Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Abnormal Thyroid?

What does my "TSH, 3rd Generation of 8.7 H" mean?  I know it's abnormal.  Should I be taking hormones?  Thank-you. Sincerely, NightOwl13
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Thanks for following up.  I'm still waiting to hear back from my doctor.  I've contacted her office a few times.  Last night I dreampt I should get another doctor.  It would be nice if her nurse would at least call me, RE my TSH of 8.7.  Thanks again.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Probably, but you need to have free T3 and free T4 labs run.

TSH is a pituitary hormone. Your pituitary sends it out to tell your thyroid to produce T3 and T4.  When TSH gets high, it's because the thyroid is underperforming and ignoring the pituitary's call for T3 and T4.

Before you start on thyroid meds, it's really important to get the FT3 and FT4 to make sure they're consistent with TSH.  When your TSH is high, we would expect your FT3 and FT4 to be low.  Make sure your doctor doesn't order total T3 and total T4 as these are antiquated tests and free's give a much more complete picture.

Good luck!
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community

Top Thyroid Answerers
649848 tn?1534633700
FL
Avatar universal
MI
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.