High TSH Levels: Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Side Effects & Treatment

Do you constantly feel fatigued? Are you experiencing an unexpected weight gain? Do you usually feel chilly even when it isn't actually cold? The answer lies not in the symptoms but in the cause. These annoying daily hassles can be a sign of a secret hormonal imbalance. Your thyroid may be small, but it can have a profound impact on everything from how you feel to your metabolism, and your TSH levels are the key to knowing how well it works. 

Knowing about TSH levels can not only assist with treating symptoms early on but also ensure your well-being is under control in the long term. Let's get into the sneaky signs and symptoms of high TSH levels your body may be trying to tell you.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: A Quick Primer

TSH, which stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, is made by a tiny gland in your brain called the pituitary gland. Its job is to tell your thyroid, located in your neck, to produce important hormones (T3 and T4) that help control your energy, growth, and metabolism. If your thyroid isn't making enough of these hormones, your TSH level rises to try to fix the problem. Doctors check TSH levels to see how well your thyroid is working and to decide if you need treatment.

Normal TSH Levels

Normal TSH levels are slightly different from lab to lab and with age, but generally fall in the following range:

High TSH Levels: What Could Go Wrong?

High TSH levels often indicate an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. This condition can slow down your body's processes, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and sensitivity to cold. It may also increase the risk of heart disease, infertility, and goitre if left untreated.

Rarely, high TSH can be a sign of pituitary gland dysfunction when thyroid hormone levels are normal or even elevated. Thus, diagnosis is critical.

Signs and Symptoms of High TSH Levels

The condition usually presents itself with a variety of physical and emotional High TSH levels symptoms. These develop over time and might be mistaken for normal ageing or stress.

• Fatigue: Unrelenting fatigue despite adequate rest.
• Weight Gain: Unexplained weight gain without changes in diet or activity level.
• Cold Intolerance: Feeling unusually cold in the same temperature environment.
• Depression: Low mood or chronic sadness.
• Constipation: Difficulty with normal bowel movements.
• Dry Skin: Becomes flaky and scaly.
• Slow Heart Rate: Markedly slower heart rate.
• Thinning Hair or Hair Loss: Hair falls out or becomes brittle.
• Puffy Face: Swelling of the face region.
• Memory Problems: Difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness.

Medical Intervention

You should consult a physician if you are experiencing recurring high TSH value symptoms such as exhaustion, weight gain or loss, or depression. Blood tests will confirm TSH abnormalities and guide treatment to restore hormonal equilibrium and prevent complications.

What Causes High TSH Level?

Maintaining your TSH level at the optimal level is crucial, as it will help keep the metabolism and other bodily functions in line. If it's at a very high level consistently, then this indicates that the thyroid gland is not keeping up with what the body needs, and there's something that could be causing it.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

This autoimmune disease is the most common cause of high TSH. With Hashimoto's, the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland inadvertently, causing chronic inflammation and damage. This gradually reduces the functionality of the gland to make hormones, and hence, the pituitary gland raises TSH secretion in an attempt to stimulate it.

Iodine Deficiency

Iodine is essential in the production of thyroid hormone. Deficient dietary iodine results in reduced hormone production, and the pituitary reacts by increasing TSH release to maintain pace. This is more common where foods that are iodised are not used extensively.

Thyroid Surgery or Radiation

Individuals who have undergone thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer may have elevated TSH. When there is less or no thyroid gland, hormone production slows down, and TSH increases.

Certain Medications

Lithium, amiodarone, and interferon are some medicines that affect the thyroid's functioning. These medications disrupt hormone production or kill thyroid cells and increase TSH as the body is trying to balance out the distortion.

Pituitary Tumours

In exceptional cases, cause of high TSH is due to a pituitary tumour. Excessive secretion of TSH can occur despite normal or increased levels of T3 and T4. In such cases, both thyroid and pituitary assessments are needed.

Side Effects of High Thyroid Levels

Increased TSH levels can result in numerous complications if not attended to. Note the following Side effects of high thyroid levels to convince you of taking control now!

• Weakness and lower energy
• Weight gain and slower metabolism
• Mood swings, like depression or anxiety
• Women's reproductive issues
• Risk of developing goitre (enlarged thyroid)

Treatment of High TSH Levels

Taking measures to cure this condition is necessary to prevent long-term complications. Treatment aims to bring thyroid hormone levels to normal and to alleviate High TSH levels symptoms.

Levothyroxine Replacement Therapy

This is the most effective and most commonly used treatment for high TSH levels. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the T4 hormone, which replaces that which the thyroid is no longer making. It helps to normalise the TSH levels, to reduce high TSH value symptoms, and to improve overall metabolic status.

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

Dietary modifications such as foods containing iodine (such as fish, milk, and iodised salt), exercise, and stress management can assist thyroid function. Although not an alternative to medication, these changes help improve the body's response to treatment.

Monitoring and Regular Check-ups

TSH levels must be monitored periodically to balance the dosage of drugs. At Niva Bupa, we value the importance of long-term care. We offer long-term care with our health insurance plans, providing access to diagnostic procedures, specialist opinions, and 30-minute cashless claim settlement, making the treatment of high TSH levels at the right level possible without much financial strain.

Comprehensive Coverage with India's Best Health Insurer

Ranked India's Best Health Insurer in 2024 by Mint, Niva Bupa offers comprehensive coverage like thyroid diagnosis, hospitalisation, and follow-up therapies. It becomes easier to handle long-term ailments like hypothyroidism with complete peace of mind.

How to Control TSH Levels?

Prevention of thyroid issues requires a thoughtful approach and healthy lifestyle habits.

• Balanced Diet: Get sufficient iodine, selenium, and zinc.
• Regular Exercise: Enhances metabolism and hormonal health.
• Routine Screening: Early detection by blood tests can avoid complications.
• Medication Compliance: Follow the prescribed treatment for high TSH levels.
• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol Both affect thyroid hormone levels.

Conclusion

High levels of TSH can be an initial sign of an underactive thyroid that, if not addressed, can lead to several health issues. Recognising the high TSH levels symptoms and being aware of the root cause of high TSH makes a timely diagnosis and treatment possible. With adequate medication and lifestyle changes, you are able to take care of your thyroid. Prioritising thyroid health is taking a huge step towards improved energy, mood, and general quality of life.

Disclaimer: The details provided above are intended for informational purposes only. For accurate medical guidance, please consult your healthcare provider. Health insurance benefits are governed by the terms and conditions of your policy. For further details, review your policy documents.

FAQs

Why does one have high TSH levels?

High TSH levels are usually caused by an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto's, iodine deficiency, or some medications.

Can high TSH be reversed?

Yes, with medication and lifestyle change, TSH levels can normally be brought back to normal.

Is high TSH dangerous?

If untreated, high TSH can lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease, infertility, and mental disorders.

How often should TSH be tested?

Your doctor may advise you to test TSH every 6 to 12 months if you are on thyroid medication.

Is health insurance for thyroid tests and treatment available?

Yes, health insurance providers like Niva Bupa provide coverage for thyroid tests, visits, and medication under their general health policies.