TSH levels

[karenscar]

Hello Doctor~

I just wanted to know that after decreasing Synthroid dose from 100 mcg to 88 mcg is 5 weeks enough time to get an accurate level or do I need to wait longer before testing?

[Jacque in texas]

I'm going crazy here.  My hair is falling out, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, cold all the time, dry skin, memory problems, depression, irritable, and always sleepy. I'm having trouble swallowing, pills get stuck in my throat.  I constantly feel a lump in my throat. I went to END my thyroid levels are: T3-142, T4 Free 1.09, and TSH 1.017.  I have had US done and it shows that both lobes are enlarged right one is 5.9 x 2.1 x 2.1 cm, and the left is 5.5 x 1.2 x 1.8 cm. Complex mass on right lobe measuring 1.9 x 1.2 1.6 cm. Mass on left lobe 2 x 2 x 2 mm. The larger mass on the right lobe has been byopsyed showing benign.  One END suggested to have the thyroid completely removed.  I had a 2nd opinion and she says to just monitor it every 6 months.  The lump in my throat and swallowing problems are driving me nuts.  Any suggestions?

[flopped]

Does hypo intensify the symptoms of pereperal neuropathy?

[Wondermommy]

Yup.  My TSH level was 369 when they tested it and I was diagnosed.  I felt like the living dead.  But it can be that high and your body should be able to recover from a short period of very high TSH.  

[newhypo]

I am relieved to find this forum!  My TSH came back at 75.  Very scary!  Anyone ever heard of it being so high?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Usually 5 weeks is the minimum - should be accurate unless the TSH has been over-suppressed (<0.01)for a long time, then may take months to see a rise.