What happens when TSH level is high?

If your TSH levels are abnormally high, it could mean you have an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. That’s because it indicates your pituitary gland is producing more TSH in an effort to stimulate your thyroid to produce thyroid hormone, according to the Mayo Clinic.

What does a TSH level tell you?

A high TSH level indicates that the thyroid gland is not making enough thyroid hormone (primary hypothyroidism). On the other hand, a low TSH level usually indicates that the thyroid is producing too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism).

What are the reasons for high TSH levels?

Side effect of medication. The journal Medicina says that some types of medication can cause hypothyroidism along with its associated symptoms.

Issues with the pituitary gland. Although rare,problems with the pituitary gland’s function can affect TSH levels.

Pregnancy. TSH levels can fluctuate during pregnancy.

What are the long term side effects of high TSH levels?

High TSH levels can be a symptom of several diseases, including hypothyroidism and, more uncommonly, pituitary tumors, according to WebMD. Long-term untreated hypothyroidism can cause heart disease, obesity, goiter, pain and infertility, as stated by Mayo Clinic.

What medications cause elevated TSH levels?

Lithium therapy[21,22,23,24,25].

Opioids,including morphine,methadone,and buprenorphine[26,27,28,29,30].

Metyrapone (Metopirone),used to treat Cushing’s syndrome[31].

Arsenic[32].

Perchlorates found in rocket fuels[33].

Dopamine inhibitors (metoclopramide,domperidone,sulpiride,monoiodotyrosine)[34,35].

How to raise TSH levels naturally?

Talk to your doctor about decreasing or discontinuing any medications which may be affecting your thyroid.

Limit your intake of foods containing iodine and avoid supplements that contain this element.

Increase your estrogen levels by taking a soy isoflavone supplement or increasing the number of soy-based foods in your diet.