VERY high TSH - Interested in range information

[sdp1988]

I am having trouble finding out range information on the net regarding TSH levels.  I have taken synthoid for several years and occasionally have to adjust the dosage.  I know what a level TSH is but at one point had a level of 32.5 - which was treated by adjusting the dosage.  However, due to recent HORRIBLE symptons, knew I needed to have it checked again (3 months earlier than my scheduled check).  It was at 85.8 which scares me to death after doing what little research I have.  I have been looking for ranges and what effects they may have on me at certain ranges (other than the obvious ones I have been feeling).  Last, how high can a TSH be and how close am I to it?

[Fairytailarts]

Ok thank you I will read the article to further educate myself.  My B12 and Ferritin were perfect this visit. He did not test for the T3 but he did for the free T4 which was low .34

[gimel]

It would be a good idea to test for TPO ab and TG ab just to confirm that it is Hashi's.  You should also request to be tested for Free T3, along with Free t4 each time you go in for tests.  Since hypo patients frequently are too low in the ranges for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, I suggest testing for those as well.  A deficiency in either of the three can cause symptoms as well as affecting the metabolism of thyroid hormone.  Since T4 meds are basically fully effective in serum levels in about 4-5 weeks, I suggest that you try to get back in for followup tests before 8 weeks.  

For info, 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 resultant TSH levels.  You can get some good insight into clinical treatment from this letter written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he sometimes consults with after initial tests and evaluation.  The letter is then sent to the participating doctor of the patient to help guide treatment.  In the letter, please note the statement, "the ultimate criterion for dose adjustment must always be the clinical response of the patient."

http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf

So when you see the doctor next you might want to discuss this with him and find out if he is going to be willing to treat clinically, rather than strictly by test results.  If not, then you will ultimately need to find a good thyroid doctor that will do so.  

[Fairytailarts]

Yes it was the first time I had been tested. I am 33 with no real previous health issues.  As far as I know there is only one Aunt on my father's side that has hypothyroidism not to the effect of mine though. My doc said yesterday that my TSH was one of the highest he had ever seen and my thyroid just wasn't working.  I asked him why I didn't feel worse and he said he thought my body had just compensated.  So who knows I guess how long I have actually had issues that I just passed off as I am getting older and I have two little girls 8 and 5 I am chasing around :)

I really have no idea how long some of the symptoms have been occurring.  As some things can just come with age.  Menses change started about 1 year ago...change with my hair started 4 years ago. Temper change maybe about 6 months ago. The severe symptoms happened about a month and 1/2 ago. I started taking Calcium gluclosamine which I quit because I got hit with extreme fatigue that was not resolved with a nap muscle weakness, cramps, tingling in my feet while I slept, vertigo.  I also gained 15 pounds in about 1 month and that is just not like me.  I quit smoking 8 months ago so I have put on a few pounds just because of that.

He started me one 50 mcg of the levothroid once daily. He wanted to start me off strong because of my very high TSH but low enough I don't develop hyperthyroid and I need to check back in 8 weeks.  He has not tested for TPO ab or TG ab.  All other blood work of mine came back perfect...besides my TSH and t4 free

Thank you all for any additional help in my transition to getting used to not having a working thyroid:)

[gimel]

Yes, it does.  You can confirm Hashimoto's Thyroiditis by testing for both Thyroid Peroxidase and Thyroglobulin antibodies.  Those tests are often listed as TPO ab and TG ab.  Have you been started on thyroid med?  If so, what type and how much daily?  What symptoms are you having?  

Is this the first time your doctor tested for possible thyroid issues?  

There is lots to discuss, so hang with us.  

[Fairytailarts]

I just had my testing done...my TSH is 276.4 and my T4 free is .34.  Does this seem to be in line with Hashimoto?  Just trying to figure out as much info as possible.  I have never been on medication for this before so I am new to the hypothyroidism etc.  

[Barb135]

That's very high... are you sure you've read the report correctly?  Have you had other tests, such as Free T3, Free T4 and thyroid antibodies done?  

Are you having hypo symptoms? You should talk to your doctor immediately, as you could go into a very serious condition called Hashitoxicosis, which is life threatening.