TSH test

[Pooyan01]

Sorry if this is a stupid question. My TSH level in a test last year was 1.2, the doctor explained this is normal although she has asked for another test. If my TSH was low (I realise the result above is not) is one possible symptom a fast heart rate?

[shuga1109]

Everything depends on your symptoms. My doc always tells me, yes, your level is normal,....but what are you feeling? Its all about what you feel first and then your numbers. When I was told re cently not to worry because my results are normal at! TSH.0.3, I decided to call the doctor, for an adjustment because of my symptoms at that time which we're anxiety. Heart palps. Etc.

[Barb135]

A low number TSH is not always a sign of being hyper.  It depends on what the Free T3 and Free T4 are, along with symptoms, as to whether one is hyper with a low TSH.  My TSH has been < 0.01 for the past 3 yrs and I am definitely not hyper.

[Pooyan01]

Thank you all for your comments, all are very helpful.

[shuga1109]

Definately and yes, yes!  A low number TSH is definately a sign of hyperthyroid.  I just learned that my level was at 0.3 last month.  I felt heart palps, anxiety, hair loss, etc.  When my TSH is high number, I feel more lethargic, tired, can't think, depression, etc.  

[Pooyan01]

HI again. Could you point me towards any links with research or similar that backs up the need for more than just TSH tests? I believe you are correct however I would like to have something concrete to refer my doctor to. I suspect the TSH test is cheaper?

Thanks

[Pooyan01]

Hi, its only TSH theyre doing, I have been having problems with paplitations, both fast and slow for nearly a year. Had many many heart related tests and all are clear but I do continue to worry its my heart and was missed.

When I saw doctor yesterday I asked about the Thyroid test I had last august, result was 1.2, this was all that was tested. It struck me that it was edging towards the low side of normal (doctor said 0.5 - 5.0 was ok) so I asked to be tested again, i think perhaps this test alone is going to mean nothing (unless its outside the 'normal' range) from your comment above and also the reaearch I have done this morning.

I get various aches and pains, my shoulders hurt me (doctor said start of arthritis), sometimes have hot flushes, muscles twitch in my arm occasionally. I'm always tired, but sleep quite badly. Im easily irritated and overly anxious but this is not normal for me, I'm I think affected because I cant get to the bottom of the symptoms I suffer from and am getting more desperate.

I lost 60 lb between March and July last year - did a lot of exercise. I have cut this back significantly, eat healthy but eat too much, I have remained at the weight I reached (which is 15st) without really having to try. Also stopped smoking nearly a year.

[Barb135]

No questions are stupid, but it would be good if we had more information.  Is TSH the only thyroid test your doctor is doing?  

TSH, by itself, won't cause symptoms; you need to know what your actual thyroid hormone levels are; that would be Free T3 and Free T4.  Free T3 correlates best with symptoms and high levels (hyperthyroidism) could cause rapid heart rate.  Do keep in mind that there are other issues that could also cause rapid heart rate.  Do you have any other symptoms of hyperthyroidism?  

Ask your doctor to test Free T3 and Free T4, along with the TSH, then you can post the results, along with their reference ranges and members could comment more fully.