HIGH TSH

[mardi997]

I had a total Thyroidectomy in April of this year.  I have been taking 125mcg of levothrox (sp).  I had blood work last week and got my results to day.  My T4 Free is 0.9ng/dl      TSH is 15.51 mIU/L  and the T3 Free is 2.1 pg/ml .  My family doctor wanted to increase me to 137mcg or 150mcg.  My surgeon is still following me so I am going to see what he says.  Are these levels indicate the need for higher meds?

[mardi997]

What are the symptoms of over medications?  I will have to watch for them.  

[Barb135]

If you're currently at 125 mcg, you might want to increase more slowly.  137 mcg or 150 mcg, might suffice. Jumping a whole 50 mcg at once is risky. Be very alert for symptoms of over medication.  

[mardi997]

My doctor finally called me and increased my medicine to 175 mcg.  Wants to see me in a month.  Thanks for all your help

[mardi997]

Thank you!!

[Barb135]

All of those symptoms can be those of hypothyroidism, particularly, the bags under the eyes, not sleeping well and feeling weak.  Still having symptoms, is an indication that you do, indeed, need the increased dosage in medication.

[mardi997]

I have muscle cramps(but I have those anyway.  Just not as often)I have not been sleeping as well.  I have large puffy bags under my eyes and my legs are weak.  I don't feel terrible, just not normal.  Thank you

[Barb135]

It doesn't matter whose name you put in the "to" area...... sometimes MH gets glitchy and things don't post the way we think they will.  Grrrrrrrrr

I'll put the results and ranges together in a way that makes it easy for members to read them.  I was new, once, too........ lol

TSH  = 15.51  (0.40-4.50)
Free T3  = 2.1  (2.3-4.2)
Free T4  = 0.9  (0.8-1.8)

First glance at your labs, screams that you need an increase, because your TSH is WAY high and your FT's are both really low in their ranges ........ but, you didn't mention if you still have symptoms.  We do see people that are comfortable with a TSH that high and FT's in the lower end of the range, so if you feel okay, you might not need an increase; however, if you have symptoms of being hypo, then for sure, you do.......

Next question is:  what, if any symptoms do you have?

[mardi997]

I am new to this and I guess I sent the comment to my self.  But my ranges are in the comment above.  Thank for responding to my question.

[mardi997]

they are missing again  
T4 Free 0.8-1.8
TSH 0.40-4.50
T3 Free 2.3-4.2

If this doesn't I give up

[mardi997]

I had put the ranges in the Question, but when I checked they were missing.  I will list them again.
T4 Free
TSH
T3 Free
I hope they stay in this time.

[Barb135]

If you have *any* symptoms of being hypo, then yes, they certainly indicate a need for higher meds.  However, if you don't have symptoms, you might be one of those who is comfortable at lower levels. Be sure to look over the list of hypo symptoms and make sure you have none of them, before declining an increase in medication.

Since TSH is a pituitary hormone and is not really indicative of actual thyroid hormone status, I don't give that much credence; however, both your FT3 and FT4 "seem" to be very low in their ranges (FT3 may even be below range)....... could you please provide those ranges for us, since they vary lab to lab and must come from your own report.