taking any medications or supplements, please inform the doctor during your appointment.
It may temporarily become higher.
After inflammation of the thyroid gland or when the body is not feeling well, TSH may temporarily become high.
Also,Although TSH is high, FT4 is in normal range.This condition is called “subclinical hypothyroidism.” In mild cases, treatment is not given immediately; instead, a follow-up examination may be performed to monitor the progress of the condition.
In rare cases, it may be caused by something other than the thyroid gland.
In most cases of high TSH levels, the function of the thyroid itself is involved, butIn rare cases, a pituitary gland that secretes TSH may be involved.
In particular, if the combination of thyroid hormone levels such as TSH and FT4 differs from normal, a specialized evaluation may be necessary.
What symptoms occur when thyroid function declines?
When thyroid hormones are deficient,
- I'm easily tired and sluggish
- Cold-hearted
- Swelling
- Weight increases
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Dry skin
Symptoms such as these may be observed.
However, it is not uncommon for people with mild cases to have almost no noticeable symptoms.
If I'm told that my TSH is high
If you are identified with a high TSH level,Not only TSH but also thyroid hormones such as FT4 should be checked together.is important.
As needed,
- Re-testing of thyroid hormones
- Self-antigen testing to detect Hashimoto's disease and other conditions
- Thyroid ultrasound
- Checking for food and medication
We will perform tests such as these to determine whether treatment is necessary or whether observation is sufficient.
In particular, if TSH levels are significantly elevated, FT4 levels are low, there are symptoms, or you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, we recommend consulting a specialist at once.
Ikiridou Bridge Serra ClinicEndocrine Clinic of the ThyroidIn that case, we perform tests and provide treatment for thyroid dysfunction, including elevated TSH levels.
If you have been told that your TSH level is high during a health checkup or want to learn more about your thyroid levels, please feel free to contact us.
summary
When TSH levels are high, it often indicates that the thyroid gland is functioning poorly.
Typical causes include Hashimoto’s disease, excessive iodine intake, medication effects, and temporary changes. In rare cases, other causes unrelated to the thyroid gland, such as pituitary dysfunction, may also be involved.
Since it is not possible to determine this solely from TSH alone, it is important to confirm it in conjunction with thyroid hormones such as FT4 and to perform further tests if necessary.
To the page on thyroid disease