Understanding Low TSH Levels in Newborns: Causes & Treatment

Standard newborn testing includes testing for TSH levels in the blood. When a newborn has low levels of TSH, this means that the newborn has hyperthyroidism, or Graves'. This is a treatable disease with a good prognosis.

TSH

• TSH is thyroid stimulating hormone. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland.

Levels

• A low level of TSH means that your newborn has hyperthyroidism, also known as Graves' disease.

Hyperthyroidism

• It means that your newborn's thyroid gland is overactive, and is producing too much thyroid hormone.

Cause

• Graves' disease is passed from mother to newborn.

Symptoms

• Symptoms include fast heartbeat, premature closing of the fontanelles (skull openings) and hyperactivity.

Treatment

• Hyperthyroidism can be treated using medication to lower the production of the thyroid hormone.