Curious about high TSH level

[informationplz]

A few years ago, I had a blood test to check my TSH level. It came back in the 600's. I was put on medication. Level went into normal range and I've been o.k. Just curious what would've happened, if I had not been diagnosed and medicated?

[Barb135]

Most of us felt like we were dying, before we were diagnosed and started on replacement hormones.  That's because thyroid hormones control so much of our body processes and without them, the body just doesn't function properly.

From the way it sounds, I'm guessing that you are only being tested for TSH, not the actual thyroid hormones.  You should always get a copy of your labs and keep them for your own records.  Knowing what your levels are and keeping track of when you feel best becomes an excellent record of your condition.  

Every time I have labs done, I note on the report what med(s)/dosage(s) I'm on, and what, if any, symptoms I'm having.  That way I can look back at my labs and know which levels I need to target.  

[informationplz]

Thank You, Barb, for caring enough to respond with helpful info. I appreciate your kindness. I am tested 1x a year, but to be honest I'm not sure if they're checking TSH or the actual hormones. They tell me the meds are keeping my levels at a normal range and I walk out the door. I must be o.k. because I don't feel as if I'm dying. Which is how I felt before being medicated. I'm not exaggerating, either. It was a very difficult year. Anyway, that's the past. I'm thankful to be o.k. and thanks again to you.

[Barb135]

TSH is a pituitary hormone and is only an indicator of low thyroid hormones.  There are other things that can affect TSH, as well.

Assuming that you were low on thyroid hormones and replacement hormones are the medication you're taking, you would, eventually, have died, because every cell in the body requires thyroid hormones.

Thyroid hormones control body temperature, metabolism, heart rate and other bodily functions.  Without them, one can't live indefinitely.

I do hope you're being tested regularly for the actual thyroid hormones, Free T3 and Free T4, and not simply relying on TSH to know if you are well or not.