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TSH levels
I had a thyroidectomy about 5 years ago. I am on Synthroid. Recent test showed my TSH level at 8.5. Doc wants to change my dosage to bring this down. What is the problem with elevated TSH? What are symptoms to watch for?
Well, it does sound like you need a meds increase...you have a bunch of symptoms of hypothyroidism.
TSH is a pituitary hormone. It's the messenger that tells your thyroid to produced more thyroid hormones, which are called T3 and T4. After a TT, excess TSH can stimulate any leftover thyroid tissue, so many doctors like to suppress TSH as far as possible without causing side effects. However, elevated TSH usually indicates low FT3 and FT4. When these hormones are low, your metabolism slows down, which is why you're cold, tired, gain weight, etc. You are then hypo.
This is why it's so important to have FT3 and FT4 tested along with TSH. You can then use the FT3 and FT4 levels at which you feel comfortable to adjust your meds to feel your best. TSH, because it's not a thyroid hormone, is influenced and thrown off by many other factors besides thyroid hormones. The levels at which we all feel our best are very individual and from some reading I've done lately, genetically preprogrammed.
You don't sound like you're feeling well at all, so I'd have FT3 and FT4 tested and repeat TSH on the same blood draw. You obviously need a meds increase, but you should know these levels before you do that. Be sure to get the results from your doctor to keep for your records (a copy of the printed report will also have the FT3 and FT4 reference ranges on it).
Good luck.
TSH is a pituitary hormone. It's the messenger that tells your thyroid to produced more thyroid hormones, which are called T3 and T4. After a TT, excess TSH can stimulate any leftover thyroid tissue, so many doctors like to suppress TSH as far as possible without causing side effects. However, elevated TSH usually indicates low FT3 and FT4. When these hormones are low, your metabolism slows down, which is why you're cold, tired, gain weight, etc. You are then hypo.
This is why it's so important to have FT3 and FT4 tested along with TSH. You can then use the FT3 and FT4 levels at which you feel comfortable to adjust your meds to feel your best. TSH, because it's not a thyroid hormone, is influenced and thrown off by many other factors besides thyroid hormones. The levels at which we all feel our best are very individual and from some reading I've done lately, genetically preprogrammed.
You don't sound like you're feeling well at all, so I'd have FT3 and FT4 tested and repeat TSH on the same blood draw. You obviously need a meds increase, but you should know these levels before you do that. Be sure to get the results from your doctor to keep for your records (a copy of the printed report will also have the FT3 and FT4 reference ranges on it).
Good luck.
Symptoms are cold intolerance, fatigue, joint pain, weight gain, heartburn, hgh total cholesterol and LDL [and I am on a strict diet regime] you name it............I'm just tired of being tired
You want to ask your doctor to test free T3 and free T4 if he hasn't already.
Your symptoms are the most important information, followed by FT3, FT4 and TSH, in that order.
I disagree that a TSH of 1-2 is a "one-size-fits-all" TSH. Some of us would be killed if our TSH ever got there.
What are your symptoms?
Your symptoms are the most important information, followed by FT3, FT4 and TSH, in that order.
I disagree that a TSH of 1-2 is a "one-size-fits-all" TSH. Some of us would be killed if our TSH ever got there.
What are your symptoms?
hi.
Your dr is right. this tsh is too high. target generally between 1 - 2.
Symptoms would be weight gain, fatigue, lack of energy, dry skin, cold intolerance, constipation . heartburn...
hope this helps
Your dr is right. this tsh is too high. target generally between 1 - 2.
Symptoms would be weight gain, fatigue, lack of energy, dry skin, cold intolerance, constipation . heartburn...
hope this helps
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