Elevated TSH and Symptoms
Elevated TSH
Since long time, Elevated THS has been a great problem for almost every aged people in the world. Here, we are going to know something more about it.
The thyroid is placed in the neck of human being and two different hormones are made by this gland, which help regulate the metabolism. These hormones are made by the thyroid in response to another hormone that is known as thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH. This TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. A person can have elevated TSH levels in the body. And several conditions are liable for this elevated TSH level.
TSH makes the responsible hormones T3 and T4, which are known for thyroid function. Whenever the thyroid stops functioning, TSH level increases since this time body tries the thyroids to produce hormones. And during this time, TSH level is increased which is also known as a feedback loop. Hypothyroid or underactive thyroid is considered in high blood levels of TSH. Six percent of men and ten percent of women older than 65-year-old face this problem acutely.
TSH is responsible for the most common disease hyperthyroidism according to the explanation of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders. The Master gland of the body, pituitary gland produces TSH to stimulate thyroid hormone secretion. Thyroid hormone inhibits the production of TSH by the master gland and then pituitary gland decrease the TSH production considering the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood. If thyroid hormone is adequate in amount there will be no secretion of TSH. When there will be a larceny of thyroid hormone in the circulation of blood the pituitary gland secrete the additional TSH in order to initiate the thyroid secretion. Hashimoto’s disease is the major causes for hyperthyroidism that is responsible for the attacking of thyroid gland by the immune system of the body. In case of low secretion of thyroid gland the glad can become inflamed. Medication can be a cause of low secretion of thyroid gland. There are a few people who have thyroids which don’t work properly and the doctors don’t understand the reason behind it.
Pituitary Adenoma
The pituitary gland makes the TSH. Pituitary adenomas are a type of brain cancer that is made by the hormone secretory cell. According to the explanation of Department of Neurosurgery at UCLA, growth hormone, adrenocorticotropin or prolactin releasing hormone are secreted from pituitary adenomas. Addition to thyroid hormone, pituitary adenoma also produces TSH. When thyroid level in the blood is in high level the pituitary adenoma continues the TSH secretion.
Thyroid Hormone Inhibitor
When the body does not respond to the thyroid hormone properly, this condition is commonly known as thyroid hormone resistance. The mutation, which is responsible for the genetic code for the thyroid hormone receptor, causes the resistance of thyroid hormone in most cases. When this hormone is unable to work properly the pituitary gland will act as if there is a low percentage of thyroid hormone in the blood although there are adequate amount of thyroid hormone. This is why the TSH level increases.
Integumentary Response
Higher level of TSH causes much problem in hair and skin due to the underactive thyroid. Skin will show many symptoms such as it will be thick, dry, pale and scaly. Due to deposition of carotene the palms and soles will become yellowish. Hair will be thin and become coarse and dry. It will also cause the puffiness of face and also the swelling around the eye, retention of fluid and higher weight. Dull expression of the face will make an uncomfortable situation and the eyelid may decrease. Nails will easily break and the enlargement of tongue may also be seen.
Mental Change
High level of TSH increases mental depression. The affected person may suffer different uncomfortable situation such as memory loss, face difficulty in processing information. Dementia and slowness in speech may also occur. In case of extremely low level of TSH life threatening situation like myxedema coma may occur.
Musculoskeletal Symptoms
Increasing level of TSH may cause muscle and joint disease such as joint aches, pain, stiffness and swelling. Weakness, tendon reflex loss, numbness and tingling are the common symptoms site that is caused by increased TSH level.
Systemic Symptoms
Underactive thyroid and cold sensitivity will cause systemic symptoms of high TSH due to low body temperature, fatigue and sluggishness. Seizures and coma can occur in case of myxedema coma.
Cardiopulmonary Symptoms
Low functioning of thyroid can increase TSH levels which in turn elevates the cholesterol level. The Mayo Clinic says that heart failure and enlargement can also occur in subclinical thyroid disease. Fluid can gather around lungs and heart rate may be slower than normal.
Gynecological Symptoms
Elevated TSH can also cause higher or no periods. Lack of ovulation may cause infertility.