TSH is elevated in women - what this means is necessary to know in order not to miss a dangerous pathology. The concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone can vary due to problems both with the thyroid gland and due to dysfunction of the pituitary or hypothalamus. To determine the cause, you need to undergo a thorough examination, after making a diagnosis, you will need treatment.
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TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone - general characteristics
Thyroid-stimulating hormone is an active substance that is produced in the brain, and more precisely in the anterior pituitary gland - the adenohypophysis. What is the hormone TSH responsible for? It regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland and actively affects the metabolism. When the concentration of thyroid hormones - triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in the blood decreases, then the level of thyrotropin increases. In this way, TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more active substances. In the case when T3 and T4 in the blood becomes larger, the synthesis of thyroid stimulating hormone slows down, and, accordingly, the effect on the activity of the thyroid gland is reduced.
The effect of triiodothyronine and thyroxine on the functioning of the body:
- protein synthesis;
- regulation of gastrointestinal motility;
- the production of vitamin A;
- ensuring the energy balance of the body;
- influence on the growth, development and functioning of the nervous system;
- participation in the work of the heart and blood vessels;
- impact on the menstrual cycle;
- accelerated production of phospholipids and nucleic acids;
- ensure the release of iodine from blood cells and its entry into the thyroid gland.
The secretion of thyrotropin is regulated by specific nuclei of the hypothalamus, which are called neurosecretory. They collect information on the concentration of hormones in the blood and secrete a special substance that affects the functioning of the adenohypophysis, stimulating or slowing down the production of tropic hormones.
TSH hormone norm in women by age
During the development of the human body, the range of normal concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone changes.
| Age | The concentration of the hormone in the blood |
|---|---|
| 1 - 4 days | 1,0 - 39 |
| 2 to 20 weeks | 1,8 – 9,0 |
| 20 weeks - 5 years | 0,4 – 6,0 |
| 5-14 years old | 0,4 – 5,0 |
| 14 - 21 years old | 0,3 – 4,0 |
| 21 - 54 years old | 0,4 – 4,2 |
| Over 55 years old | 0,5 – 9,0 |
In addition, the TSH rate during pregnancy varies depending on the trimester. In the first 12 weeks, thyroid hyperstimulation occurs, since thyroxin is necessary for the physiological development of organs and systems of the fetus, respectively, the concentration of TSH decreases, but this is not a deviation. In the next three months, the amount of thyrotropin is kept within standard limits, and at the end of pregnancy may increase slightly.
| The period of bearing a child | Normal TSH in the blood |
|---|---|
| I trimester | 0,3 – 2,5 |
| II trimester | 0,5 – 4,6 |
| III trimester | 0,8 – 5,2 |
Also, the degree of saturation of the blood with thyroid-stimulating hormone varies depending on the time of day and night. Its greatest concentration is observed from 2 to 4 o’clock in the morning, and the smallest in the region of six in the evening. Thyrotropin is affected by bad habits, food intake, physical activity and emotional outbursts. Therefore, the analysis, which determines the amount of TSH in the blood, must be taken in the morning and on an empty stomach. On the eve, it is undesirable to drink alcohol and smoke tobacco, and if possible, physical activity and events that cause vivid emotions should be avoided.
Read also: TTG norm in women
Causes of increased thyroid stimulating hormone
Violation of the TSH hormone norm may indicate the pathology of various organs - the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and genetic diseases.
The most common causes of an increase in the concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood:
- neoplasms that are localized in the pituitary gland and prevent it from functioning properly;
- thyroid diseases, which lead to its hypofunction and a decrease in the production of T3 and T4, for example, hypothyroidism;
- Hashimoto thyroiditis - an autoimmune pathology characterized by persistent thyroid inflammation;
- postoperative period when removing the gallbladder;
- intoxication due to severe poisoning with a heavy metal - lead;
- excessive intake of products containing iodine;
- the inability of the adrenal glands to perform their functions in full;
- severe forms of late toxicosis during pregnancy;
- insensitivity of the adenohypophysis to the action of thyroid hormones, most often due to genetic abnormalities.
It is proved that some medications can affect the content of thyrotropin in the blood, significantly increasing it:
- antipsychotics;
- iodide;
- B-blockers;
- some glucocorticosteroids (prednisone).
Therefore, if the hormone TSH is increased after taking medication, you do not need to worry. You should be tested again when the effect of the drugs is over.
Symptoms and signs of increased TSH
The first time after a change in TSH levels, the patient will not make any complaints. Well-being for a long time remains satisfactory, but the symptoms do not appear.
With a prolonged increase in thyrotropin, signs of a decrease in the concentration of triiodothyronine and T4 begin to appear:
- weakness, poor health, decreased performance;
- difficulty maintaining attention, memory impairment, slowing of thought processes;
- increased irritability and sleep disturbance;
- the periodic occurrence of apathy to everything;
- decreased appetite, which in severe cases can completely disappear;
- digestive problems - nausea, constipation, vomiting.
When examining a patient, objective changes are noticeable:
- swelling of the skin throughout the body;
- pallor of the skin;
- a significant increase in body weight up to obesity;
- constantly lowered body temperature.
If you find such symptoms, you need to see a doctor - endocrinologist as soon as possible. The sooner it is possible to identify the cause and begin treatment, the greater the patient's chance of recovery without serious health consequences.
Ways to normalize hormone levels
Treatment for elevated TSH is prescribed by the doctor who examines and identifies the cause. If the problem is the pathology of the adenohypophysis and hypothalamus, then an adjustment is made to their functioning. In the case of tumor processes, removal of the neoplasm by surgical intervention is prescribed. But most often the cause of changes in thyrotropin is thyroid disease. Depending on the degree of damage, specialists resort to treatment with diet therapy or the appointment of replacement drugs. Alternative methods of lowering TSH levels can also be used.
Traditional treatments
If the thyrotropin levels are slightly overestimated, then you can get by with the appointment of a special diet and the rejection of strong physical and emotional stress. You also need to quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption to a minimum. It is important to monitor the use of medicines that may be prescribed in the future. Patients with elevated TSH are not recommended to use certain medications for treatment.
A significantly increased indicator of thyroid-stimulating hormone indicates a decrease in the concentration of T3 and thyroxine in the blood, which leads to hypothyroidism. Such patients need replacement therapy. They are prescribed synthetic analogues of thyroid hormones (L-thyroxine), which should be taken throughout life. It is important to understand that in such situations, drug-free treatment and the use of herbal preparations alone is unacceptable. Neglecting the recommendations of the attending physician can lead to serious consequences and even death.
Normalization of TSH at home
Some herbal preparations can affect the level of thyroid stimulating hormone, so they can be used simultaneously with the main therapy.
- Take parsley, gingerbread and the color of the dressing, mix the herbs well. The amount of each ingredient should be the same. In 200 ml of hot water, add a tablespoon of the mixture obtained from herbs. Put the broth in a water bath and stand for 10-15 minutes. After the time has expired, remove the composition from the bath and allow to cool, then strain it thoroughly with gauze. Dilute the liquid with boiled water to the original volume. Take a decoction three times a day for 1 large spoon. The course of treatment should not exceed 2-3 weeks.
- Squeeze fresh juice from beets, you need about 100 ml. Add 200 ml of high-quality vodka to it and set aside for two days, brew. Take 20-30 ml three times a day, washed down with boiled water. The duration of treatment is no more than 14 days.
Also, to reduce thyroid stimulating hormone, you can use plants such as yarrow, celandine, licorice, juniper and others.
Features during pregnancy
Especially dangerous is the increase in TSH during pregnancy. At the beginning of gestation, spontaneous abortion may occur, and in the end, premature detachment of the placenta and the death of the child. In addition, if the pregnant woman does not take replacement therapy, the risk of delaying the development of the fetus increases, as well as the occurrence of congenital hypothyroidism in him.
Complications and consequences
With timely diagnosis and the appointment of the correct treatment, patients recover without consequences for the body. In advanced cases, when hypothyroidism develops, medications are prescribed that replace thyroid hormones. Patients should drink such medicines all their lives.If you take the drug on time, then your health will remain normal, all body functions will be preserved.
