Your TSH levels are not really what you need to control – they are only an indication of the levels of thyroid hormone in your blood. In a sense, high levels of TSH in the blood are only a symptom of hypothyroidism – this measurement is used merely to determine whether the thyroid gland is functioning normally or not, and has no significance in itself.
TSH is an abbreviation of “thyroid stimulating hormone”. This hormone is produced in the pituitary gland, and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce two thyroid hormones – triiodothyronine and thyroxine, known as T3 and T4 respectively. Normally, an increase in the production of TSH would result in the thyroid gland increasing production of thyroid hormones. However, the reverse is also true – when there is a lack of thyroid hormones in the blood, the pituitary gland starts producing more TSH in an attempt to increase thyroid production levels. Thus high levels of TSH in the blood are usually an indication that the thyroid gland is not functioning properly and is producing too little T3 and T4. Bringing down the levels of TSH would essentially be a case of suppressing a symptom without treating the underlying problem. For all you know, it might even result in your thyroid gland producing still less T3 and T4.
Normal levels of TSH range between 0.4 ulU/mL and 5.0 ulU/mL, but the ideal level is usually considered to be no higher than 3.0 ulU/mL. Your test result of 5.7 ulU/mL is therefore rather high, and can quite definitely be considered an indication of hypothyroidism. You seem to be undergoing treatment already, so it is unlikely that any additional measures are needed. Do not stop taking your tablets – even if you have been experiencing any side effects, please consult your doctor before stopping the medication, substituting it, or changing the dose. The tablets you are taking are essentially thyroid hormone supplements, to make up for what your thyroid gland seems unable to produce. This is the main course of action when treating hypothyroidism. In a few cases, if the dose is too high, you will end up with excessively high levels of thyroid hormone in your body, which is essentially hyperthyroidism. This can of course be easily corrected by reducing the dose slightly. However, your doctor needs to analyze the situation and adjust the dosage accordingly. This is why frequent check ups are necessary, especially in the early stages of treatment, till your condition stabilizes.
answered by G M