Raised TSH

[danchas]

My TSH has risen to 5.6 after remaining stable at about 3.2 for 4 years. I have lots of stress and have been feeling really down lately, also feeling cold all the time.

Have another blood test Wednesday. Doc says that if it rises above 6 they will increase meds but I think I need it now

[danchas]

Thanks for the reply. I am having another blood test done this Wednesday. Doctor said that if it is over 6 they will up the meds but I am not going to stand for that. I felt perfectly ok when it was around the 3 mark and it has never gone down lower than that 1-2 sounds good.

Why, oh why don't they act quicker!!! I have seen at least two doctors since my last test and neither mentioned this. I usually ask what my TSH is but forgot this time

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

TSH of 5.6 is too high, particularly you are on meds.  If you are on meds, your TSH should normally be in the range of 1 - 2.

However TSH alone does  not give a clear picture.  You should also have FT3 and FT4 tested,  These are the active thyroid hormones.  Generally FT4 should be about mid-range and FT3 should be in the upper 1/2 of the reference range.

I agree with you that with your symptoms you should already have an increase in meds.

Your doctor is very out of date with th is management.  If he won't agree to increase your meds to get rid of your symptoms and to get your TSH to a reasonable level (and to test at least Ft4), it may be time to look for another doctor / second opinion.