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TSH 3.2 - still dizzy
I am suffering from extreme dizziness upon standing for more than an hour. I can't drive. I can't go to work. I can't even write this without feeling dizzy and nautious. My other symptoms include extreme appetite, scratchy voice, constipation, dry cough, low temp.(96.6), and I'm cold all the time. My TSH levels are currently 3.2 (.35-5.00), on 10/5 TSH = 6.18, on 9/7 TSH = 92.17, and on 5/27 TSH = .01. Why do I still feel horrible? This has been going on for ten days, and I don't know how much longer I can take this. Does anyone have any suggestion on how to make the dizziness stop? I haven't been on any meds for 1-1/2 months, accept vit.D and fish oil, before that I was on 15 mg methamazole. Is this thyroid related, or am I barking up the wrong tree?
Welcome to the Forum. Was the TSH test done before you started on the 25 mcg of Levothyroxin? I expect that the 25 mcg of Levo was intended to only be a starting dose and that you will need to increase dosage. Usually doctors like to wait for the T4 med like Levo to build up in the blood for about 4-6 weeks and then re-test.
When you do go back for tests again, I urge you to request to be tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones, which are Free T3 and Free T4, which are not the same as Total T3 and T4. TSH is affected by so many variables that it is totally inadequate as the sole diagnostic test for thyroid issues. At best it is only an indicator, to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms and also levels of Free T3 and Free T4. Of these Free T3 is the most important because it largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions. Scientific studies have also shown that Free T3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH did not correlate at all. So that is why it is so important to know Free T3 level.
In addition to the Free T3 and Free T4 tests, I also suggest testing for Vitamin A, D, B12 and ferritin. Also, if possible, get a 24 hour urine cortisol test done. I suggest the vitamin tests because hypo patients often are low in those areas as well and can cause symptoms. The ferritin and cortisol are suggested because long term hypo patients often find those low in the range and that can cause reactions when starting to take thyroid meds.
Keep in mind that a good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by suppressed TSH levels. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.
If you will get those tests done and then post results and reference ranges shown on the lab report, members will be glad to help interpret results and advise further.
When you do go back for tests again, I urge you to request to be tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones, which are Free T3 and Free T4, which are not the same as Total T3 and T4. TSH is affected by so many variables that it is totally inadequate as the sole diagnostic test for thyroid issues. At best it is only an indicator, to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms and also levels of Free T3 and Free T4. Of these Free T3 is the most important because it largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions. Scientific studies have also shown that Free T3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH did not correlate at all. So that is why it is so important to know Free T3 level.
In addition to the Free T3 and Free T4 tests, I also suggest testing for Vitamin A, D, B12 and ferritin. Also, if possible, get a 24 hour urine cortisol test done. I suggest the vitamin tests because hypo patients often are low in those areas as well and can cause symptoms. The ferritin and cortisol are suggested because long term hypo patients often find those low in the range and that can cause reactions when starting to take thyroid meds.
Keep in mind that a good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by suppressed TSH levels. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.
If you will get those tests done and then post results and reference ranges shown on the lab report, members will be glad to help interpret results and advise further.
HI I HAVE TSH 9.2 . I GET NAUSEA FREQUENTLY I CANT STAND ON MY FEET FOR SO LONG I M AFRAID OF DOIN THINGS. WHEN I STAND I FEEL I WILL FALL.MY CHOLETOROL IS 222.I GET PANIC USUALLY.WHATS THE PROB CAN ANY 1 HELP ME OUT . I M TAKING LEVOTHYROXIN 25.PLEASE HELP ME OUT
Hi,
I had that two years ago, it was when my thyroid was first "freaking" out, and before they discovered I had a thyroid problem. My issue was cortisol related. My adrenals were pumping out cortisol which was causing all sorts of problems - they were basically trying to compensate for a poorly functioning thyroid. My TSH is 3.06 and my worst symptom is dizziness. You need to know what your T3 and T4 are...because I did not know I had such a low T3. Also check your cortisol levels, if they are high, you need to reduce them. It is such a terrible feeling and I hope is passes soon! I used to go to work like that and had the most difficult time concentrating on anything or standing for more than a few mins at a time.
I had that two years ago, it was when my thyroid was first "freaking" out, and before they discovered I had a thyroid problem. My issue was cortisol related. My adrenals were pumping out cortisol which was causing all sorts of problems - they were basically trying to compensate for a poorly functioning thyroid. My TSH is 3.06 and my worst symptom is dizziness. You need to know what your T3 and T4 are...because I did not know I had such a low T3. Also check your cortisol levels, if they are high, you need to reduce them. It is such a terrible feeling and I hope is passes soon! I used to go to work like that and had the most difficult time concentrating on anything or standing for more than a few mins at a time.
To supplement what armywife92 posted, I have had dizziness due to dust/pollen/mold allergies causing irritation/swelling and affecting my inner ear and therefore, balance. Even though taking Claritin and allergy shots, there are times of the year that I have some dizziness. When that occurs I supplement with an OTC nasal allergy symptom reliever called NasalCrom.
With your fluctuations in TSH level, I would not rule out thyroid effects without doing more testing. You really should not be diagnosed on TSH alone. It is a pituitary hormone that is affected by many variables. The doctor should extend your testing to include the actual, biologically active thyroid hormones, free T3 and free T4. If you haven't been tested previously for TSI, TPO ab and TG ab, that would be a good idea as well.
With your fluctuations in TSH level, I would not rule out thyroid effects without doing more testing. You really should not be diagnosed on TSH alone. It is a pituitary hormone that is affected by many variables. The doctor should extend your testing to include the actual, biologically active thyroid hormones, free T3 and free T4. If you haven't been tested previously for TSI, TPO ab and TG ab, that would be a good idea as well.
Only time I've experienced dizziness is when my bp/pulse are too low. I would have them do furtter tests. You could just have a bout of vertigo.
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