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]

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 or 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

[MrsOckert]

My TSH level got up to 36.13 before I started meds for it.  I've been on the meds for one month (new labs this Fri).  The question I have is when is the best time to take it?  I saw on the bottle that you should take it on an empty stomach.  Should I take it last thing at night or first thing in the am?  Thanks, Valorie

[HashiMan]

Your Dr. likely saw the 0.02, which is below normal, as indication you were going hyperthyroid which can happen when taking too high a dose of thyroid replacement medication (toxicity) however, 0.25 would be a higher dose than 0.050, unless you meant "0.50".
If he put you on lower dose, it's to correct over-medicating you.

[marinemom]

I have had thyroid problems since the mid-90s.  The most recent TSH test came back 0.02., which was low.  My physician changed my dosage from .050 mcg to 0.25.  Is this correct? I know the TSH indicates the amount of hormone working to keep the thyroid going, but this seems very low.

[neusiusp]

Thank you guys. I thought that my TSH was high but I even asked the doctor I worked for and he said it was normal. I know I need treatment because I'm not feeling well at all...I guess I'll have to wait and see another doc. Thanks again.

[HashiMan]

The normal range for TSH, updated by the AACE (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists), is roughly 0.3 to 3.0 but most labs have not adjusted to the revised range. Even beore this revision, many labs were using "4.5" as the high-normal.
Your TSH is hypothyroid level. Did they check you for "thyroid antibodies"? If not, I would ask that this be included in your next blood tests, it will reveal whether it is "autoimmune" disease of the thyroid causing your hypothyroidism (most common cause), also called "Hashimoto's".
If you have any other results you can add to your post, it might be helpful for the forum Dr..