Mild hypothyroidism and very high cholesterol

[sara512]

I am a 24-year-old female, in quite good shape (5'6", 130 lb) but with extremely high cholesterol.  At one point it was 310, which prompted screening for hypothyroidism (and my grandmother has Hashi's).  At that point my TSH was 4.02 (range here in Thailand: 0.97 - 4.20).  After talking with the dr. and realizing I had many of the common symptoms (fatigue, constipation, headaches, frequent infections, anemia, low blood sugar) I was put on a half tablet of Synthroid, as well as a cholesterol-lowering drug.

Now about 3 months later, my cholesterol is still at 265, despite watching my diet, taking the meds faithfully and exercising regularly.  My TSH is 1.75, my free T4 is in range but on the low side.  My doc seems to go by the test numbers so is not adjusting anything.  I have a bit more energy, but still cannot stay healthy, am usually constipated and headachy, and in general just don't feel well.

Can a TSH at this level be causing these symptoms and the high cholesterol?  Should I insist on an increased dosage?  Also, I have not been tested for antibodies, though Hashi's is the type of hypothyroidism in my family.  Would it be worth testing for this?  Or would treatment probably stay the same?  Thanks for any input.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

TSH at this level is not likely related to cholesterol -- probably a separate inherited defect in cholesterol metabolism is at play.  Goal TSH is around 1.0 for most people -- getting it there may help the other symptoms, but not always.  Would check antibodies, Hashi would be the most likely scenario -- but would not change treatment

[flyingfish]

I had the same problems with the cholesterol, though my THS is up but the T3 and T4 levels are just. I'm on 50 microgram Levothyroxin, which seems to work well about the fatique,the energy and the memory. The problem with the constipation though seems to be forever and ever, so I use that Slimming Herb in the green packs, which you can buy in every pharmacy in Bangkok for about 150 baht. It's just called so, but it's actually a natural cleanser. So I suppose this was the reason for me to drop the cholesterol, as I don't possess healthy habits about food, drink and exercising.
Well, about the headaches - I do Botox already second year and I am from the lucky ones who together with wrinkles are loosing the  migrains too. One practical advice - keep your room temperature not too cold, it helps. Good luck:)