If a patient has hypothyroidism, what would the thyroid-stimulating hormone level be?

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Multiple Choice

If a patient has hypothyroidism, what would the thyroid-stimulating hormone level be?

Explanation:
In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid cannot produce enough thyroid hormones (T3/T4). The low T3/T4 removes the negative feedback on the pituitary, so the pituitary increases TSH in an attempt to stimulate more thyroid hormone production. Since the thyroid can’t respond adequately, TSH remains elevated. Therefore, the TSH level would be increased. (Note: central hypothyroidism can have normal or low TSH, but for typical primary hypothyroidism the pattern is high TSH.)

In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid cannot produce enough thyroid hormones (T3/T4). The low T3/T4 removes the negative feedback on the pituitary, so the pituitary increases TSH in an attempt to stimulate more thyroid hormone production. Since the thyroid can’t respond adequately, TSH remains elevated. Therefore, the TSH level would be increased. (Note: central hypothyroidism can have normal or low TSH, but for typical primary hypothyroidism the pattern is high TSH.)

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