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Suggest Treatment For Fatigue, Constipation, Low Appetite And Slow Nail And Hair Growth When TSH Level Is High

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Posted on Fri, 25 Mar 2022
Question: I have high TSH (thyroid levels). I have fatigue, constipation, slow nail and hair growth, am overweight, low appetite. In short, I have labs that show hyperthyroidism,but symptoms of hypothyroidism
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
High TSH levels means hypothyroidism not hyper.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Let me assure you that a report of high TSH is consistent with hypothyroidism.

In hyperthyroidism, TSH will usually be low.

That is because, TSH is the hormone released by the pituitary gland, and this in turn stimulates the release of thyroid hormones (T3 that is, triiodothyronine, and T4, that is tetraiodothyronine ) from the thyroid gland.

If these T3 and T4 levels are elevated, then we call it hyperthyroidism.

If they are low, then more TSH will be produced to stimulate thyroid strongly, hence TSH will be raised.

I hope that clarifies your doubt.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (3 minutes later)
My Dr. told me I had hyper - thyroidism. Perhaps I the lab results. Bottom line...I was told my thyroid was overactive, high.etc.
Does this still hold?
Hyperthyroid= fatigue, slow metabolism...?
...so my body is producing higher TSH, suggesting hyperthyroidism, because my thyroid levels are actually low, hypothyroidism. My body is trying to increase production of thyroid hormone. Is this the same as Hashimotos?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
TSH can be elevated in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

TSH can be elevated in Hashimotos thyroiditis.

Hashimotos is an autoimmune thyroid inflammation wherein the thyroid gland is destroyed by your own immune cells and this results in decreasing levels of T3 and T4 levels, as a result of low T3 and T4, more TSH is produced by the brain.

Hypothyroidism is when T3 and T4 are low.

Hyperthyroidism is when T3 and T4 levels are high.

Hypo/hyperthyroidism are not diagnosed on the basis of levels of TSH.

As a general rule, TSH is elevated when T3 and T4 are low, so TSH indicates thyroid insufficiency (hypothyroidism).

Hashimotos thyroiditis is diagnosed by doing Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb).

Since the thyroid is gradually destroyed, over time, you will end up with low T3 and T4 levels, and to compensate more TSH is released.

All your symptoms are classic symptoms of hypothyroid state.

Slow metabolism, fatigue, constipation, slow hair and nail growth are all symptoms of hypo(reduced)thyroidism. Not hyperthyroidism.

In my opinion, there is some miscommunication, so you have understood things wrongly.

Please upload the complete report so that I can clarify your doubts if you still have any.

I hope I have answered your concern. Fell free to write back to me. Wishing you good health.
Regards
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Yogesh D

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 1130 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Fatigue, Constipation, Low Appetite And Slow Nail And Hair Growth When TSH Level Is High

Brief Answer: High TSH levels means hypothyroidism not hyper. Detailed Answer: Hello, Let me assure you that a report of high TSH is consistent with hypothyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, TSH will usually be low. That is because, TSH is the hormone released by the pituitary gland, and this in turn stimulates the release of thyroid hormones (T3 that is, triiodothyronine, and T4, that is tetraiodothyronine ) from the thyroid gland. If these T3 and T4 levels are elevated, then we call it hyperthyroidism. If they are low, then more TSH will be produced to stimulate thyroid strongly, hence TSH will be raised. I hope that clarifies your doubt. Regards