What Is the Treatment for High TSH Thyroid Levels?
Treatment for high TSH thyroid levels, also known as hypothyroidism, typically involves thyroid replacement medication such as levothyroxine or synthroid, which are synthetic thyroid hormones, according to Healthline. The oral medication restores hormone levels to reverse the symptoms and signs of an underactive thyroid, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Alternative treatment may include natural extracts of thyroid hormones that contain thyroxine and triiodothyronine, according to the Mayo Clinic. As of 2015, though, natural extracts have not been regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
High TSH levels can be caused by an underactive thyroid, an improper dosage of thyroid hormone or in rare cases, a pituitary gland tumor that is creating too much TSH, according to WebMD. Complications associated with an untreated case of hypothyroidism and high TSH levels can lead to joint pain, obesity, infertility and heart problems. Women who are pregnant and experiencing high TSH levels are at risk since the baby receives the thyroid hormone from the mother, especially within the first three months of pregnancy, according to WebMD.
Life-threatening conditions associated with hypothyroidism include myxedema, a severe condition where the individual has extremely low levels of hormone that can cause a loss of consciousness and the body temperature to drop, according to WebMD.
