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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
5.69 TSH and No Symptoms (Prefer not to take meds)
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
5.69 TSH and No Symptoms (Prefer not to take meds)
by Jay913, Sep 07, 2006 12:00AM
Hello, I posted on here about a year ago. To give everyone a little information, I am a very active 26 year old and my doctor noticed last year that my Thyroid was borderline low. I had a TSH level of 5.7. She requested me to get retested and I came back at 7. She wanted me to go on medication, but I decided not to because I have no symptoms and feel fine. I just didn’t see the point of going on medication for the rest of my life to get a “number” back into a range. I could see taking the meds if I had symptoms or my TSH was way off and could cause future problems.
Anyway, I was just retested and it came back at 5.69 (just over the 5.50 upper limit she specified) and she recommended me to go on meds again. My T4 was normal. What are the risks if I don’t? I have been borderline low for the past year and still feel fine. I have read that stress can be a factor, and I have had plenty of that over the past 1.5 years. (Father and grandfather passed away, working long hours and coaching sports after work, working on house, and preparing for a wedding this year, etc).
I’m not a huge fan of taking synthetic meds for life and would like different options. Are there any long term side affects to taking these meds? Should I see a specialist to get a second opinion? Any advice would be helpful. Thank you,
Anyway, I was just retested and it came back at 5.69 (just over the 5.50 upper limit she specified) and she recommended me to go on meds again. My T4 was normal. What are the risks if I don’t? I have been borderline low for the past year and still feel fine. I have read that stress can be a factor, and I have had plenty of that over the past 1.5 years. (Father and grandfather passed away, working long hours and coaching sports after work, working on house, and preparing for a wedding this year, etc).
I’m not a huge fan of taking synthetic meds for life and would like different options. Are there any long term side affects to taking these meds? Should I see a specialist to get a second opinion? Any advice would be helpful. Thank you,
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Sep 07, 2006 12:00AM
, Sep 07, 2006 12:00AM
There is no compelling data to start meds in this situation (TSH<10). Continue monitoring perhaps every 6 months. I only treat in these situations IF there are symptoms of hypo.
Member Comments (3)
by Jay913, Sep 07, 2006 12:00AM
Thank you for help. That makes me feel alot better. I will keep an eye on my levels and if any symptoms occur I will reconsider. Thanks again.
by hugmonky, Sep 30, 2006 12:00AM
To: Jay
i wouldnt do anything if i felt fine. You can ALWAYS start meds if you feel like you'd have to. so i wouldnt rush with em now, especially if you feel normal.
