High TSH Symptoms

The anterior pituitary gland releases TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone which triggers the release of T3 and T4, the thyroid gland hormones. Thyroid gland plays an important role in maintaining the overall health of an individual. TSH levels are inversely proportional to thyroid hormone levels. When an overactive thyroid starts producing too much of T3 and T4 (condition known as hyperthyroidism), less TSH is released by the anterior pituitary gland. Similarly, increased TSH levels are noticed when there is scarcity of T3 and T4. High levels of TSH indicate an under-active thyroid. The condition is referred to as hypothyroidism.

TSH Levels

• TSH less than 0.3 (mIU/L): Hyperthyroidism.
• TSH 0.3-3.0 (mIU/L): Normal Levels
• TSH more than 3.0 (mIU/L): Hypothyroidism.

0.3-3.0 is the normal value of TSH, revised in 2003 by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. But many labs or doctors still refer to the old value 0.4 to 6 as the normal one. So, while checking the TSH test reports, check the normal value and then interpret the results accordingly.

Symptoms of High TSH Levels

In Adults
As explained above, elevated TSH levels indicate hypothyroidism. An under-active thyroid can create a number of problems and can exhibit symptoms like:

• Excessive weakness, constant fatigue
• Hair loss, thin hair
• Difficulty waking up
• Difficulty losing weight or weight gain
• Dry, rough hair and skin
• Intolerance to cold
• A pale or yellowish skin
• Brittle nails
• Constipation
• Increased irritability, depression
• Severe mood swings
• Abnormal menstruation
• Hypotonia, a muscle disorder
• Decreased sex drive
• Memory loss

In Children
Most of the above symptoms are noticed in small or older children diagnosed with increased TSH. Besides, some of the following symptoms can be noticed:

• Herniated belly button
• Hoarse crying
• Poor muscle tone
• Lethargy
• Enlarged thyroid, swollen neck
• Cold hands and feet (low body temperature)
• Lack of appetite
• Puffy face
• Slow pulse rate
• Frequent choking
• Enlarged and swollen tongue
• Delayed development of permanent teeth
• Poor mental development
• Short stature due to poor growth

The Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH), produced by the hypothalamus controls TSH production. A simple blood test helps measure TSH values. Normal TSH levels in infants and children are higher than that noticed in adults. Thyroid hormone resistance or benign tumor in the pituitary gland (adenoma) can also lead to high levels of TSH in blood. The symptoms of high TSH levels may vary according to the cause. Women with under-active thyroid may suffer from infertility or miscarriages.

Deficiency of thyroid hormones can be corrected with the help of hormone replacement therapy. Administration of synthetic hormones help increase the level of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. The children or adults, diagnosed with under-active thyroid are expected to take the medicines for the rest of the life. Prompt treatment and proper medicines ensure normal growth and development of the child. High TSH levels during pregnancy can result in several health complications and can hamper the growth of the fetus.

Knowing the high TSH symptoms is essential as these symptoms can be noticed in any person of any age. Use of synthetic hormones like Levoxyl, Levothroid and Unithroid helps bring down the TSH levels to normal value. Deficiency of iodine in the diet can also lead to high TSH levels. A balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining hormonal balance. Regular blood tests help know the effectiveness of the treatment.