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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
TSH level and perimenopause
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.
TSH level and perimenopause
by pippy11, Nov 20, 2005 12:00AM
I'm a 44-year old female, perimenopausal, and my TSH levels
are fluctuating. Recent test was TSH-6.35, T3-1.0, T4-2.3
(not sure it that was Free T3 and T4). I have been on .88
synthroid, down from 1.00 synthroid because I had palpitations
and sleep deprived on the 1.00 dose. Overall, I do not have
any symptoms and feel good. I'm wondering if my TSH is
high due to perimenopause and since I have no hypothyroid
symptoms ok to stay on .88 mcg?
are fluctuating. Recent test was TSH-6.35, T3-1.0, T4-2.3
(not sure it that was Free T3 and T4). I have been on .88
synthroid, down from 1.00 synthroid because I had palpitations
and sleep deprived on the 1.00 dose. Overall, I do not have
any symptoms and feel good. I'm wondering if my TSH is
high due to perimenopause and since I have no hypothyroid
symptoms ok to stay on .88 mcg?
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Nov 20, 2005 12:00AM
, Nov 20, 2005 12:00AM
Perimenopausal state changes thyroid tests primarily through changes in estrogen status. There may be more to it such as the increase in FSH and LH (pituitary hormones that stimulate the ovaries to make estrogen) -- the pituitary could co-produce higher TSH levels in this setting, but this is much less likely.
Estrogen increases will increase thyroid requirements while decreases do the opposite. If you are taking estrogens, close monitoring of TSH is recommended. For now, if you feel well - stay on the 88mcg dose and recheck in 2-3 months -- if still above the target (the actual number is a source of debate -- I would say 3.0 in most cases is becoming a consensus). You may be one who does best with a "slightly high" TSH (even 3 to 6 range) - depending on your symptoms. Also, subtle changes such as alternating 100 and 88mcg doses may be necessary to "fine-tune" your situation.
Estrogen increases will increase thyroid requirements while decreases do the opposite. If you are taking estrogens, close monitoring of TSH is recommended. For now, if you feel well - stay on the 88mcg dose and recheck in 2-3 months -- if still above the target (the actual number is a source of debate -- I would say 3.0 in most cases is becoming a consensus). You may be one who does best with a "slightly high" TSH (even 3 to 6 range) - depending on your symptoms. Also, subtle changes such as alternating 100 and 88mcg doses may be necessary to "fine-tune" your situation.
Member Comments (1)
by pushcomm, Jan 09, 2009 06:00AM
A related discussion, insomnia was started.
