Not a doctor. It's a slight elevation. If your other T's are normal this is indicative of subclinical or "compensated" hypothyroidism. You need to have antibody testing and maybe also ultra sound to try and isolate the cause. If antibodies are positive, many docs would try you out on replacement hormone. Some may want to retest in several weeks to confirm.
Once again, I am not a doctor.
Doctor.
I had TSH of 11.8, 3 months back. They did the antibody test and it was 834 count, lot above normal. They immediately put me on 25mcg synthyroid. Now I am taking 50mcg and TSH has become normal about 1.75. So I am continuing 50mcg.
1. Should I have waited for sometime before I started the medicine and retested it? My concern is I do not want to take medicine when I dont need it. I am scared I will become hypothyroid.
2. Some people are saying that they have problems with their periods after 8 to 1 year after taking synthyroid medicine. Is that someting I have to be concerned about?
I love how all of the non professionals on here think they are doing people a service when they recommend the type of treatment that a person obtain, and better yet, when they diagnose a medical condition for them! With all of you experts, why do we even need doctors, now that the internet has come along and self made experts can diagnose everyone? All of the advice offering going on! What compels people to purport themselves as experts?
Ultra sound will show how large the thyroid is, and, if you have any nodules, their size and a hint to their composition. Ultra sound can't predict whether a nodule is benign or not. It can also show inflammation that is suggestive of, say, Hashimoto's disease. Sometimes (10-15%) people have it and don't have positive antibodies.
My advice would be to make sure they retest you regularly until you are stable. If, at any time, you start having symptoms of being hyper call the doctor immediately.
It takes a few weeks for the full effects of the med to kick in. Hope you feel better soon.
Sure sound like you know what you're talking about. I have been put on synthroid and had an abdominal ultrasound yesterday. My symptoms have been ongoing for about 3 months - fatigue, weight gain, memory problems, depression, rash on face, burning in legs. I've heard that I should see a specialist (endoctrinologist). All I know is that since I've started the medication only a week ago I don't feel any different but I have lost 2 pounds. I have also read through research that once you are on medication it is for life and that generic is not as consistant in keeping levels even. This is all new to me - any advice, info would be greatly appreciated. By the way what possible causes would an ultrasound show?
Slight elevation - suggestive of hypothyroidism. Would retest in 5-6 weeks to make sure it is a persistent problem and not a temporary thyroid disorder.
I too have a high THS 10.1. The doctor did additional testing and all the results were normal. He stated he would re-test in 3 months. I was very disappointed. For the past several months I have been experiencing may of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Depression, weight gain, pale/yellow skin, dryness, swelling in the knees, face, hands. I was told this was a slight increase and if the re-test was the same they would do further evaluation. I will be following your responses it hopes it can answer some of my own questions.