High TSH reading

[Aud308]

My TSH blood test reading was 25.50 - my doctor prescribed Levothyroxine Sodium 25Mcg Tablets- Should I be taking this for a high blood test reading.

[Barb135]

The puffiness and tiredness are both symptoms of having hypothyroidism.  I had them both when I was hypo.  When I was diagnosed, my TSH was 55.

The levothyroxine will help make you feel better, but it takes a while for it to get into your system and 25 mcg is a very small dosage.  You will probably need more, in a few weeks.  

Did your doctor do any other tests besides TSH?  Like Free T3 or Free T4?  When are you supposed to go back for retesting?

[Aud308]

Thanks for your reply - I have puffy face and eyes and get very tired furring the day.

[Barb135]

A high TSH reading, such as yours, typically, indicates that your thyroid isn't producing enough thyroid hormones.  It's customary for doctors to prescribe levothyroxine, which is identical to the T4 thyroid hormone your body would produce, if it could, so to answer your question, yes, you should take the medication as prescribed.

Is TSH the only test ordered by your doctor?  S/he should also have ordered the actual thyroid hormones Free T3 and Free T4, to determine what those levels are.  While it's safe to say that they will be quite low, they still need to be monitored to be sure that your body is reacting to the medication as it should.  

If those tests were done, please post the results, with their reference ranges, since the ranges vary lab to lab and have to come from your own report.  If they were not done, be sure to request them every time you have blood work done, as many things can affect TSH, other than thyroid hormones and TSH can fluctuate as much as 75% over the course of a day.  It's not the best indicator of a thyroid condition and should not be used as the sole means to determine medication or dosage status, though many doctors use it for that purpose.

What, if any, symptoms do you have?

[goolarra]

Yes, TSH is counterintuitive...when it's high, it means you are hypothyroid (low) thyroid, and when it's low, it means you are hyperthyroid (high thyroid).  Levo is the same hormone your body makes, so it will make you less hypo.

Did your doctor test anything else besides TSH?