Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Damaris Vega, MD. Dr. Damaris Vega is a board certified Endocrinologist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico with a BS in General Science and subsequently earned an MD from the Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, PR. During medical school, Dr. Vega served as president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and was selected as her school's representative for the American Association of Medical Colleges. She then completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, Mineral, and Metabolism at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Vega has been recognized for excellent patient care multiple times by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and received the Patients' Choice Award in 2008, 2009, and 2015. She is a fellow of the American College of Clinical Endocrinologists and is an active member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society. Dr. Vega is also the founder and CEO of Houston Endocrinology Center as well as a principal investigator for multiple clinical trials at Juno Research, LLC.
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Having high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is an indication of an underactive thyroid, a condition known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid does not produce enough of certain hormones your body uses to control important metabolic, or chemical, processes throughout your body. Hypothyroidism can cause fatigue, depression, weight gain, and a lack of appetite. If untreated, it can lead to obesity, infertility, heart disease, and joint pain.[1] If you have hypothyroidism, you may want to lower your TSH levels so you can lessen the symptoms of your condition. You can take thyroid medication to treat high TSH levels. You can also make dietary and lifestyle changes to address your hypothyroidism.
Steps
Maintain a diet rich in Vitamin B and iodine. Have a diet rich in healthy sources of protein like tofu, chicken, and beans as well as Vitamin B rich foods like whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Add a good balance of fruits and vegetables to your diet, specifically sea vegetables, as they are rich in iodine. Foods high in natural iodine are good for your thyroid.[2]- You could try having sea vegetables like kelp, nori, and kombu at least once a day. Sprinkle kelp over your salads or soups for added iodine. Add kombu to your beans or meat. Wrap foods in nori.
- Add nuts and seeds to stir fries, quinoa, and salads.
Exercise regularly.[3] Exercise can help boost your metabolism and counteract some of the side effects of an underactive thyroid, such as fatigue, depression and weight gain. Go for regular runs or bike rides. Join a gym and take workout classes. Make it a habit to be active for at least 30 minutes a day.[4]- You can also try taking a yoga class to help you stay active and to reduce your stress levels. Look for yoga classes at your local gym or yoga studio.
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Get enough Vitamin D every day. Aim to get at least 20 to 30 minutes of sun exposure in the early morning or the evening. Expose your arms, legs, and face to the sun. Low vitamin D levels have been found to be associated with hypothyroidism. Bringing those levels up may improve your symptoms of hypothyroidism.[5]- If you live in an area that gets very little direct sunlight, especially during the winter months, speak to your doctor about taking Vitamin D supplements.
Reduce stress and anxiety. Keep your stress and anxiety levels low to avoid agitating your thyroid. Do relaxing activities like painting, drawing, and knitting. Try doing a hobby you enjoy to release stress and anxiety. Working out can also be a good way to reduce your stress levels.[6]- You can also do deep breathing exercises to help reduce your stress levels or take a weekly yoga class.
Have your TSH levels tested. If you are exhibiting some of the effects of hypothyroidism, such as constipation, hoarseness, and fatigue, go to the doctor to discover for sure whether or not you have hypothyroidism. At the appointment, your doctor will do a blood test to find out if your thyroid is underactive.[7]
Ask your doctor for a prescription for thyroid medication. The most reliable way to lower your TSH levels due to hypothyroidism is to take a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine.[8] This drug is available by prescription from your doctor. It is an oral medication that restores your hormone levels and reverses the symptoms of hypothyroidism. You will need to take it once a day.- Once you begin taking medication, your symptoms should start to improve within 3-5 days. The medication should be fully effective in 4-6 weeks.[9]
- Always follow your doctor's instructions on dosage. Never take more than the recommended dose of the medication.
- Thyroid medication must be taken for life to maintain lower TSH levels, but luckily, it is relatively inexpensive. Your doctor will break down the exact costs for the medication.
Learn the side effects of the medication. If you have a dose that is too high and you get an excessive amount of the thyroid hormone, you can experience side effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage to fit your body's needs. You may also be prescribed a specific medication that your body doesn't respond well to. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to levothyroxine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.[10] Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:[11]- Fast or irregular heart rate
- Chest pain and/or difficulty breathing
- Fever, hot flashes, and/or excessive sweating
- Feeling unusually cold
- Weakness, tiredness, and/or sleep problems
- Memory problems, feeling depressed, or feeling irritable
- Muscle aches
- Dryness of skin, dryness of hair, or hair loss
- Changes in your menstrual periods
- Vomiting, diarrhea, appetite changes, and or weight changes[12]
Do not take certain supplements while on the medication. Iron and calcium supplements can affect your body's ability to absorb the medication. You should also avoid having medications that contain cholestyramine and aluminum hydroxide.[13]- Speak to your doctor if you are on other medications or supplements before you take thyroid medication.[14]
- Generally, thyroid medication is most effective when taken on an empty stomach about 30 minutes before eating.
Try “natural” thyroid medications with caution. “Natural” thyroid replacement medication comes from animal thyroids, usually pigs. You can buy it online as a food supplement. However, the medication is not purified and not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Avoid buying or taking any “natural” thyroid medication that is not prescribed or recommended by your doctor.[15]- You can be prescribed these “natural” alternative medication options in either extract or desiccated form.
- If you're interested in learning more, ask your doctor about Armour Thyroid, a natural thyroid extract that is available by prescription.[16]
Monitor your progress on the medication. Have regular check ins with your doctor to confirm your TSH levels are going down with the help of the medication. In some cases, your doctor may adjust your dosage after two to three months to ensure your body is getting enough of the hormone.[17]- After one to two months on the medication at the correct dose, your symptoms should improve and you should feel less tired. Your eating habits and weight should also improve.
Get your TSH levels tested every 6-12 months.[18] Arrange for an annual test with your doctor to ensure your TSH levels are where they should be. Your doctor should test your levels at least once a year to confirm the medication is working.[19]- You may need to get your levels tested more frequently if you're on a new dose of levothyroxine.[20]
- Taking thyroid hormone replacement medication is a lifelong requirement for people with hypothyroidism. Do not stop taking your medication if you start to feel better, as your symptoms will likely return.
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow do I keep TSH levels consistent?
Damaris Vega, MDDr. Damaris Vega is a board certified Endocrinologist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico with a BS in General Science and subsequently earned an MD from the Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, PR. During medical school, Dr. Vega served as president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and was selected as her school's representative for the American Association of Medical Colleges. She then completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, Mineral, and Metabolism at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Vega has been recognized for excellent patient care multiple times by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and received the Patients' Choice Award in 2008, 2009, and 2015. She is a fellow of the American College of Clinical Endocrinologists and is an active member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society. Dr. Vega is also the founder and CEO of Houston Endocrinology Center as well as a principal investigator for multiple clinical trials at Juno Research, LLC.
Board Certified EndocrinologistI recommend you talk to your doctor about medication. If you have hypothyroidism, they'll likely have you take thyroid medication daily to regulate your levels.
Video
Tips
References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12120-hypothyroidism
- ↑ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/
- ↑ Damaris Vega, MD. Board Certified Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9258892/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3921055/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/top-ways-to-reduce-daily-stress
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/tsh-thyroid-stimulating-hormone-test/
- ↑ Damaris Vega, MD. Board Certified Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
- ↑ https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/122393-treatment
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/levothyroxine.html
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682461.html
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/levothyroxine.html
- ↑ https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/surgery/endocrine-surgery/conditions-treated/thyroid/how-should-i-take-thyroid-hormone
- ↑ Damaris Vega, MD. Board Certified Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
- ↑ https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-hormone-treatment/
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/cdi/armour-thyroid.html
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539808/
- ↑ Damaris Vega, MD. Board Certified Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539808/
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/levothyroxine/
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Having high thyroid-stimulating hormone levels can lead to various health problems, but you can bring them down by making lifestyle changes and taking medication. Eat plenty of healthy proteins, like tofu, chicken, and beans, which are good for your thyroid. Food high in iodine also helps, so try adding kelp or nori to salads, or nuts to stir fries. Try to be active for 30 minutes a day, like going for a brisk walk or taking a bike ride. This will help combat some of the side effects of high TSH levels, like a slower metabolism and weight gain. You should also talk to your doctor about taking medication. Ask them to test your TSH levels to make sure they’re high. Then, request levothyroxine, which will reduce your TSH levels. You should see improvements in your symptoms within 3 to 5 days, but you’ll have to take thyroid medication for life to keep your TSH levels down. To learn more from our Medical co-author, including how to get more access to vitamin D, which can help boost your thyroid health, read on!
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