What is considered borderline underactive thyroid?

The term “borderline hypothyroidism” typically is used when blood tests show that your body's level of TSH is slightly above normal, but your T3 and T4 levels are normal. Another name for this condition is subclinical hypothyroidism.


What is considered borderline low TSH?

In asymptomatic patients who have detectable, borderline-low TSH values (more than 0.01 μU per mL but below the lower limit of the normal range), the chance of finding underlying thyroid disease is negligible.

What level should your underactive thyroid be?

A normal range for TSH in most laboratories is 0.4 milliunits per liter (mU/L) to 4.0 mU/L. If your TSH is higher than 4.0 mU/L on repeat tests, you probably have hypothyroidism.


What is a slightly underactive thyroid?

An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) is where your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Common signs of an underactive thyroid are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed.

What are the symptoms of borderline low thyroid?

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid
  • tiredness.
  • being sensitive to cold.
  • weight gain.
  • constipation.
  • depression.
  • slow movements and thoughts.
  • muscle aches and weakness.
  • muscle cramps.


Hypothyroidism | Under-Active Thyroid | What All Patients Need to Know



What happens if your thyroid is borderline?

Subclinical (borderline) hypothyroidism

If you have this, your blood test will show that your TSH is raised but your free T4 is normal. This is fairly common, especially in older people. Some people with this condition go on to get symptoms of underactive thyroid as the years go by.

How do you get rid of borderline thyroid?

The standard treatment for hypothyroidism is taking daily thyroid hormone replacement medication. Of course, medications often come with side effects, and forgetting to take a pill might lead to more symptoms.
...
Natural remedies
  1. poor diet.
  2. stress.
  3. missing nutrients in your body.


Can underactive thyroid return to normal?

ANSWER: For mild cases of hypothyroidism, not all patients need treatment. Occasionally, the condition may resolve without treatment. Follow-up appointments are important to monitor hypothyroidism over time, however. If hypothyroidism doesn't go away on its own within several months, then treatment is necessary.


Do you feel tired with underactive thyroid?

In people living with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), the body's metabolism slows down. This can often lead to many symptoms, including lethargy and fatigue.

What are early warning signs of underactive thyroid problems?

7 Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Issues
  • Fatigue.
  • Weight gain.
  • Weight loss.
  • Slowed heart rate.
  • Increased heart rate.
  • Sensitivity to heat.
  • Sensitivity to cold.


Should I be worried about underactive thyroid?

If an underactive thyroid isn't treated, it can lead to complications, including heart disease, goitre, pregnancy problems and a life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma (although this is very rare).


What is the main cause of underactive thyroid?

Most cases of an underactive thyroid are caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland and damaging it, or by damage that occurs as a result of treatments for thyroid cancer or an overactive thyroid.

What foods to avoid if you have an underactive thyroid?

So if you do, it's a good idea to limit your intake of Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips, and bok choy, because research suggests digesting these vegetables may block the thyroid's ability to utilize iodine, which is essential for normal thyroid function.

Should borderline hypothyroidism be treated?

In subclinical hypothyroidism with TSH >10 mIU/L, treatment is indicated. In milder subclinical hypothyroidism, a wait-and-see strategy is advocated to see if normalization occurs. However, individuals with cardiovascular risk and subclinical hypothyroidism may benefit from levothyroxine treatment.


At what level of low TSH do you treat?

It recommends considering treatment for patients 65 years and older who have TSH levels of 0.1 to 0.4 mIU per L; for asymptomatic patients younger than 65 years with TSH levels less than 0.1 mIU per L; for asymptomatic patients younger than 65 years with TSH levels of 0.1 to 0.4 mIU per L when heart disease, ...

How long does it take to fix underactive thyroid?

You should start to feel better a few days after you begin taking medicine. But it may take a few months for your thyroid hormone levels to get back to normal. If your levels get better, but you still have symptoms like fatigue and weight gain, your doctor may need to change your treatment.

How do I know if my underactive thyroid is getting worse?

General joint and muscle pains are common when hypothyroidism is not sufficiently treated, and your dosage of thyroid hormone needs to be increased. Joint and muscle weakness and pain, especially in the arms and legs, can be evidence that you need an increased dose of antithyroid drugs for your hyperthyroidism.


Can a underactive thyroid make you dizzy?

The release of insufficient thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) may result in low blood pressure and a slowed heart rate, causing dizziness, weakness, lethargy, and chills.

How can I boost my underactive thyroid naturally?

Thyroid Superfoods
  1. Roasted seaweed. Seaweed, such as kelp, nori, and wakame, are naturally rich in iodine--a trace element needed for normal thyroid function. ...
  2. Salted nuts. Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts are excellent sources of selenium, which helps support healthy thyroid function. ...
  3. Baked fish. ...
  4. Dairy. ...
  5. Fresh eggs.


What organs does an underactive thyroid affect?

Hypothyroidism can affect the heart and circulatory system in several ways. Lower production of thyroid hormone slows your heart rate. Hypothyroidism also makes the arteries less elastic, and blood pressure rises in order to circulate blood around the body.


Does underactive thyroid get worse with age?

Hypothyroidism in the older patient

Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid condition in patients over 60 years of age and steadily increases with age.

How does your body feel when you have thyroid problems?

Thyroid disorders can have a noticeable impact on your energy level and mood. Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.

Is borderline thyroid serious?

Because borderline cases can progress to overt hypothyroidism, some healthcare providers say it's useful to take medication. This is especially true if you also have a risk of heart disease as even mild hypothyroidism can lead to elevated cholesterol levels.


How do I get my thyroid levels back to normal?

Iodine is a mineral that helps your thyroid produce hormones. One idea is that if you have low levels of thyroid hormone, eating foods rich in iodine could help increase your hormone levels. The most reliable way to increase your hormone levels is with a prescription medication from your healthcare provider.

Which exercise is best for thyroid?

Yoga poses for your thyroid
  1. Supported shoulderstand. Shoulderstand is often the first pose that's suggested to treat the thyroid. ...
  2. Plow pose. In plow pose, your thyroid is believed to get the same stimulation as it does in shoulderstand. ...
  3. Fish pose. ...
  4. Legs-up-the-wall pose. ...
  5. Cat-cow pose. ...
  6. Boat pose. ...
  7. Camel pose. ...
  8. Cobra pose.