high TSh normal T4

[jam525]

HIgh tsh and normal t4 is called euthyroid? or not?
only high  12.0 tsh and normal free t4 can be associated with abortion?

[goolarra]

Hello, there!

You obviously do not convert well.  I wonder if that has something to do with age...perhaps as we get older we run lower levels of FT3?  Actually, my FT3 runs pretty low as well, but I feel well.  How are you feeling?  Perhaps you don't really need your FT3 higher???

[goolarra]

We are not doctors on this forum, but fellow patients.

Your TSH is elevated, and your FT4 is at the low end of the range.  Ranges vary lab to lab, so you should make sure that your range is what I am assuming (approximately 0.8-1.8).  You should discuss starting thyroid meds with your obstetrician or have him refer you to an endocrinologist.  Maternal hypothyroidism can cause developmental problems for your baby.  

[oldie]

Over three yeras I have tried all doses of Levo from zero to 150 for at least six weeks each before tests. Results in general have been within  the normal lab ranges but NEVER ONCE has my FT3 level been above the lower third or less. What's left to try? Maybe I don't convert T4?

[shuchi85]

my TSH level is 4.89 and T4 is 1.0 and I am 13 weeks pregnant... is it required to start any medication?

[goolarra]

The most likely explanation is that your doctor, like many, treats by TSH only.  Many of them never see beyond TSH, even if they order FT3 and FT4 testing.  Of course, I am in no way condoning that.

One thing to bear in mind is that many people are not asymptomatic (not your case, apparently) intil FT4 is midrange and FT3 upper range.  This is not the case for everyone, but it is for many of us.

Another possibility is that you have Hashi's (have your antibodies ever been tested?).  It can take years or even decades before antibodies cause enough damage to cause symptoms.  When to start treatment is a controversial topic.  Some feel that starting before symptoms appear can forestall some of the less pleasant aspects of the disease while others feel that symptom relief is the only reason to start treatment.  

I hate to take anything as well, and you should certainly not allow your doctor to start you on meds based on TSH only.  

[grantj]

Yeah, that doesn't make sense to me why you would go on meds if you don't need to.  Besides, once on meds, it is hard to get off them.  Then what, you are stuck the rest of you life perhaps;  when you really never needed it to begin with?  UGGH!  No thanks.  

Personally, if you feel fine and are having no symptoms and FT's are decent, I would ignore it.  Now, some on this forum may say otherwise, as I am no expert by no means.  As a doc, though, he may have some reasonable rationale for the meds that we are not fully aware of here.