Thyroid Range

[jojoc37]

Hi all, Does Anyone know how the numbers work on the TSH range mine is 4.14 does it go to 4.99 then 5, or am i just being daft. jo

[Dnarose]

Here's a few quick links I found. You'll have to copy and paste them into your browser

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2004/may2004_report_blood_02.htm

http://www.denvernaturopathic.com/news/TSH.html

http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/optimaltsh.htm?nl=1

[jojoc37]

Any information i will be very grateful for, i see now about morning testing, just need to convince my doctor now, thanks jo

[Dnarose]

Jojoc, You have to go to the lab. What I mean by first thing in the morning is....get up get dressed and head to the lab asap.  There are lots of websites that talk about how the TSH should be below 2.0.  Do links post on here OK?  If so, I could try to find some for you.

Yes, stella, you are correct about testing first, then taking the morning dose. This is especially important for those on Cytomel, Armour, or Thyrolar because of the T3.

[stella5349]

Testing for thyroid levels usually are best when you do it first thing on the morning - and to stay consistant with every test to follow in the future.

I heard it also is best to test prior to taking your morning dosages too.

[jojoc37]

One more thing how do you do your own test, ie you say test first thing in the morning?

[jojoc37]

Thanks so much for that, means i have more to say at the docs, as for an increase in dose, what dose, doc keeps saying i am borderline and if he were to give me meds for thyroid he would be struck off, saying my symptoms of extreme tiredness, dizziness, headaches, brain fog, dry skin, to name but a few are symptoms of depression, i wont be surprised if i really do go into full depression with the way i feel, cant get out of bed some days, i have no life at the moment, im hoping if i go on and on and on and on he will eventually listen to me, wish me luck and thanks guys, jo

[Dnarose]

You are right on with how the range goes.  The goal for most on T4 is a morning TSH below 2.0, closer to 1.0.  If on T4/T3, then the TSH should not be used to adjust medication.  Looks like you may need an increase in dose if your TSH is 4.14.  Remember to always test asap upon waking.

[AR-10]

Yes, it goes 4.98, 4.99, 5.00, 5.01, etc.

It can actually be measured to thousandths. From time to time you may see someone post that their TSH is 0.003, or some awful number like that. You don't see labs list it in thousandths unless it is too low to list it in hundredths.

They won't list it as 0.020, but rather 0.02. When it gets below 0.00, then they break out the extra digit.

Hope that doesn't make it more confusing.
:o)