What Is Considered a Dangerously High TSH Level?

What Is a Dangerously High Level of TSH?

There is no single number that is considered a dangerous TSH level; however, healthcare professionals generally become increasingly concerned when TSH is 20 mIU/L or higher and free T4 is below the normal reference range. Symptoms may become very severe.

Why Can High TSH Be Dangerous?

Actively untreated hypothyroidism can affect every organ system. Complications related to untreated hypothyroidism can include:

• Weight gain
• Oedema (fluid accumulation)
• Heart disease
• Depression
• Memory Loss
• High cholesterol
• Infertility
• Nerve damage
• Low body temperature

In extreme cases, untreated hypothyroidism can progress into a rare and potentially life-threatening condition called myxedema coma.

Causes of Extremely High TSH Levels

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid. It is the leading cause of hypothyroidism due to the body’s own defence system attacking the thyroid gland.
• Those who are prescribed thyroid hormone replacement therapy may see a significant jump in their TSH levels upon stopping their medication suddenly.
• When the thyroid is surgically removed - either partially or fully - there is a decrease in the amount of hormones secreted by the thyroid. As a result, people who have had their thyroid removed might need to take medication for the rest of their lives.
• If someone has hyperthyroidism or has thyroid cancer, a common course of treatment will be radioactive iodine therapy, which significantly impairs the thyroid, and there will be an eventual need for continued medication.
• Certain medications used to treat cancer may affect thyroid function.
• Some people are born with a thyroid abnormality, which may lead to elevated TSH levels.

Treatment for Dangerously High TSH Levels

Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

• Thyroid hormone replacement is typically used for the treatment of hypothyroidism.
• Individuals in whom TSH is elevated due to autoimmune disease, medications, or iodine deficiency must also be treated for those conditions.

Tips On Lifestyle Modifications to Assist with Thyroid Health

While lifestyle modification does not replace medicinal treatment for someone with high TSH, people can get other benefits. Helpful tips to support thyroid health include:

• Take medication as prescribed by your physician
• Eat a healthy diet that is adequate in iodine
• Eat foods high in selenium (i.e., Brazil nuts, eggs, fish)
• Manage Stress (Yoga, Meditation, Leisure Activities)
• Get adequate amounts of sleep each night (7-8 hours)
• Do not take calcium or iron supplements within four hours of taking your thyroid medication unless advised to do so by your physician

When to See the Doctor for Help?

The physician should be contacted if you develop one of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight gain
• Intolerance to cold hair loss
• Depression
• Swelling of extremities
• Constipation (lasting over several weeks)

If you develop one of the following signs, get to the ER immediately:

• Confusion
• Severe weakness
• Difficulties breathing
• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Very low body temperature

Conclusion

The severe form of hypothyroid disease can only be treated with hormone replacement therapy. The response to thyroid hormone replacement therapy is usually good. Timely treatment and management of hypothyroid disease can prevent complications.