When the functioning of the thyroid gland, one of the most important parts of our body, is suspected, a TSH test is performed and some diseases are detected depending on the high or low level of this value. We explained in detail what TSH elevation is, what its symptoms are, what it causes and what its treatment is.
One of the most important elements that ensure the smooth functioning of our body is the thyroid gland. When the thyroid gland is overactive, hyperthyroidism occurs; when underactive, hypothyroidism occurs. Both situations are considered negative because neither more nor less is required to function normally. If it is suspected that the thyroid gland is not working properly, a TSH test is performed. and new situations are examined according to the resulting value.
in public TSH high or low The situation known as is actually the result of this test. The TSH test is a simple test that is not performed all the time but is done by taking blood. Therefore, if there is a situation where the thyroid gland is not working or is overactive, this test is performed immediately and treatment is started according to the results. In this article, we answer questions such as what is high and low TSH and what are its symptoms.
Let’s understand the situation first; What is TSH?
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, TSH for short; It is a hormone with a glycoprotein structure, also known as thyrotropin. Its main task is To produce thyroxine, known as T4, and triiodothyronine, known as T3 is to stimulate the pituitary gland. Without this warning, hormones are not produced and abnormal changes occur in our metabolic rate.
So what is the TSH test?
When you go to your doctor with different complaints, as a result of these complaints If it is suspected that your thyroid gland is underactive or overactive, you will be asked for a TSH test. This test, which does not require fasting, is performed on blood taken from a normal vein. Blood is usually taken early in the morning because there may be changes in hormone levels during the day.
What is the ideal TSH value?
It may vary depending on diseases, age, gender and other conditions, but what is considered normal The ideal TSH value is 0.4 – 5.0 milliliters for every 1 liter of blood. If the person is being treated for some type of thyroid disorder, this value can be considered normal as 0.5 – 3.0 milliliters for every 1 liter of blood.
What are the symptoms of high TSH, which may vary for everyone?
- state of being constantly angry
- Weakness
- Depression
- Feeling tired all the time
- Loss of sexual desire
- hair thinning
- Stuttering
- Unreasonable weight gain or weight loss
- Forgetfulness
- Constant cold
- Infertility
- Dry skin
- swelling around the eyes
- Pale skin
- menstrual delay
- Nails break easily
These are some of the most common symptoms seen in people with high TSH. Of course, having these symptoms does not necessarily mean high TSH. And at the same time, even if these are not present, it does not mean that there is no high TSH. Your doctor will make the most accurate decision as a result of the test.
The most common causes of high TSH:
- pituitary adenoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Removal of the pituitary gland
- Insufficient iodine in the body
- Drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism
- radiotherapy treatment
- Medicines containing lithium
- Thyroid hormone resistance
- Excessive calcium and iron supplement intake
- Taking estrogen support
- Use of antidepressants and similar medications
- Hashimoto’s thyroid
- Congenital hypothyroidism
- Excessive consumption of foods such as kale, raw cauliflower and red radish
These are some of the most common conditions, diseases and disorders known to cause high TSH. When you are sure about your TSH level Your doctor may want to find out exactly the cause of this condition by ordering different tests. Once the cause of the condition is revealed, an appropriate treatment is applied.
If such a situation occurs, how can high TSH be treated?
According to the TSH test results, if TSH elevation is definitely detected, the conditions that cause this are first tried to be eliminated. Later drug treatment is started. Of course, different treatment methods can be followed depending on the cause of high TSH, your doctor will decide this.
Maybe it’s not high: What are the symptoms of low TSH?
- intense sweating
- irregular heartbeat
- Goiter
- state of being constantly angry
- constant sleepiness
- constant state of anxiety
- Feeling tired all the time
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- puffy eyes
- tremors in hands
- Weakening in muscles
- excessive bowel movements
- hair loss
These are some of the most common symptoms seen in people with low TSH. Of course, having these symptoms does not necessarily mean low TSH and at the same time Even if these are not present, it does not mean that there is no low TSH. Your doctor will make the most accurate decision as a result of the test.
The most common causes of low TSH:
- nodular thyroid
- Hashimoto’s disease
- Consuming too much iodized salt
- Using too much thyroid hormone medication
- Taking too much thyroid hormone support
- Graves’ disease
- thyroid gland inflammation
- Toxic goiter onset and treatment
- Low TSH secretion from the pituitary
- Pregnancy
- Using the drug levothyroxine
These are some of the most common conditions, diseases and disorders known to cause low TSH. When you are sure your TSH is low Your doctor may order different tests You may want to know exactly why this is the case. Once the cause of the condition is revealed, an appropriate treatment is applied.
How is low TSH treated?
In the treatment of low TSH, a similar method is followed as for high TSH. According to the TSH test results, it is definitely If low TSH is detected First, the situations that cause this are tried to be eliminated. Then drug treatment is started. Of course, different treatment methods can be followed depending on the cause of low TSH, your doctor will decide this.
What happens if high or low TSH is not treated?
Thyroid hormones are extremely important for the proper functioning of our body, even if we are not aware of it. Because When you experience one or more of the symptoms above You should definitely go to a specialist physician and get examined and have your TSH high or low, if any, detected.
High or low TSH does not have rapid effects in the short term, but you will immediately feel the change in your metabolic rate. In the following period heart rhythm disturbance and heart failure may occur and cause sudden death.
One of the most important thyroid hormones in our body What is high and low TSH, what are its symptoms and causes? We answered frequently asked questions such as: What we say is for informational purposes only. As with all health issues, there is also information about TSH. Remember that you should get the most accurate and personalized information from a specialist physician..