Throid TSH Level

[gjgj]

I'm a 42 year old male.  Non smoker 170 pounds.  My TSH level came back at 6.35.  According to a little research on my part, that is too high.  It is anywhere from 25% to 110% too high.  My dr. advised me to come back in 6 months and have my blood work drawn again.  I have been tired, cold handed and  shaky for quite some time now.  Should I wait, or get on some medicine now?  Thanks,  GG

[ChronicFatigue]

PS .

To test your Endo's "Up to date" knowledge---I'd ask him or her what they consider "Normal" TSH---if they give you a number outside the *NEW* standards...RUN AWAY!!! (means' they've probably not picked up a trade journal in years).

This debate has been going on for years....and even among the AACE - American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists--their "Governing Body"---Professional Affiliation----they can't come to a consensus amongst themselves....

However the last "vote"---they said if someone presents with Symptoms, dig deeper---and *SOME* Endo's argue that a TSH of 2.0 should be considered "Normal".

Also, make SURE your Endo pulls more than just a TSH...You need TSH, FREE T-3 and Free T-4 to get an accurate picture......

Again, GOOD LUCK--and PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP!!!! (it took me 9 years and I'm finally getting some help).

[ChronicFatigue]

gjgj,
I'm *NOT* a Doctor, however have suffered from Thyroid problems fr years.

I'd find another Endo, to get a 2nd opinion.

My first Endo did the *EXACT* same thing (took a wait and see approach)---made me uncomfortable since I was "presenting" with symptoms----what you explain, you are "Presenting with Symptoms".

Ironically, how I found my Doctor. I asked my Pharmacist who they see a lot from. (medications, etc.). I also asked a family friend (who is a full time nurse)---Ironically, she gave me me *THE EXACT* same name the Pharmacist did. .

So, if you already have a pharmacist, ask them for an Endo Referral.
It worked for me!

GOOD LUCK TO YOU (and the only word's of wisdom I have is DON'T "sit and wait".

While it's TRUE your thyroid can fluctuate (thus the wait).

FYI even the *NEW* Standards the AACE have agreed upon are levels between 3.0-5.0(sadly this was changed in 2007 and even LABS have not upgraded their ranges yet...*SIGH*...the Sad state of affairs you will find in the Endo community).

See Articles:

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First ARticle: This is talking about Endo's Arguing over "What's the Ref Range"
http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/tshtestwars.htm

The TSH Reference Range Wars: What's "Normal?", Who is Wrong, Who is Right...
And What Does It All Mean For You and Your Health? Updated: June 19, 2006
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FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!

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AACE Changes Position re: TSH Normal Range
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/testsforthyroid/a/aace.htm
TSH level between 3.0 and 5.0 uU/ml should be considered suspect, Says AACE
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[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Would repeat in 6 weeks (not months) if still high and with these symptoms, then consider a trial of levothyroxine.  If TSH still high, would check antibodies to see if this is hashimoto's.