What causes an increase in thyroid stimulating hormone

Elevated thyroid stimulating hormone may be caused by hypothyroidism, pituitary lesions, iodine deficiency, drug effects, physiological changes during pregnancy, and other factors.

1. Hypothyroidism:

Primary hypothyroidism is the most common cause of elevated thyroid stimulating hormone. When thyroid hormone secretion is insufficient, the hypothalamic pituitary axis feedback regulation mechanism will promote the pituitary gland to secrete more thyroid stimulating hormone. Commonly seen in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid surgery, or radiation therapy, patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, chills, and weight gain. Diagnosis needs to be confirmed through thyroid function examination and antibody testing.

2. Pituitary disorders:

Pituitary adenomas or hypothalamic dysfunction may lead to abnormal secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone. Pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone tumors can spontaneously secrete excessive thyroid stimulating hormone, leading to central hyperthyroidism or thyroid enlargement. This type of situation requires pituitary MRI examination to confirm the diagnosis, and may require surgery or radiation therapy.

3. Iodine deficiency:

Long term insufficient iodine intake can affect thyroid hormone synthesis, and the body compensates by increasing thyroid stimulating hormone secretion to stimulate the thyroid gland. This situation is more common in iodine deficient areas and can be diagnosed through urine iodine testing and thyroid ultrasound assistance. Moderate iodine supplementation can often restore normal levels of thyroid stimulating hormone.

4. Drug effects:

Lithium preparations, amiodarone, and other drugs may interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis, leading to an increase in thyroid stimulating hormone reactivity. Similar situations may also occur when some anti thyroid drugs such as methimazole are overused. After discontinuing or adjusting the dosage, the indicators usually improve, and thyroid function should be monitored regularly during medication.

5. Changes during pregnancy:

Human chorionic gonadotropin can stimulate the thyroid gland in early pregnancy, and some pregnant women may experience transient elevation of thyroid stimulating hormone. This situation is mostly a physiological change and will recover on its own in the middle and late stages of pregnancy. However, sustained elevation may increase the risk of pregnancy, and intervention needs to be evaluated in conjunction with free T4 levels.

If elevated thyroid stimulating hormone is found, further examinations such as thyroid ultrasound and antibody testing should be conducted to determine the cause. It is necessary to maintain a balanced diet in daily life, consume iodine rich foods such as seaweed and seaweed in moderation, and avoid excessive consumption of cruciferous vegetables. Regular sleep patterns help maintain endocrine stability, and it is recommended to have thyroid function rechecked every 3-6 months. Pregnant women, elderly people and other special groups need to seek medical evaluation in a timely manner when their indicators are abnormal.