Normal TSH level?

[neusiusp]

My normal weight is usually around 118 lbs and I am now up to about 160. I have been gaining weight very badly rapidly but have been eating less. The docs did my TSH level and it came out to be 4.94 but he told me this is normal. I don't know whats going on so could someone tell me if this level is normal or what they think could be happening. Thanks alot for the help.

[NURSELPN]

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[Dina95]

Hi everone
It would scare you to know my level of TSH.First, I didn't know I was hypothyrodist. It is only when i wanted to be pregnant that i found out. When I had the test my TSH was 85!!!!!!I started with Eltoxin 50 and then the doctor put me on 100. The strange thing is that my neck got swollen after taking the medicine.It is the middle and the right side of my neck!! I thought you are supposed to have less symptoms when you are on medication!!!! So confused and scared.

[NURSELPN]

nat71,


What type (brand) of thyroxine are you taking.  The different types of L-thyroxine sodium are Synthroid, Levothroid, unithroid, & Levoxyl.  It usually is only dispensed in mcg.'s (micrograms) not mg.'s (milligrams). They come in 137mcg., 150mcg., 300mcg.

Plain L-thyroxine comes in Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid.  88mcg., 112mcg, 137mcg., & 175mcg,,

Just wondered...I take it your on LEVOTHYROXINE 300 MCG TABLET
This medicine is a green, round, scored tablet imprinted with "EM 300".

                                  Jean

[unichic2]

NAT71,

I don't doubt that 300mg of thyroid medication is what you will eventually need (I am on that, well actually 3 grains of Armour and 75mg of t4) and I am 5'5, 122lbs. I do think that they need to start you out slower. The body needs time to adjust or you  are going to fatigue the adrenals (not fun). I would get your script (see if the pharmacist will give you 100mg pills), start at 100mg and see how it goes. If you need to cut the pills in half and back down, then you will be able to. I do recommend however, that you find someone who will prescrie Armour thyroid first. T4 "only" protocols do not work.

[nat71]

I just had my specialist appointment today and was told my TSH level was 23 but my other tests were fine. They are not sure what is happening but I have been put on a dose of 300mg Thyroxine, which to me seems to high. I am not keen on taking such a high dose for too long as I have read about the side effects of taking such a dose.

[NURSELPN]

DR mark says you should take it first thing in the morning & not eat at least 30 min-1hr afterward. Do not take it with Calcium supplements, iron, antacids or meds for your stomach such as Prilosec, Reglan, etc. because they can effect the absorption. Those medicines can be taken later in the day, Getting your TSH down may take a bit so don't get discouraged. What thyroid supplement are you on? Is your Dr. also checking your Free T=3 & Free T-4 also? They are important, too.
                                    Jean