How to Increase TSH

TSH, short for thyroid stimulating hormone, is produced by the pituitary gland and is necessary to regulate the thyroid. Those with low TSH can experience exhaustion, lethargy, weight gain, poor appetite, digestive issues, headache and other issues. You can raise TSH levels with medication, as well as with some natural changes to your lifestyle and diet. With a combination of healthy living and proper medical care, raising TSH levels becomes fairly easy, allowing you to go on to live a normal life.

Things You'll Need

• Soy-based foods
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Thyroid medication
• Doctor supervision

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Instructions

How to Increase TSH

• 1

  Monitor your diet for foods that may suppress your thyroid function. This includes foods that are made with iodine. You can get a complete list of foods to avoid by discussing diet with your doctor.

• 2

  Eat cruciferous (flowering) vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli or cauliflower, which can elevate TSH levels naturally. You can also work soy-based foods and soy milk into your diet, which will increase estrogen levels.

• 3

  Evaluate any medications you may currently be on that may interact negatively with your thyroid. Many medications can cause TSH levels to drop when the body's production level remains normal otherwise. If you can discontinue thyroid-hindering medications, consider doing so.

• 4

  Talk to your doctor about medication such as levothyroxine sodium: commonly prescribed for people who need a boost of TSH. Take this medication consistently (according to your doctor's recommendation), and you should see an increase of TSH levels.

• 5

  Get regular blood work done to keep up on your TSH. You should get your blood drawn every 6 months, and then eventually annually if you remain on medication or an altered diet for some time. Talk to your doctor for specifications.