Dangerous TSH levels

How high can TSH levels get before they are life threatening?

[scarlet37]

I can't answer your ? , sorry.

   Just wanted to say I've read of readings as high as 312 and that person not knowing it- just having a bit of fatigue.

Not sure how they could deal with it or not feel it - when I hit a tsh of 39 I was a mess!



teresa

[AppleJacs]

Thankyou
Its probably one of those things that is different for every one.
Mine was 10.6 and I felt fine, I even felt then I do now.

[NYNY2020]

I read a post here not too long ago in which the poster stated that even being mildly hypo for a long period of time can takes its toll on your body. Thyroid med is inexpensive, and even your primary care MD can prescribe it. (You don't need to see an endocrinologist) The med is essentially a synthetic duplicate of the throid hormone that already exists in your body (plus the pill's fillers), so it's not like you're putting some strange chemical or addictive substance into your body. So, why not treat your condition???! Why wait until you feel bad??!! Also, being hypo can lead to serious health conditions including cardiovascular. If you have hashi, your TSH number will most likely increase with time and you'll eventually start to feel it. Why not talk this over with you MD. I'm certain he/sh will stringly recommend treatment.

[NYNY2020]

I read a post here not too long ago in which the poster stated that even being mildly hypo for a long period of time can takes its toll on your body. Thyroid med is inexpensive, and even your primary care MD can prescribe it. (You don't need to see an endocrinologist) The med is essentially a synthetic duplicate of the throid hormone that already exists in your body (plus the pill's fillers), so it's not like you're putting some strange chemical or addictive substance into your body. So, why not treat your condition???! Why wait until you feel bad??!! Also, being hypo can lead to serious health conditions including cardiovascular. If you have hashi, your TSH number will most likely increase with time and you'll eventually start to feel it. Why not talk this over with your MD. I'm certain he/she will strongly recommend treatment.

[Krissy38]

All of your stories have helped me so much. It is nice to know I am not alone in this battle. About 4 years ago I was diagnosed with hypothyriodism. After seeing many drs for many different symtoms (symptoms) my neurologist ran a TSH test. He called with the news that I would finally feel better soon!!! My tsh was 281 and all I had to do was take a little pill every day and I would be all better. I think I cried for the next few hours because I was so relieved that I had some answers, that someone believed how bad I felt, and I now knew I wasn't dying! My symptoms were so bad I was sure I was going to die. My body hurt everywhere, I was tired beyond tired, my hair was falling out, my eyes were so swollen I had to ice them every morning etc. Well I felt great after taking armour thyroid for the last few years but I started getting all my symptoms back the last month. I had my levels checked and they are back up to 68. I'm frustrated because the drs don't know why my tsh went up so high so quick and I know how long it will take to get my levels back to normal range and for me to feel better. Has anyone here had their tsh skyrocket so quickly and if so do you know why?

[Smilerdeb]

Stress and ilhealth are a majot factor in TSH going high...also autoimmune diseases.

[dawnangela]

My TSH  was 144 and i felt just a bit slow... the symptoms i had i put down to menopause. was dx Hashi and Hypo..

[6hashi]

Hello ,
it depends on each one ! having higher tsh does not mean suffering more ,tsh is not a thyroid hormone ,its a pituitary hormone (thyroid stimulating hormone) ,maybe the dose one take is a better indicator for the severity of the condition !

feel well !

[Super_sally888]

maybe it's the new armor formulation that's not working for you.

[Barb135]

What other tests are being done, besides TSH?  Your TSH is definitely too high, but is a pituitary hormone, not thyroid.  You also need to have Free T4 and Free T3 done to see what your actual thyroid hormones are.  In addition, you should be tested for antibodies to see if you have autoimmune disease.  

Have they looked into pituitary function?  

[6hashi]

and by the way it can reach as high as 600 !!

[Rachel4]

When your thyroid isn't working properly for a long period of time (different for everyone) then your adrenal glands try to overcompensate...then you get adrenal problems. The whole endocrine system is connected.

I've heard that autoimmune thyroid disease can cause spikes in TSH as the disease sets in. I'm actually getting ready to look for information about this. I had an episode last November where my neck (thyroid region) was very tender and sore and having the same sort of episode again for the past few days. I was told originally that the soreness was caused by autoimmune disease activity.

[Kelleygurl76]

I am actually going through the same thing, and I have been going through it now for the last 4 yrs! About a month ago my levels dropped to .011, I was getting way to much synthroid. I was taking 150 mcg at that time, my doctor decreased my meds to 125 mcg. I knew it was messed up because my heart was going crazy fast. I finally had enough and now I am seeing an endocrinologist. I have stopped taking my meds very day and started cutting doses in half. (NOT ADVISED I DID THIS ON MY OWN) Now my endocinologist took my TSH levels and I am now at 171.5! I was diagnosed with Hashi syndrom (syndrome) years ago and T3 dominance. I think everyone should see a specialist at least 1. I now no how to take my meds properly!

[6hashi]

You should take the same amount each week ,at the same time each day !
I mean the same dose every saturday at the same time ,the same dose every sunday at the same time ... !

what is 171.5 ? is it the TSH ?
I think that you should consult an endo and to ask him to regulate your dose and to treat you correctly,since it sounds that you have been put on a high initial dose .

see an endo !

good luck ,

[mombert5]

I was in the hosp for 3 days this last Jan and they told me my level is 77 I now am taking 250mcg of levoxathyroid and I still feel horrible ,my hair is falling out my hands and cuticles are so dry they bleed I have had menstral bleeding for over a month I called the Dr. he said wait till 5.15.2010 for my regular bloodtest visit I fear I'll be dead by then my face is puffy I sleep all the time and beyond crabby someone tell me what should I do last time I was in the dr. was convinced I wasn't taking my meds I can get them at walmart for 4 dollars why whouldn't I not take them ???????????? sametime everymorning Help

[LazyMoose]

For people to help:

Your TSH was 77 in January. What is it now? And are they testing Free T3 and T4?

How long have you been on thyroid meds? And is it Levothyroxine or Levothryrid? I dont recall Levoxathyroid.

Have you ever felt good on it?

What else has possiblly changed that your TSH is was 77.  The actual hormones measured as Free T4 and Free T3 in you are what matters.  

[TaraKaberry]

Hi

I have been diagnosed with Hypo only 4 weeks ago.  My TSH was at 311 and I had awful symptoms for years but could always put them down to other things.. stress, aging, etc.  However, at the end of last year my menstruation became so heavy I went to complain to the doctor and he order bloodwork which revealed this problem.  My hair had previously been thinning.  But now if I run my hands through my hair after putting conditioner through it I find there are approx 30-40 hairs wrapped around my fingers.  It has been like this for about the last couple of weeks and I'm freaking out a bit.  I have just been back to the doctor and he said he is not surprised that this is happening and thinks it is as a result of the disorder being so advanced and that it is just that the medication has not had enough time to make a difference.  

Anyone with any advice would be appreciated.  Not wanting to be bald anytime soon. :-)

Thanks

[TaraKaberry]

in addition to last post I have had a check up some three weeks after my initial diagnosis and results of 311 and I am now testing TSH at 52

Yay

[jide1974]

The truth of the matter is yes there is severely serious dangers with a high TSH count and if not addressed properly the repercussions can be life threatening.  Your doctor will not tell you that, but the fact is people with higher TSH 10 or above are far more likely to develop serious heart problems, circulatory problems, angina, anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, and the list goes on. The have recently changed the TSH level to an even lower range than they thought was previously acceptable.  Not to mention the lethal side effects of Levothyroxin (levothyroxine) that your doctor's I am sure fail to tell you about. Did you know that Levothyroxin (levothyroxine) has never been approved by the FDA because it is never stable and the potency changes from dose to dose.  Go to the FDA website and check for yourself if you don't believe me- proof is right there.

[ShangoDe]

I know this is an old thread but I was wondering what happens to the body when you have sustained exaggerated levels of TSH above 400? What damage can/does it cause throughout the body?

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and my TSH levels were 498, I felt tired; I had facial spasms that resembled TIS and pronouncedly reduced cognitive skills. I told my doctor “I felt a bit tired”. He brought in another doctor to read my results and told me to tell this doctor what I just told him. I told the new doctor, “I felt a bit tired”. The new doctor told me “You should feel a bit coma!” That weekend I had a complete thyroidectomy including removal of the parathyroid as my goiter was from ear to ear, jawbone down to under my collarbone. When removed the surgeon said it was fibrous, about 2 inches thick, and had the consistency of over cooked chicken. The first positive result was that my sleep apnea cleared up immediately.

[Barb135]

Severe untreated hypothyroidism can cause a variety of issues within the body.  Your thyroid controls your body temperature, metabolism, heart rate, and other body functions.

High TSH does not, itself, cause symptoms.  TSH is a pituitary hormone produced to stimulate the thyroid to make hormones.  If the thyroid does not respond to the demand, the pituitary continues to pump out TSH.  Your symptoms would have been due to lack of adequate hormones, plus the actual size/condition of your thyroid.

Are you currently on a thyroid medication?  If so, what med/dose, for how long?  What are your current thyroid levels?  That would be Free T3 and Free T4, along with TSH.  If you have a copy of your current lab results, please post them, along with the reference ranges, which vary from lab to lab, so must come from your own report.  

Were you tested for thyroid antibodies to see if you have either/both Hashimoto's Thyroiditis or Graves Disease?  

Once stabilized on thyroid replacement medication, your symptoms should be alleviated; however, if there was actual damage done to your heart or other organs, that damage might not be reversible.  You would have to talk to your doctor about that.

[jujube41]

my thyroid was treated with radioactive when I was 33  I took  synthroid for years than levothroxin my dosage now is 137mcg my last test came back stim hormone25.500 free t4 .49 and free t3 1.53 what could cause the stim to be so high I know once treated the thyroid does not resurect itself .I am now 71 years old thank jb

[tshhelp802]

diagnosied with hypothyriod- taking synthrod, brand name only 75mg daily, six months straught.  start feeling tired, temporay forgetfulness, facial swelling, appettie loss, hair shedding, most of all digestive system out of wake. and i collaspe, bllod pressure 70/35, hospitlized fro two days, TSH 18,  

now he increased the dosage to 125,synthroid brand name only. I have to wiat for weeks to feel better, get tured by non ech day- look like crap- eyes weak, pale,. How long,  must be something else i an do- special diet,more water, What, I am afraid that I am going to pas out again.   help

[Barb135]

Is TSH the only test that's being done?  You need also to have Free T3 and Free T4 tested.  Those are the actual thyroid hormones.  TSH is a pituitary hormone, that fluctuates wildly, and neither causes nor correlates well with, symptoms.

How long have you been on the current dosage of medication?

[cam71432]

you probably have hypothyroidism. no big deal if you continue madicine and getting levels checked every now and then. once it is at a normal range you will not have to get it checked as often.

[atalossforwords]

I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism..my tsh level were 177..I was always tired..that was my only symptom...after a month of taking it I'm inpatient ..irritable ..have my menstrual cycle every two weeks..insomnia and when I finally do sleep I sleep all the time..my hair is coming out..I'm a mess after being on Synthyroid for a month..but my tsh levels have lowered to 8...I feel worse..why?

[Kayla_J1987]

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's at 4 years old. I am 25 years old now..my TSH has never been where it needs to be and I have been to several regular doctors and endocrinologists.  I just got lab work back this morning and my TSH level is 461 ..yes you heard me.  This is what I believe to be the highest it has ever been with..the last highest one was about a year ago and lowest that I ever remember it being was 9. So I guess my question is..has anyone else ever had a critical value quite like this and if so besides putting you on high levels on synthroid, what have they done for you??
                                                        Kayla

[goolarra]

This is an old, long thread, and you'll get much more attention to your individual concerns if you go to the top of the page, click the orange "Post a Question" button and start your own new thread.

When you do, please tell us if your FREE T3 and FREE T4 have been being tested along with TSH.  If so, please post results with reference ranges.  Ranges vary lab to lab and have to come from your own lab report.  

What thyroid meds do you take, and what is the dose?

When your TSH is that high, do you feel hypo?

[ashleysashes]

I went to the Doctor today for my annual pap, I complained to the doc about feeling horrible all the time and having night sweats, hot flashes, weight gain and rapid weight loss.. I thought it was something like my hormones were outta wack. She mentioned a thyroid test and drew some blood. She said I'd have the results in 1-2 days. Little did i know I'd be getting a phone call the same day, which was her nurse telling me my thyroid is dangerously high... Now I don't really know what the thyroid is so I didn't know what questions to ask her. I asked if it was bad.. she said yes, I asked if it was serious, she said yes and referred me to some endocrinologist..whatever that is.so my question is what the Hell do I do? Is this just some medical gimic to get me to spend more money? Or is it truly a serious condition? Is it worth getting taking care of? Will I really feel better once treated? And is this a life long condition? Is this generally a serious condition? Is lower or higher thyroid worse? (is one worse than the other?)

[goolarra]

When you say your thyroid is "high", do you mean that you're hyperthyroid or that your TSH was high?  Please post any results you have.

An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the endocrine system, which includes the thyroid, adrenal glands, diabetes, etc.

I doubt it's a gimic.  If your doctor called you back the same day, your results must have bee pretty farr off normal.

It can be serious if untreated.  Yes, it's worth getting it taken care of.  Whether you are hypothyroid or hyperthyroid, it takes a toll on your whole body.  Whether it's lifelong or not depends on the cause.  Hyper (too high) is more immediately worse than hypo (too low).  When hyper, your heart, among other things, has to work too hard.  Hypo isn't fun. either, but it's rarely fatal unless left untreated.

This is an old, long thread, and you'll get much more attention to your individual concerns if you go to the top of the page, click the orange "Post a Question" button and start your own new thread.  Tell us any lab results you know and tell us how you feel.  

[CrazyThyroid]

When I wad pregnant with my first child at age 19, I was barely taking my meds and TSH went past 375! After being told I could lose my unborn child because of this, I learned never to miss a thyroid pill!