high TSH, everything else normal

[alicat2008]

My TSH is high (last lab put it at 6.0) but all my other labs, including the antibody test are normal. My TSH has been consistently high for the past two years, but I didn't develop hypothyroid symptoms until the past 6 months. I can't get my doc to treat me, even though I feel horrible. I've gained 15 lbs in 6 months, I'm constipated, have irregular periods and can't get pregnant.

What would be causing the high TSH if everything else is "normal"?

[barleypop]

Which antibody test did you have? did you have more than one?  TPO??  

TSH of 6 is not in the normal range according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the new range is 0.3 to 3.04.  My TSH was at 8 but my free T4 was in the normal range when I was dx as hypo.  I didn't have Thyroglobulin Antibodies but did have Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies.  Please post your labs if you have them.  You can always get a second opinion, or a third.  I am on my second doctor in two months and I might end of going to a third one!!  

-m

[AlonaJ]

My TSH was 4.55 and my OBGYN said he wouldn't raise my meds because I was too thin and said I would continue to have prolongued periods.  

I had seen 4 different Doctor's about my Thyroid and they all said it was fine.  I just went to see my first Endocrinologist and he said he wants me TSH down to 1 and upped my meds and made a pin cousion out of me.  Many Doctor's don't seem to understand how bad you can feel; I would find a specialist if possible, or a Doctor that will listen to you and work with you.

[drick008]

A lot of things can affect your TSH to be higher than the range of 5.5. Mine was 6.22 but I had an MRI four days before the blood test. Some medications can also affect TSH (Google Drug induced Hypothyroidsm). My doctor started me on 25mcg Levothyroxine right away, without checking my T3 , T4 and antibodies, and it made me sick. I know I was hyper when I lost 10 pounds of muscle in four weeks (very dengerous). Even Dr Lupo agreed that I should have waited for 4 to 6 weeks and repeat the test with Free T3, Free T4 and antibodies. It's been two weeks now since I stop and did not felt any difference. I did have a blood test one week after I stopped and everything is normal.  You should repeat the TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and antibodies tests after 6 weeks.
Take care,
Rick