Brief Answer:
Possible causes of rising TSH

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
Radiation treatment to the neck destroys the thyroid cells gradually. It is likely that a portion of the thyroid cells were functioning earlier. But eventually the remaining functioning thyroid cells die and your requirement of levothyroxine ( synthroid) increases. When the requirement of levothyroxine increases, TSH tend to rise.

Other possibilities of rising TSH are,

1) Increase in body weight. ( have you put on weight recently).

2) Mal absorption of synthroid ( Helicobacter Pylori infection and Celiac disease are common cause).

3) Your synthroid tablet is not stored properly ( heat , moisture or sunlight exposure) and hence the tablets are losing potency.

4) You may be on antacids , other acidity pills, calcium or iron tablets which are taken along with synthroid tablet.

Do you think any of the above is possible in your case? What is your current body weight in kilograms. Would appreciate a reply.

Regards
Binu

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Brief Answer:
Stress can cause TSH to flcutuate

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the reply. If you weigh 77 kilos, your approximate requirement of Synthroid per day is 123 mcg. However, sometimes, stomach doesn't absorb well or the tissues are resistant to levothyroxine, the TSH can start rising which necessitate an up titration of Synthroid dose.

Stress of course can cause TSH fluctuation.

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Brief Answer:
Radiation kills thyroid cells very gradually.

Detailed Answer:
High TSH indicates uncontrolled hypothyroidism. Uncontrolled hypothyroidism can contribute to Stress and depression. Hence I can say that TSH is associated with depression ( rather than stress).

Coming to the second part of your question, Yes, there is a link between pituitary, thyroid and adrenal gland . In adrenal deficiency, TSH tend to rise.

In your case, your thyroid gland was exposed to radiation. Radiotherapy kills the cancer cells over days to weeks, but thyroid cells which are exposed to radiation takes time to stop working ( months to years).Cells which was exposed to radiation dies gradually and stop to produce hormone. These cells even may under go mutation due to radiation and hence your doctor should periodically do an examination of neck to look for thyroid nodules.

In fact , there is another gland in neck called parathyroid (this gland is more resistant to radiation compared to thyroid), which can fail several years after radiation. Hence it is advisable to check your serum calcium levels as well. If that is low, it may indicate a failing parathyroid gland.

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Brief Answer:
SERUM CALCIUM

Detailed Answer:
It may be good to check your fasting serum calcium levels and albumin. that will tell us about parathyroid gland health.

Wish you good health
Binu

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