High TSH

[SUMI143]

My T3 and T4 results are normal but my TSH level is 8.6, i am little over weight, around 10 kg than BMI, is it due to highTSH level, lower body is swelling a little since past three months. Is it due to same reason, no other known diseases.n I am female of 35 yrs and have a baby gurl of 2 and half yrs. plz suggest.

[flyingfool]

No.  If put on a T4 medications such as synthroid or levothyroxine you will not notice changes quickly.

T4 takes about 6 weeks to build up and stabilize in your bloodstream.  Even after this the chances that the first dosage rate will be the "right" amount to make you feel well is slim.

But the best tactic to take is to start low dose and slowly work up.  So plan on getting blood tested every 6 weeks or so and possible ajustments each time following.

Please post your blood lab results here along with their reference ranges so we can help you more.

Also understand that there is a BIG difference between "total T4" and Free T4 and "total T3" and Free T3.

Total measures all the hormone in oyour blood. But only the portion of the hormone that remains unattached to a protein is usable by your body.  This unattached hormone is known as "free".

Ultimately your body ONLY uses the FREE T3 hormone.  All the Free T4 is simply a storage hormone and must be converted into T3 in order to be used by your body.

Also understand that the refrence or so called "normal" ranges are determined incorrectly. And the result is the ranges are FAR too broad.  Many people find they need to have BOTH of the following to feel good.  It is a rule of thumb but you will clearly see that they are substaintially higher than half way or more on each.

1) Free T4 to be in the MIDDLE of the range (50%) or slightly higher

AND- that means in addition to

2) Free T3 to be in the UPPER 1/3 of the range (66.7%)

Notice that simply being "somewhere" in the range is insufficient for many people.

ALWAYS insist on getting tested for BOTH te Free T4 and Free T3.

[spa77]

I just had my TSH checked and it was pretty high (according to the doc). 11.75. He had me come in for a full blood test of all Thyroid hormones today (not sure if that is just T3 and T4 or more.  Question is -- when and if I start taking Sythroid, will I notice changes quickly? I put on about 10 lbs in the last year and I don't know if it was related or just aging/weight gain stuff.  Any thoughts? What else should I expect on Synthroid? Thanks!

[Barb135]

TSH is a pituitary hormone and it neither causes, nor alleviates symptoms. Your level being higher than normal, indicates that you have hypothyroidism.  You need to also get actual thyroid hormones, Free T3 and Free T4 tested.

Your symptoms of being over weight and swelling, are symptoms of hypothyroidism.  After you get the Free T3 and Free T4 tests, your doctor will probably start you on thyroid replacement hormones.