Proper TSH range for a 41 yr old male???

[tjrockster]

Hello,
I had a thyroidectamy 8 months ago. Nodules turned out to be benign. No further issues.
My Endo has increased, a couple of times, my Levoxl dosage from originally 125mcg to the now 175mcg.
I take dosage as directed..
He says the TSH numbers are still a little low. Anyhow, I asked for a copy of my bloodwork this time.
Results show a within range of 2.97 with a reference range of  0.27 - 4.2 ?? It may as well be another language.....
My question is what should a normal TSH level be for a 41 yr old male.
I'm 215 lbs., physically fit,Healthy, no symptoms of any fatigue or hyperactivity,
before or after the thyroidectamy for that matter.
I'm in the process of getting a 2nd opinion with a new Endo at the end of this month,
I had to wait 3 months for this new patient appt.
I hear it can take a long time to get the TSH level right.
Any info would help.
Thanks.

[kl42]

do you feel good. no fatigue. no hyper symtoms,.   then maybey your ok.

[gimel]

Do yourself a favor and do some reading on this forum.  You will find lots of useful info, in prep for your appt.  I hope you have found the right kind of endo, who specializes in thyroid problems.You might find interesting this message I previously wrote for another member.

Based on their training Endos should have more knowledge of thyroid problems than a GP; however, don't assume this is always the case.  Most importantly you need to find a doctor  who will listen to your symptoms and concerns, and test you for free T3 and free T4, as well as TSH.  Where to find a doctor like that is  a huge issue for all of us members on this forum.  Some have been  lucky in that respect and might be a good source for a doctor recommendation, if they happen to be in your area.
Lacking a personal recommendation based on favorable experience, you might have to resort to what amounts to basically interviewing doctors to see if they are the type you want to hire.  You can do this by calling their offices and asking lots of questions like the following.  What tests do you normally do? Which tests do you use to determine  medication and dosage? When treating a hypothyroid patient what TSH range do you target?  Do you test for free T3 and free T4?   Do you take patient symptoms and free T3 level into account when making decisions about meds and dosage?

If you get the wrong kind of answers to these type questions, then keep looking, because it takes too long to get an appt.  for you to waste your time and money.

In answer to your question about TSH, my opinion is that the reference range is not adjusted for age or sex.  Be aware that the currently recommended range for TSH is .3-3.0, so your TSH numbers are not a little low but  are right at the top end of that range.  I also think you would be better served if your doctor regulates your meds based on free T3 level and your symptoms, with a watchful eye on TSH, rather than rely on TSH only.  

[tjrockster]

Kl42 - I am thankful I feel fine. I just want to make sure I dont have issues in the future because of a too low TSH level. I understand you can get hardening of the arteries.

Gimel, thanks for your input. I am doing a lot more research & I agree. .3 to 3.0 seems to be the normal range. I think my Endo is using the .5-5.0 range which a lot of people and some studies to not agree with. Thanks for T3 & T4 info., This is all new to me and I appreciate it.  Thanks