“What does a high TSH in children mean?”
My son has high TSH levels. Is it normal? Should I take him to a doctor?
2 Answers
TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone, comes from the pituitary gland near the bottom of the brain. It's like the thermostat control for the thyroid gland production of thyroid hormones so if the thyroid gland is underactive for any reason, TSH goes up to try to stimulate more production, if possible. So low T4 and high TSH indicates hypothyroid conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and usually indicates the need for starting or a higher dose of thyroid hormone prescribed.
It is NOT normal. Please take him to a pediatric endocrinologist as soon as possible, he may have hypothyroidism.
