Elevated TSH Levels in Children

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone or TSH is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, that controls activity of the thyroid gland. Presence of high TSH level is an indication of malfunctioning of thyroid gland, wherein a child suffers from hypothyroidism. The activity of TSH is inversely proportional to the amount of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Presence of excessive TSH is a consequence of body's autoimmune response to itself wherein antibodies are secreted against the thyroid gland of the concerned person. As a result of which the function of thyroid gland is severely hampered.



According to the data put forth by National Academy of Clinical Biology, United States, normal range of TSH level in infants lies within the range of 1.3 to 19 µIU/mL. When they are 10 to 14 months old, their average TSH level is between 0.4 to 10 µIU/mL. On reaching puberty or adulthood, TSH level substantially decreases that comes in the range of 0.4-4.0 µIU/mL. You can also refer to this TSH level chart for further information. A child, when diagnosed with TSH values higher than the normal values, suffers from hypothyroidism. Diagnostic tests are associated with analyzing blood samples for detecting levels of the TSH as well as T₄ hormone. The thyroid gland is scanned and analyzed for detecting the abnormalities associated with it. In this article we shall explain you the causes, symptoms and the probable treatment for high TSH levels in children.