Suggest Treatment For And Cause Of Elevated TSH Levels

Posted on Sat, 7 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 7 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a medical examination and was found I had sub clinical hypothyroidism, what are the causes, consequences and remedy? All other thyroid functions are normal but TSH is highly elevated.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No treatment required

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Sub clinical hypothyroidism does not require treatment if the patient is not symptomatic. Most often it is Hashimoto thyroiditis which causes hypothyroidism and sometime in hilly region iodine deficiency ( very rare these days). The remedy is to give levothyroxine.

I recommend that you check your thyroid status once every year and watch out for symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, loss of hair, loss of memory and lethargy.

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (18 hours later)

Thanks for this however I have weight gain issues which is one of the symptoms.

Thanks for your answer. However I have the symptom of weight gain which is really bothering me. What can be done?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back, I am sorry for the short delay in my reply I was on call at my hospital.

Here is what you should do
1. There are two schools of thought when one has sub clinical hypothyroidism with weigh gain issues. (i) to treat it with minimum dose of levothyroxine as this causes weight loss (ii) life style modification to cut down weight. I usually give a small dose of levothyroxine
2. Make sure your food is not rich in sugars and carbs
3. Cut down fat containing food like fries, bacon, etc
4. Add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet
5. Exercise for atleast 45 min a day. Cardio exercises like running, joggin, swimming are the best
6. Keep a healthy targer of about 2 kilos a month
7. Do not crash diet
8. Always remember, healthy eating and living should become a habit and not a one time event

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (16 hours later)

Ito 50mg levothyroxine. How many tablets should I take a day?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Too high

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I wouldn't advice 50mcg Levothyroxine, it's too high a dose . I would recommend not more than 12.5 mcg once a day. Levothyroxine is taken once a day

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj