Elevated thyroid

Free information for people with elevated thyroid levels

The thyroid gland, that butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, produces two thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Sixty six point six percent of T4 changes to the more potent T3. T3 is similar to Vitamin C in that it does not last very long in the body.

The thyrotrope cells within the anterior pituitary gland secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone – TSH – upon receipt of chemical indicators from a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The amount of TSH produces is actually regulated by the pituitary gland, to ensure that enough TSH is present in the blood.

There is constant communication here: when T3 and T4 levels are high, TSH production stops, and vice versa.

Hypothyroidism is the condition where there is too little hormones being produced to maintain sufficient metabolism. This means that TSH levels are elevated. The hypothalamus receives the signal and tells the pituitary gland to secrete more TSH. To the contrary, when there is a glut of thyroid hormone, a substance called somatostatin causes less production of TSH.

Elevated thyroid

The term hyperthyroidism refers to over activity of the thyroid gland and causes the problem of elevated thyroid. More women than men are afflicted with this condition. Some causes of elevated thyroid include excessive iodine consumption from an unbalanced and improper diet. Elevated thyroid levels are possible too from treatment for underactive thyroid, genetic predisposition, stress and an inflamed thyroid gland.

It should be observed, however, that in order to make an accurate diagnosis concerning the health of the thyroid gland, not only thyroid-stimulating hormone amounts must be looked, but thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels need to be taken into consideration.

Elevated thyroid problems

- There are several physical problems typically associated with elevated thyroid.
- Patients may get problems with the digestive system, like diarrhea, if they have elevated thyroid.
- Sufferers of hyperthyroidism experience an unexplainable and relentless feeling of tiredness, even when there is little physical or mental activity.
- Heartbeat may be too fast and erratic. This can likely result in irreversible heart damage if allowed to go unchecked.
- Another sign of elevated thyroid levels is dramatic mood swings, feelings of anxiety and even depression
- Skin sensitivity has been reported by elevated thyroid sufferers. The body has a hard time responding to changes on temperature. A person who has elevated thyroid levels may feel colder than the average person in an air conditioned room, or would not be able to stand in the sun for extended periods of time.
- Elevated thyroid levels can cause a severe change in patterns. The patient would typically have problems getting to sleep and actually staying asleep – insomnia. Obviously, this will exacerbate the feeling of tiredness, listlessness and fatigue mentioned above.

external links
wikipedia: Elevated thyroids levels