What to do if thyroid levels are too high?
What to do if the thyroid gland values are too high depends mainly on which values are elevated. The doctor can often make a suspected diagnosis based on the blood test, a conversation with the patient and a physical examination. If necessary, he will carry out or order further examinations, such as an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland.
Depending on whether over- or under-functioning is present, treatment with tablets is usually carried out first. In some cases, however, blood is only taken at first and then again at another time. The thyroid gland values are subject to constant fluctuations, depending for example on the time of day. Thus, a slightly elevated value may occur without a disorder or even treatment being necessary.
What are the consequences of high thyroid levels?
Too high thyroid values indicate a malfunction of the thyroid gland. Depending on which values are elevated, an under- or overfunction can exist. In both cases, treatment is usually readily available, so the long-term effects are relatively minor.
Depending on the cause of the dysfunction, further diagnosis may be necessary, for example, by means of an ultrasound or scintigraphy (imaging of thyroid function with low-radiation particles). Whether or which therapy becomes necessary is decided on the basis of the diagnosis made. In many cases it is necessary to take tablets temporarily or for the long term.
In rather rare cases, surgery or radioiodine therapy (irradiation of the thyroid gland from within) should be considered. In the vast majority of cases, excessive thyroid levels can be reduced by appropriate treatment and a life free of symptoms is possible. Often only check-ups are necessary.
However, an untreated thyroid gland dysfunction can have very negative consequences. Too high thyroid gland values should therefore be taken seriously. An untreated hyperthyroidism (T3 and T4 too high) increases the risk of a heart attack, for example. If underactive thyroid function (TSH too high) is not treated, it can lead to symptoms similar to severe depression.The following topics may also be of interest to you: Symptoms of hyperthyroidism and symptoms of hypothyroidism
