TSH of 5.12 and Dr. won't treat

[Sotired222]

I went to see an endo because I have been having many hypothyroid symptoms.  My periods are irregular, I am freezing all of the time, inability to loose weight, acne (new), low libido, extreme fatigue, and irritability.  I am 5'8" and 177 lbs (usual is 160 lbs).  I am extremely active!  I am an ICU nurse and I work 12 hour shifts twice a week, I run 5-6 miles twice a week, and do 50 minutes of boot camp classes twice a week.  Not to mention the fact that I have 2 little boys that keep me running.  My endo told me that my weight is not bad and I needed to give myself a break and I may be just a little stressed out.  Well, I'm stressed out that she was not impressed with my TSH.  My Free t3, and t4 were normal and my antibodies were negative.  Please help...I'm sooooooo sick of falling asleep!!!!!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

This is a borderline high TSH.  Would consider rechecking and 6-8 weeks.  Especially since antibodies were negative.  In many cases thyroid levels normalize.  A common cause of your symptoms would be polycystic ovarian syndrome with insulin resistance.  This can also be associated with a borderline high TSH.  It is unclear whether or not levothyroxine treatment would be helpful.

[Sotired222]

Dr. Lupo,
Thank you for your response.  I was screened for PCOS and it was negative.  I know that a TSH of 5.12 is not very high but my TSH has been trending upward.  I went to see and endocrinologist because my last reading was 4.68 and I keep having issues with ovarian cysts.  My GYN wanted to make sure it was not PCOS because my sister has it.  My other sister is hypothyroid and she is active and states that she feels awful when her TSH is greater than 2.  I am just wondering if some are more sensitive to hormone fluctuations than others?  I have never had an issue with ovarian cysts or fatigue before.  This is not me...I am like the energizer bunny and have never had an issue with weight before.  

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

"In" 6-8 weeks