A level of 6.8 Tsh (thyroid stimulating hormone) is quite high and is usually found within individuals living with a thyroid condition . In such cases, a blood test is usually conducted to test for the presence of such a condition.
High levels of Tsh can be an indicator of having an under-active thyroid gland.
What is Tsh?
Tsh is the hormone created by the pituitary gland which in turn allows the thyroid to release thyroxine, which converts into triiodothyronine. This is responsible for the human bodies tissue metabolism.
Underactive and overactive thyroids
Tsh levels are measured by a blood test. Individuals with thyroid problems usually fall into two categories. Those with an underactive thryoid gland and those with an overactive thyroid gland.
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) - When the thyroid creates too high a level of the thyroid hormones, sometimes causing the sufferer to be underweight.
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) - Sufferers of this illness produce too little of the thyroid hormones and may find it difficult to shift unnecessary weight, or put on weight easily.
