What happens when TSH level is high?

An elevation in the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level indicates that the thyroid gland is not functioning properly. The TSH hormone controls the level of T3 and T4 hormones in the body, which in turn carry out various cell functions.
A high TSH level is often found in conditions that cause T3 and T4 levels to drop, causing the brain (pituitary gland) to compensate by increasing the serum TSH levels. This condition is called hypothyroidism.
What causes TSH level to rise?
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis: This is a condition in which your body begins to attack its thyroid gland through an autoimmune process, which results in long-term and potentially permanent damage to the thyroid gland over time.
- Iodine deficiency: Iodine is required for the production of the thyroid hormone in your body. Low iodine content in your diet will result in low circulating thyroid hormone in the serum. This may trigger a feedback loop that results in an increase in the TSH level from your pituitary.
- Obesity and metabolic damage: Obesity, weight gain, and metabolic damage can all potentially increase your TSH levels and lead to hypothyroidism. Women with polycystic ovarian disease are especially at risk.
- Stress and increased cortisol: A high TSH level may also be due to stress and increased cortisol levels. A high cortisol level is positively correlated with TSH levels in the serum. Cortisol is the stress hormone and is released in response to stressful situations.
- Thyroidectomy (partial or complete): Damage to or removal of your thyroid gland may increase TSH levels.
- Drugs: Lithium, metformin, and other drugs are known to cause thyroid dysfunction.
The normal range of TSH levels in non-pregnant adult women is 0.5 to 5.0 mIU/L. A TSH level higher than 5.0 usually indicates an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and a TSH level lower than 0.4 indicates the presence of excessive thyroid hormone and overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Abnormal TSH and thyroid hormone levels commonly indicate the following conditions:
Possible Conditions | Lab Results |
---|---|
Primary hypothyroidism | High TSH, low thyroid hormones |
Subclinical hypothyroidism | High TSH, normal thyroid hormones |
Primary hyperthyroidism | Low TSH, high thyroid hormones |
Subclinical hyperthyroidism | Low TSH, normal thyroid hormones |
Thyroiditis |
Low TSH, high thyroid hormone followed by high TSH, low thyroid hormone |
Pituitary disease | Low TSH, low thyroid hormones |
Early or mild hyperthyroidism | Low TSH, normal thyroid hormone level |
Symptoms and treatment of high TSH levels
Symptoms of high TSH levels
- Weight gain
- Decreased heart rate with an abnormal rhythm
- Decreased body temperature (feeling unusually cold)
- Reduced sweating
- Feeling irritable
- The feeling of lethargy, tiredness, or weakness
- Mood swings
- Constipation
- Puffiness around the eyes
- Osteoporosis (bone loss)
- Interrupted menstrual cycles
- Infertility
The standard reference range for the TSH level is anywhere between 0.30 and 5.0 uIU/mL. If your TSH level is higher than 5.0 uIU/mL, then the lab will flag you as “high,” and you may experience the symptoms listed above 5.0 uIU/mL. Values of a TSH level of more than 10.0 uIU/mL need long-term thyroid supplements.
Subclinical hypothyroidism is seen where TSH levels are between 5.0 and 10.0 uIU/mL but T4 levels are normal. This may need to be treated with supplements if it causes symptoms or if the woman is at present pregnant. Often subclinical hypothyroidism settles on its own with lifestyle changes, diet, and stress management.
Treatment for high TSH levels
- Using thyroid hormone T4 supplements will help reduce your TSH level due to the feedback loop that exists in your body.
- Treating the underlying cause. For example, iodine deficiency can be reversed if treated appropriately by adding sufficient iodine to your daily diet.
- In cases of stress, you may be able to improve your TSH level by reducing stress and lowering your cortisol levels through yoga and other relaxing activities.
- The use of supplements that contain both zinc and selenium may improve thyroid function in those with deficiencies in these minerals.

SLIDESHOW
Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, Medication See SlideshowWhat happens if TSH level is low?
Having low TSH levels means that your thyroid gland is producing thyroid hormones in excess, which is called hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the pituitary gland decreases the amount of TSH it secretes to offset the high amount of thyroid hormones (namely, thyroxine and triiodothyronine) in your body.
Causes of low TSH levels
- Too much thyroid hormone production (endogenous hyperthyroidism): The most common cause of overactive thyroid is a condition called Graves’ disease, which is hereditary (passed down in families). Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone.
- Too much or overdosage of thyroid medication (exogenous hyperthyroidism).
- Not enough production of TSH from the pituitary gland.
- Benign (non-cancer) tumors of the thyroid (called thyroid nodules) or pituitary gland.
- Too much iodine in the body can be caused by taking iodine supplements such as kelp or seaweed.
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland may be caused by a virus or a problem with the immune system.
- Some medications, such as lithium or amiodarone, can cause an overactive thyroid.
Health News
- Opdivo Could Boost Outcomes for People Battling Hodgkin Lymphoma
- More U.S. Kids, Teens Are Getting Weight-Loss Surgeries
- Could a Nitroglycerin Patch Ease Hot Flashes?
- One Form of Menopause Hormone Therapy Might Raise Blood Pressure
- Targeted Drug May Lower Odds for Breast Cancer's Return in Some Patients
More Health News »
Symptoms and treatment of low TSH levels
Symptoms of low TSH levels
- General:
- Fatigue, nervousness, restlessness, and weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Sensitivity to heat
- Sweating in higher temperature
- Skin:
- Heart and lungs:
- Pounding or racing heart
- Atrial fibrillation, which is an abnormal heart rhythm
- Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disorder) can lead to heart failure
- Digestive system:
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss despite eating more than usual, caused by a revved-up metabolism
- Decreased appetite (may be seen in elderly people)
- Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can cause difficulty swallowing if big enough
- More frequent bowel movements
- Personality and thinking:
- Depression due to hormone fluctuations
- Confusion, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems
- Insomnia (lack of sleep), anxiety, and irritability
Treatment of low TSH levels
Treatment depends on the patient’s age, the type of overactive thyroid that they have, the severity of the condition, and other medical conditions that may be affecting the patient’s health.
Possible treatments for overactive thyroid include:
- Medications:
- Beta-blockers such as propranolol or metoprolol: Relieve symptoms such as shaking or tremors and fast heartbeat. These medicines are given for a short time and can help alleviate symptoms while treatment is being decided.
- Antithyroid medications such as carbimazole: Helps to reduce the amount of thyroid hormone that is produced by the glands.
- Radioactive iodine therapy:
- Involves taking a drink or swallowing a capsule, which contains radioactive iodine.
- Damages the cells that produce the thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland.
- Surgery:
- Involves a procedure in which all or part of the thyroid gland is removed.
- Often the last resort is considered if all other therapies and medication have not worked. People often consider surgery if they are at a higher risk of experiencing side effects from other treatments.
- Surgery is a good option if the patient has a goiter that causes problems in the neck.
What are signs of high TSH levels in newborns?
The high TSH level can indicate your newborn may have congenital hypothyroidism. If it is not treated within 2 weeks, it can lead to the following symptoms in babies:
- Uninterested in taking breast or bottled milk: They may fall asleep while feeding because it becomes hard for them to stay awake.
- Often quiet and seldom cry: They may sleep for hours and need to be awakened for feeding. They may not respond to stimulation or cry as much as other babies.
- Poor growth and poor weight gain: At birth, babies with high TSH levels are as large as newborn infants, but gradually, they may start to lose weight.
- Slow heart rate and low blood pressure: Their hands and feet may be cold to the touch due to poor blood circulation.
- Jaundice: They may have yellowing of the skin that persists for quite some time. Their skin may also appear pale and blotchy.
Hypothyroidism can cause brain development delays, teething delays, milestone delays (due to weak muscles), and low intellectual ability. Timely intervention is therefore key.
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.
What are 7 causes of high TSH levels in newborns?

Congenital hypothyroidism is the most common cause of high levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in newborns.
If left untreated, congenital hypothyroidism can lead to prolonged neonatal jaundice, developmental delays, and mental retardation.
7 causes of high TSH levels in newborns
- Congenital hypothyroidism: Congenital hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to develop or function properly. In 80%-85% of cases, the thyroid gland is absent, severely reduced in size (hypoplastic), or abnormally located. Causes of congenital hypothyroidism may be the use of carbimazole, methimazole, and other antithyroid medications by the mother during pregnancy.
- Transient hypothyroidism: Transient hypothyroidism refers to a temporary deficiency of the thyroid hormone after birth (low T4 and elevated TSH levels), which corrects itself a few months after birth, during infancy.
- Congenital syndromes: Babies born with Pendred syndrome, Bamforth-Lazarus syndrome, and brain-lung-thyroid syndrome have hypothyroidism as part of the disease.
- Premature birth: In one study, babies born prematurely had the highest TSH levels, and those with severe illness were at the highest risk of abnormally elevated TSH levels. Diseases that may result in higher TSH levels include:
- Respiratory distress syndrome
- Persistent ductus arteriosus (heart defect caused by problems in the development of the heart)
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (severe gastrointestinal problems)
- Maternal thyroid disorders or maternal medications: Thyroid disease in the mother can cause thyroid suppression in her children. Untreated Graves’ disease in the mother is one of the major causes of high TSH levels in newborns. Certain medications taken by the mother during pregnancy can also elevate TSH levels in babies.
- Iodine deficiency: Iodine deficiency in the diet is a major cause of congenital or transient hypothyroidism in newborns in many developing countries.
- Errors: Errors in the thyroid screening procedure or incorrect normal result intervals for that particular age are less common causes of high TSH levels in newborns.
What are the complications of hypothyroidism if left untreated?
If hypothyroidism is left untreated or not treated properly, a life-threatening complication called myxedema can occur. Myxedema is considered a medical emergency that can also be triggered by a trauma, an infection, surgery, uncontrolled diabetes, pregnancy or labor, or going off thyroid medications.
Symptoms may include:
From 
Healthy Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Hypothyroidism: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12120-hypothyroidism
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/newborn/infant.shtm
https://cdn.mdedge.com/files/s3fs-public/Document/September-2017/5703JFP_CIs1.pdf
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/congenital-hypothyroidism/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20cause%20worldwide,of%20cases%20of%20congenital%20hypothyroidism.
Top What Happens If the TSH Level Is High? Related Articles
Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Thyroid
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid is used to obtain tissue for analysis. Fine-needle aspiration is also performed to treat thyroid cysts. The fine-needle aspiration biopsy procedure may be recommended to make the diagnosis and/or select therapy of a thyroid nodule. Fine needle aspiration biopsy may also be recommended to drain or shrink a thyroid cyst.Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is an excess of thyroid hormone due to an overactive thyroid gland. Symptoms can include increased heart rate, weight loss, heart palpitations, frequent bowel movements, depression, fatigue, fine or brittle hair, sleep problems, thinning skin, and irregular vaginal bleeding.
Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Many other health problems or taking excess thyroid hormone medication can cause an overactive thyroid gland. Treatment for the condition is with medication, radioactive iodine, thyroid surgery (rarely), or reducing the dose of thyroid hormone. No diet has been shown to treat hyperthyroidism or its symptoms and signs.
Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, Medication
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism? What causes hyperthyroidism? What happens when you take thyroid medication? Hyperthyroidism occurs when an overactive thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormone. Learn hyperthyroidism causes, symptoms, and treatment.Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Normally, the rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the brain by the pituitary gland. Hypothyroidism is a very common condition and the symptoms of hypothyroidism are often subtle but may include constipation, memory loss, hair loss, and depression. There are a variety of causes of hypothyroidism, and treatment depends on the cause.Thyroid Blood Tests
Thyroid blood tests determine the adequacy of the levels of thyroid hormones in in a patient. The blood tests can determine if the thyroid gland's hormone production is normal, overactive, or underactive. The level of thyroid hormones may help to diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The test may also point to other diseases of conditions of the thyroid gland.
Thyroid Disorders
There are several types of thyroid disorders including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiters, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. Symptoms vary by condition. Diagnosis is made with blood tests, scans, ultrasound, or biopsy. Treatments depend on the disorder and can include medication or surgery.Thyroid Peroxidase Test
The thyroid peroxidase test measures the level of an antibody that is directed against thyroid peroxidase (TPO). The presence of TPOAb in the blood reflects a prior attack by the body's immune system on thyroid tissue. A positive thyroid peroxidase test may signal chronic thyroiditis. Other autoimmune disorders, however, may have a positive TPOAb test.Illustrations of Thyroid
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck just below the Adams apple. See a picture of the Thyroid and learn more about the health topic.Your Thyroid: Common Thyroid Problems and Diseases Explained
Learn about thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, and more. Discover symptoms and treatments for various thyroid problems.Thyroid Quiz
Your unexplained change in weight could indicate a thyroid condition. Take the Thyroid Quiz to learn about common symptoms and treatments of overactive and underactive thyroid disorders.Thyroid Scan
Thyroid scanning is used to determine how active the thyroid is in manufacturing thyroid hormone. This can determine whether inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis) is present. It can also detect the presence and degree of overactivity of the gland (hyperthyroidism) or, conversely, it can determine the presence and degree of underactivity of the gland (hypothyroidism).Surprising Causes of Weight Gain
There are many reasons for sudden weight gain when there are no changes in diet or exercise. Learn to identify the cause of your sudden weight gain.What Does it Mean When Your TSH is High?
The thyroid needs TSH to regulate certain organ functions within the body. Learn what happens if TSH is high, how it is diagnosed, and how doctors treat it.What Does it Mean When Your TSH is Low?
Low TSH levels indicate a condition with your pituitary or thyroid glands. Learn what happens when TSH is low, how it is diagnosed, and how doctors treat it. High thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are associated with hypothyroidism, and one of the signs of hypothyroidism is weight gain.Normal, High, Low TSH Levels in a Woman
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. The pituitary gland secretes more TSH when blood levels of T4 and T3 fall below normal, and reduces the TSH secretion when T4 and T3 levels rise.