How do I Correct TSH Levels?

Levels of TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormones, may fall out of the normal range in the case of a thyroid disorder. There are two main types of thyroid disorders: hyperthryoidism, where TSH levels are above the normal range, and hypothyroidism, where TSH levels are below the normal range. Typically it is not possible to cure a thyroid disorder, but TSH levels can be corrected with treatment and medication.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor's appointments
• Regular blood tests
• Thyroid medication
• Radioactive iodine therapy (optional)
• Surgery (optional)

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Instructions

Treatments for Hyperthyroidism

• 1

  Hyperthyroidism, characterized by abnomally high levels of TSH, is normally treated with either methimazole or propylthiouracil (PTU), both antithyroid agents. Both types of drug block the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood and inhibit iodine from entering the thyroid gland and raising the levels of TSH. The dosage may vary according to the severity of the condition.

• 2

  Another effective but less common treatment for hypothyroidism is radioactive iodine therapy. In this treatment, the patient is administered a dose of radioactive iodine. Over several weeks following the treatment, the radioactive iodine is absorbed into the overactive thyroid cells, damaging them and, ideally, returning thyroid production to normal. Radioactive iodine therapy typically has a high success rate, but may be too effective in some cases, resulting in a case of hypothyroidism instead.

  Radioactive iodine therapy is not recommended for children, or for women who are pregnant, breast-feeding, or who may become pregnant within 6 months of treatment.

• 3

  Surgery is also used to treat cases of hyperthyroidism and return TSH levels to normal. For hyperthyroidism, a thyroidectomy may be performed, removing all or part of the thyroid gland. All overproducing areas of the thyroid gland must be removed for the surgery to be successful.

Treatments for Hypothyrodism

• 4

  Hypothyroidism, characterized by abnormally low levels of TSH, is typically treated with the medication Levothyroxine. Levothyroxine replaces depleted levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood. Once doctors and patients determine the correct dosage needed, thyroid function should return to normal.

• 5

  When taking levothyroxine, it is important to avoid substances that will interfere with its absorption. Minerals such as iron and calcium should not be consumed within four hours of taking levothyroxine.

  Other medications, such as birth control pills, may also effect the amount of medication needed to correct TSH levels in the blood.

• 6

  Thyroid medication is the only effective way to treat hypothyroidism. With hypothyroidism in particular, TSH levels should be monitored regularly to ensure the dosage is correct. Blood tests should be administered for 6 to 8 weeks after starting treatment, and once a year after TSH levels return to normal.