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What Causes Elevated TSH Levels?
I recently had a physical and was told that my hTSH was high, 6.050 which the report said could indicate hypothyroidism. My T4 Free was .82 and my T3 Free was 3.04. I have read that the T3 levels are normally quite a bit lower than the T4 which is not my case. I also don t understand how having more hTSH in my case almost twice as much as it should be) would cause your thyroid to be underactive since it would seem that the more hormones you have the better that organ should work. Can you give me some clarity on this, should I be concerned about this.
Tue, 16 Oct 2018
Hi,
TSH is thyroid stimulating hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. It's function is to stimulate thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones - T3 and T4.
When the thyroid gland doesn't respond to the normal levels of TSH to secrete thyroid hormones, pituitary gland starts to produce more TSH presuming that the hormone secreted by it is not enough to stimulate the thyroid gland. Hence, TSH levels increase, which is termed as primary hypothyroidism.
Your values are indicating a similar situation. Hence, kindly seek medical attention promptly and take proper treatment for the same.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ashakiran S,
General & Family Physician
TSH is thyroid stimulating hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. It's function is to stimulate thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones - T3 and T4.
When the thyroid gland doesn't respond to the normal levels of TSH to secrete thyroid hormones, pituitary gland starts to produce more TSH presuming that the hormone secreted by it is not enough to stimulate the thyroid gland. Hence, TSH levels increase, which is termed as primary hypothyroidism.
Your values are indicating a similar situation. Hence, kindly seek medical attention promptly and take proper treatment for the same.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ashakiran S,
General & Family Physician
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