5 Causes of a LOW TSH - Why a low TSH isn't always hyperthyroidism
The 5 most common causes of a low TSH. TSH is often used to diagnose thyroid problems in both men and women but it isn't always perfect. In this video, I explain the various triggers of a LOW tsh and what they meant for your body.
First, let's talk about what the TSH is. TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone and it is produced by the pituitary gland in your brain. TSH then goes into your bloodstream where it stimulates your thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone.
TSH is either stimulating your thyroid gland because it's high or it's not because it's low.
As thyroid hormone levels increase in your blood it will cause your TSH to DROP or reduce. This is why most doctors and patients associate a low TSH with a HIGH thyroid (or hyperthyroidism). But that isn't always the case...
5 common causes of a Low TSH include:
#1. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism definitely can lead to a low TSH because your own body is producing too much thyroid hormone. This is often caused by the autoimmune disease Graves'. Hyperthyroidism is hard to miss because it's associated with serious symptoms that will lead you to your doctor.
#2. Thyroid medication
Prescribed thyroid medication can also cause a low TSH. What's confusing here, though, is that a low TSH in the setting of taking thyroid medication doesn't guarantee that you are hyperthyroid! You can definitely take thyroid medication to drop your TSH but still experience low thyroid symptoms.
#3. Pituitary problems
If you have pituitary problems then you will also have a low TSH. The problem with this condition is that the low TSH is also associated with low free thyroid hormones but you would never know unless you get these checked as well.
You can often tell the difference because those with pituitary problems also tend to have problems with other hormones as well.
#4. Lab anomaly
Up to 3-5% of all labs are inaccurate! You can't always trust your lab test. If your clinical picture doesn't fit your lab tests then you will want to get your labs rechecked.
#5. Euthyroid sick syndrome
Occurs when you are sick or have chronic medical conditions.
Associated with low TSH, low TRH, and low free thyroid hormones, and high reverse T3.
Euthyroid sick syndrome makes your lab tests look like you are hyperthyroid when you really aren't.
So what should you do? The most important thing you can do is get a complete thyroid lab panel!
A complete thyroid lab panel includes the following tests: TSH, free T3, free T4, total T3, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies.
Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: https://www.restartmed.com/what-happe...
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
First, let's talk about what the TSH is. TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone and it is produced by the pituitary gland in your brain. TSH then goes into your bloodstream where it stimulates your thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone.
TSH is either stimulating your thyroid gland because it's high or it's not because it's low.
As thyroid hormone levels increase in your blood it will cause your TSH to DROP or reduce. This is why most doctors and patients associate a low TSH with a HIGH thyroid (or hyperthyroidism). But that isn't always the case...
5 common causes of a Low TSH include:
#1. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism definitely can lead to a low TSH because your own body is producing too much thyroid hormone. This is often caused by the autoimmune disease Graves'. Hyperthyroidism is hard to miss because it's associated with serious symptoms that will lead you to your doctor.
#2. Thyroid medication
Prescribed thyroid medication can also cause a low TSH. What's confusing here, though, is that a low TSH in the setting of taking thyroid medication doesn't guarantee that you are hyperthyroid! You can definitely take thyroid medication to drop your TSH but still experience low thyroid symptoms.
#3. Pituitary problems
If you have pituitary problems then you will also have a low TSH. The problem with this condition is that the low TSH is also associated with low free thyroid hormones but you would never know unless you get these checked as well.
You can often tell the difference because those with pituitary problems also tend to have problems with other hormones as well.
#4. Lab anomaly
Up to 3-5% of all labs are inaccurate! You can't always trust your lab test. If your clinical picture doesn't fit your lab tests then you will want to get your labs rechecked.
#5. Euthyroid sick syndrome
Occurs when you are sick or have chronic medical conditions.
Associated with low TSH, low TRH, and low free thyroid hormones, and high reverse T3.
Euthyroid sick syndrome makes your lab tests look like you are hyperthyroid when you really aren't.
So what should you do? The most important thing you can do is get a complete thyroid lab panel!
A complete thyroid lab panel includes the following tests: TSH, free T3, free T4, total T3, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies.
Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: https://www.restartmed.com/what-happe...
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
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