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What does TSH levels mean

I had previously been taking armour thyroid, have been off of it several days had a TSH test done at a labatory. Results was 0.045 (TSH is 3rd generation) The Flag said L----reference said 0.3-4.5 uIU/ML.

I am concerned about this but can't seem to understand any of the research I find online, not written in ordinary language.


This discussion is related to TSH, 3rd Generation.
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231441 tn?1333892766
Hi,

to further clarify;-  

TSH is often suppressed (low) when taking armor thyroid.  This doesn't necessarily mean you have too much medicine.  What you need to do is test FT3 and FT4 and adjust your meds based on these levels (which for most people should be in the top half to 1/3 of the reference range).

Also if you are feeling good and no symptoms of hyper, like you don't have any problem.

Hope this helps.
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Avatar universal
TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by many variables.  It is inadequate as a diagnostic, by which to determine medication.  TSH does not correlate very well at all with hypo symptoms.  At best it is  an indicator, to be considered along with more important indicators, which are symptoms and also the levels of the actual, biologically active thyroid hormones, free T3 and free T4 (FT3 and FT4).

Having a TSH that is below the range is frequently mistaken by doctors as evidence of hyperthyroidism.  But you are not really hyper unless you have hyper symptoms.  Symptoms are all important.  It is not at all unusual to have TSH suppressed below the low limit of the range, when you are taking thyroid meds.  

You really need to assess what symptoms you are still having, if any.  Also, you need to get tested for FT3 and FT4, so that you can see where the results fall within their ranges.  If you are having no symptoms, be happy and don't change meds or anything.  If still having hypo symptoms, and your FT3 and TFt4 are in the lower half of the ranges, then you will need to convince your doctor to increase meds to alleviate symptoms, by increasing the levels of FT3 and FT4, without being constrained by the TSH result.  
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