Abnormal TSH Levels

The thyroid gland in our body is located in the neck, below the Adam's apple. This gland is a major part of our endocrine system, and it regulates the speed of energy usage by the body, creates proteins, and even controls the responsive and sensitive behavior of the body towards other hormones.

Now, this gland, in turn, is controlled by the pituitary gland through its thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This hormone, released by pituitary gland, tells the thyroid to release more thyroid hormone, necessary for normal growth rate, metabolism, and functions of other systems of the body.

Any problems, or rise or reduction in the TSH levels, has a direct impact on the functioning of the thyroid. Therefore, let us check what these abnormal levels mean.

As mentioned earlier, abnormal levels mean that either the release of TSH is either low or high. The TSH level in the blood is checked by a blood test. The normal level is 0.4 - 4.0 mIU/L for adults. As with any other blood test, this can vary slightly with particular lab conditions.

It also depends on the level of the thyroid hormone, called T3 and T4 in the blood. The results of thyroid stimulating hormone levels have to be interpreted in conjunction with the thyroid levels. Anything above or below the prescribed normal level qualifies to be concluded as abnormal levels of TSH.

Symptoms of High Levels

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty waking up
• Difficulty in losing or gaining weight
• Roughening of the hair and skin
• Hair loss
• A pale or yellow tinge to the skin
• Brittle nails
• Intolerance to cold
• Constipation
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Abnormal menstruation
• Decreased sex drive
• Memory loss

In addition to this, hypotonia, a muscle disorder can be a symptom of hypothyroidism. In pregnancy, if these abnormal levels are not taken care of, it can cause complications during pregnancy as well as birth defects to the baby. Elevated levels of TSH may also mean that there could be thyroid hormone resistance, primary hypothyroidism, or exposure to mice (common among lab workers and veterinarians). It can also indicate problems, like, TSH dependent hyperthyroidism or congenital hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of Low Levels

• Excessive sweating
• Heat sensitivity
• Sudden weight loss
• Tremors
• Sleep related problems
• Anxiety
• Nervousness

Sometimes, abnormal levels are checked in relation to a thyroid anti-body test.

For increased thyroid stimulating hormone levels, there are certain treatment options available. Obviously, the treatment will be determined on the basis of lab results as well as the overall symptoms and indicators. However, a general course of treatment involves anti-thyroid medications to regulate the thyroid levels. These medications are intended towards preventing the thyroid gland from producing excess hormones. Prescription of radioactive iodine treatment is also one of the options.

Alternative and holistic healing methods like Ayurveda can also be considered. The last and final resort, in cases where the patient does not respond to the aforementioned treatment methods, is a surgery, called thyroidectomy. As far as low TSH levels are concerned, anti-thyroid medications lead to a slow decrease in thyroid hormones, which in turn, leads to higher TSH levels. Surgery, again is the last resort in this case too.

Eventually, the medications and treatment will be decided by the person's general medical history and the graveness of the problem. Sometimes, it may happen that people, who have no symptoms of an underactive thyroid, and have a TSH value over 2.0 mIU/L, but normal T4 levels, may develop hypothyroidism later.