What Causes a TSH Level To Be High? Uncovering the Hidden Culprits

Table of Contents

#1: Hashimoto’s Disease



The most common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) in the United States is Hashimoto’s Disease. 

Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disorder that produces antibodies that mistakenly attack the thyroid gland. The thyroid’s hormone-producing cells become inflamed and damaged. 

As a result, the thyroid doesn’t produce the amount of T3 and T4 that your body needs to function properly. With fewer hormones in your bloodstream, your pituitary gland is signaled to release more TSH. 

When the TSH hormone reaches the thyroid gland, the thyroid gland can’t handle the increased TSH efficiently, causing it to build up in the bloodstream and elevate the TSH levels in your body. 

Iodine is an essential nutrient that your body utilizes to produce thyroid hormones. When the body doesn’t have enough iodine, it can’t produce the right amounts of T3 and T4. 

In turn, the pituitary gland releases more TSH to signal to the body that it needs more T3 and T4. The thyroid gland is constantly being stimulated by high TSH levels in the bloodstream, which may result in the enlargement of the thyroid gland into a goiter.

In the case of severe iodine deficiency, hypothyroidism may develop. 



Hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency negatively affects the body, especially brain development in infants and children. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young babies are most susceptible to iodine deficiency because more of this nutrient is needed in these stages of life. 

Medications can indirectly affect TSH levels because they can interfere with thyroid hormone production, absorption, or metabolism due to the ingredients they contain.

Some medications that may affect TSH levels include: 

• Lithium: Used to treat bipolar disorder, it interferes with the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones, which can trigger the body to produce more TSH. 
• Amiodarone: This heart medication contains high levels of iodine, which interferes with thyroid hormone production, elevating TSH levels in the body. 
• Calcium, antacids, and iron supplements: These supplements are known to bind to the thyroid hormones as they are digested in the gut, keeping the hormones from being absorbed and, in turn, increasing TSH levels. 
• Carbamazepine and phenytoin: These anti-seizure medications can cause the thyroid hormones to be used by the body’s cells at a much faster metabolic rate, which can cause the body to produce more TSH and increase TSH levels in your blood.
   

Some medications can cause an increase in TSH upon initial use that may level out after the medication has been taken over time, while others may continue to cause TSH disruptions. 

Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of the thyroid gland. A person may need their thyroid partially or fully removed due to: 

• A cancer diagnosis 
• Large nodules
• Cysts
• Biopsy to determine cancer
• Hyperthyroidism
  
  

When the thyroid gland is absent in the body, it cannot produce the T3 and T4 thyroid hormones needed to regulate many body functions. 

To compensate for the lack of T3 and T4 in the bloodstream, the pituitary gland signals an overproduction of TSH and elevated TSH levels. 

Pregnancy hormones affect TSH levels in women. In early pregnancy, HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone produced during pregnancy, can suppress TSH levels temporarily. 

As the pregnancy progresses, the demand for thyroid hormones increases because of the developing fetus. 

Estrogen also increases the production of a protein called TBG that binds to the thyroid hormones, which increases the total levels of T3 and T4 in the blood. In turn, TSH may increase as well to meet the demand. 

Pituitary disorders are less common than other factors that increase TSH levels. 

In rare cases, a person may have a TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma (usually 1 or 2 cases per million). This is a tumor that is typically benign and produces excessive TSH. The overproduction of TSH leads to hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

A TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma may be difficult to identify because it has symptoms that are similar to primary hyperthyroidism. Blood tests and MRIs or CT scans may help identify the adenoma. 

Symptoms of a TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma include: 

• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability 
• Nervousness 
• Increased perspiration 
• Rapid heart rate 
• Brittle hair 
• Thinning skin 
• Muscle weakness 

In some cases, people may have a rare genetic condition called familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA). This is a hereditary condition in which a person is more prone to developing pituitary tumors, some of which may secrete TSH. 

There is a direct link between obesity and TSH levels. 

Overeating can cause thyroid dysfunction over time because it leads to an increase in T3 levels and, in turn, TSH. It is the body’s response to metabolic changes as it tries to regulate energy balance and metabolism when someone carries excess weight. 

Being severely overweight can also increase TSH levels. Obesity causes higher levels of leptin in the body. Leptin is a hormone that helps regulate body weight and tells your brain that you have had enough to eat.

Leptin may also stimulate the release of TRH in the body, which signals to the pituitary gland to release more TSH, increasing TSH levels in the blood. 

It is normal for TSH levels to increase as you get older. 

In some cases, as you age, your pituitary gland may become less sensitive to thyroid hormones. Even if your body is producing regular amounts of T3 and T4, your body may need to release more TSH to stimulate the thyroid gland, increasing your TSH levels. 

In other cases, your body may simply not produce enough T3 and T4, triggering your body to produce more TSH to compensate. 

Due to the natural increase in TSH levels, the older population has higher cases of misdiagnosed hypothyroidism. This can lead to unnecessary treatment. 



The normal TSH range is from 0.4-4 mU/L for adults, while for older adults, a normal range of 0.5-5.5 mU/L is more accurate. 

High TSH levels can affect nearly every part of your body by slowing down your body’s functions. Effects of high TSH include: 

• Fatigue and low energy
• Weight gain
• Cold sensitivity 
• Cognitive issues 
• Cardiovascular effects 
• Menstrual irregularities 
• Skin and hair changes 
• Muscle and joint problems 

Thyroid problems can be treated, but if left untreated, they can cause serious issues — including heart problems, nerve damage, and infertility. 



Dr. Sergi of HealthierU offers a holistic nutritional approach to thyroid health. Her decades of experience and desire to help people solve their health problems in a natural, non-toxic way help put you on the path to resolving your thyroid issues. 

In some cases, higher than normal TSH levels are a sign of disease, but not always. 

Your body can experience temporary TSH fluctuations due to illness. Acute illnesses (short-term conditions with a rapid onset that resolve within weeks or months) can put abnormal stress on the endocrine system, which suppresses TSH levels. Your pituitary gland reacts and is triggered to produce more TSH. When your body recovers from the illness, your TSH levels will be regulated.

In other cases, your TSH levels may be affected by the medications you are taking. Medicines or supplements containing iodine, certain cancer medications, some anti-seizure medications, etc, may cause TSH levels to increase.



Human error during lab draws can also lead to falsely high TSH levels. For example, if a blood test isn’t timed correctly, TSH levels could be incorrectly elevated. TSH levels tend to be higher in the morning after overnight fasting. 

Fiber, fiber, fiber! Adding fiber-rich foods to your diet can help reduce the likelihood of constipation by improving stool density and softness. Be sure to consume the recommended amount for your body to utilize the benefits fiber offers to your digestive health.

The daily recommendation for  adequate fiber intake is as follows:

• 38 grams for men under 50
• 30 grams for men over 50
• 25 grams for women under 50
• 21 grams for women over 50
  
  

Foods to add to your diet to increase fiber intake include:

• Whole grains
• Fruits
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Blackberries
  
  
• Vegetables
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Sweet Potato
• Leafy greens
  
  
• Beans, peas, and legumes
• Nuts and seeds
  
  

If you haven’t seen improvements in your bowel movements by adding dietary fiber to your diet, consider taking fiber supplements such as psyllium or methylcellulose. 

Along with eating more high-fiber foods, increasing your water intake, and avoiding processed foods such as sugars and refined starches can decrease the chances of constipation. Processed foods that are low in fiber may contain more refined sugars and fat, which take longer to digest, possibly leading to constipation. 

Many factors play into how much water an individual needs. It’s recommended that, on average, men need at least 15.5 cups of water a day, while women should drink at least 11.5 cups a day. Staying hydrated helps move waste more easily through the digestive tract, softens stool, and promotes regular bowel movements.

If you want to improve your diet but don’t know where to start, reach out to HealthierU to request a nutrition consultation today. Our custom-designed programs are tailored to your hypothyroidism dietary needs.



Physical activity can help engage the digestive system and promote bowel movements. A study shows that moderate to high levels of exercise significantly reduce the risk of constipation. Aerobic exercises can increase blood flow to the gut and stimulate bowel contractions to help move waste through the colon faster.

Exercises that may help people with hypothyroidism include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Dancing
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Strength training

Stress is known to cause bowel dysmotility as a result of the body’s stress response hormones. When the hormones cortisol and epinephrine are released, they divert blood and energy from the digestive system and direct it towards the heart and brain. The lack of blood flow slows down the intestines and may lead to constipation.

Stress-reducing methods might include:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Therapy
• Exercise
• Getting adequate sleep
  
  

Retraining your bowels may help regulate your bowel movements. 

Steps to achieve bowel retraining include:

1. Establish a consistent meal and bowel movement routine. Plan to attempt a bowel movement 20 to 40 minutes after you eat.
2. Sit comfortably and relax on the toilet for 10 to 15 minutes to see if you can pass a bowel movement.
3. Avoid straining as it can hinder the retraining process.
4. If you cannot successfully pass stool, stick to your schedule and try again.

Taking an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative can help soften stool and promote movement through the digestive system — finishing with a successful bowel movement.

Several types of OTC laxatives may help with constipation. Before choosing a laxative, talk with your doctor about which type to use.

Types of laxatives include:

• Bulking agents – Make stools bigger, which helps activate the colon to push the stool out
• Lubricants – Coat your colon to make it slippery and prevent water absorption, helping your stool stay soft
• Osmotic agents – Take water from your body and send it to your colon to soften your stool
• Stool softeners – Increase the water and fat in your stool, making it softer
• Stimulants – Stimulate the contraction and relaxation of the intestines, promoting the movement of stool so it can clear out faster

Symptoms of high TSH can also be symptoms of other common conditions, so to determine the cause, you should talk to your healthcare provider. Your provider will consider all of your symptoms and possible causes, and complete blood work and other necessary tests to diagnose your condition. 

If your symptoms are the result of high TSH, your provider can discuss treatment options with you. 



At HealthierU, our specialists in women’s health, wellness, and nutrition can determine the cause of symptoms and address them without traditional medications. Request a nutrition consultation today

At HealthierU, we are committed to helping you get to the root of the symptoms you are experiencing. Rather than treating those symptoms on the surface, we want to find a plan to eliminate the symptoms from your life. 

We offer a holistic approach to healing focused on your health concerns and goals. 

Lifestyle and dietary changes, along with our whole food concentrates, can get you on the path to healing and work on eliminating the symptoms without fear of return. 



Call today to set up a consultation!