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TSH level greater than 150 ...Plsss Help
Hello People
My wife was diagnoised with TSH reading off scale ( >150). Doc suggested her to take 100mg of thyronorm every day in the morning before breakfast ( half hr early).
Its more than a month now and her problems have gone worse , she feels more exhausted plus severe joint pains. Spoke to doctor and she suggested to take another TSH test now and get back to her..
Am really worried person now.. How bad is this TSH>150?? ( how severe is it?? ) , is the dosage enuf???
Please help me out in this issue....
Thanks
Nanda
My wife was diagnoised with TSH reading off scale ( >150). Doc suggested her to take 100mg of thyronorm every day in the morning before breakfast ( half hr early).
Its more than a month now and her problems have gone worse , she feels more exhausted plus severe joint pains. Spoke to doctor and she suggested to take another TSH test now and get back to her..
Am really worried person now.. How bad is this TSH>150?? ( how severe is it?? ) , is the dosage enuf???
Please help me out in this issue....
Thanks
Nanda
It is very good that she has been started on thyroid medication. She has a long way to go to get even her Free T4 high enough in the range. Target is middle of the range, at minimum. She also needs to be tested for Free T3 along with Free T4 every time she goes in for tests. Free T3 largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions. Scientific studies ahve shown that Free T3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH did not correlate at all. Many members say that relief from hypo symptoms required Free T3 in the upper third of its range, or as necessary to relieve symptoms.
In view of the TSH level, the cause may be Hashimoto's Thyroidits. With Hashi's the autoimmune system erroneously identifies the thyroid gland as foreign and produces antibodies to attack and eventually destroy the gland. Along the path to destruction, the gland's output of thyroid hormone is diminished and has to be replaced with thyroid medication. To confirm the presence of Hashi's antibodies, two tests are required, TPO ab and TG ab. Hypo patients are also very frequently too low in the range for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin. So it would be a good idea to test those as well.
I don't want to alarm you but being an Endo does not assure a good thyroid doctor. Endos frequently specialize in diabetes, not thyroid. Many of them have the "Immaculate TSH Belief" and primarily use that to diagnose and treat a thyroid patient. That is very wrong. If they test beyond TSH it is frequently only Free T4 and then they will use "Reference Range Endocrinology" and tell you that a thyroid test result that falls anywhere within the range is adequate. That is also wrong. A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T4 and Free T3 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. Symptom relief should be the main concern, not just test results and especially not TSH results when already taking thyroid med. You can get some good insight from this link written by a good thyroid doctor.
http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html
So please keep this in mind as you proceed and ask the Endo if he is willing to test and adjust Free T4 and Free T3 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. Also ask if he is willing to prescribe T3 type meds. If either answer is no, then you will need to find a good thyroid doctor that will do so.
When you have additional test results, if you will post them and their reference ranges we will be glad to help interpret and advise further. The experience and knowledge of our members here can be a big help for your daughter, and we will be very happy to do so.
In view of the TSH level, the cause may be Hashimoto's Thyroidits. With Hashi's the autoimmune system erroneously identifies the thyroid gland as foreign and produces antibodies to attack and eventually destroy the gland. Along the path to destruction, the gland's output of thyroid hormone is diminished and has to be replaced with thyroid medication. To confirm the presence of Hashi's antibodies, two tests are required, TPO ab and TG ab. Hypo patients are also very frequently too low in the range for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin. So it would be a good idea to test those as well.
I don't want to alarm you but being an Endo does not assure a good thyroid doctor. Endos frequently specialize in diabetes, not thyroid. Many of them have the "Immaculate TSH Belief" and primarily use that to diagnose and treat a thyroid patient. That is very wrong. If they test beyond TSH it is frequently only Free T4 and then they will use "Reference Range Endocrinology" and tell you that a thyroid test result that falls anywhere within the range is adequate. That is also wrong. A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T4 and Free T3 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. Symptom relief should be the main concern, not just test results and especially not TSH results when already taking thyroid med. You can get some good insight from this link written by a good thyroid doctor.
http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html
So please keep this in mind as you proceed and ask the Endo if he is willing to test and adjust Free T4 and Free T3 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. Also ask if he is willing to prescribe T3 type meds. If either answer is no, then you will need to find a good thyroid doctor that will do so.
When you have additional test results, if you will post them and their reference ranges we will be glad to help interpret and advise further. The experience and knowledge of our members here can be a big help for your daughter, and we will be very happy to do so.
1 Comments
Very much Impressive
Lab results and associated reference ranges vary from one lab to another, so for us to evaluate those test results we need for you to also post the reference ranges for those results, as shown on the lab report. Also, please tell us about any symptoms you have.
I can tell you from my own experience that a TSH>150 is NOT good. You need to see an endocrinologist, or at the very least, a physician who understands the urgency of the matter. Mine shot up to 277 (tested by the hospital so they could go that high) and I ended up in the hospital with my heart barely beating. I was vomiting like a mad dog, and they figured that was my body's way of jump-starting my heart.
My endo put it best. Most people who die in their sleep probably had undiagnosed hypothyroidism. It can kill you. I'm not saying this to scare you. It IS manageable, but if you leave it go untreated, you're in for a world of trouble.
Yes, you have to take a pill the rest of your life, but I look at it as my lifeline. I recently moved to another state and my old doctor wouldn't continue my prescription because I had no health insurance and couldn't afford the bloodwork, so because I didn't get the bloodwork, they told me I was "noncompliant" and booted me as a patient. They knew I moved, so it was no skin off their back (this was my GP -- I quit going to the endo because I couldn't afford it @ $575 a visit). Long story short -- I've been off my meds for 6 weeks now, and drug myself to the health center here where the doctor acted like I was nuts and really didn't believe me. She called me at 5 pm today to inform me my TSH level was off the charts and that she couldn't tell me the actual number because Quest only tests up to 150. I was on 150 mcg of Synthroid. She originally argued with me and told me she was going to start me at 25, and I told her it wouldn't make a difference, and that I NEEDED to be MUCH higher. I've dealt with this disease for 12 years, so I know my body. I'm a mess and it's everything I can do to make myself get up. After seeing my test results, she decided to give me the 150. The best thing you can do is become educated, and it's forums like these that can help you see the light. If you have health insurance, go to an endocriologist. They specialize in thyroid disorders. I was diagnosed with Graves' disease and they gave me methimazole, which I was allergic to, so my endo said he didn't want to give me ANY drugs because many times, being allergic can kill the thyoid -- which it did for me. Mine is nonfunctioning -- not working AT ALL. Thank God he knew what he was doing, otherwise he would have been pumping me full of HYPERtyhroid drugs, which may have just put an end to me. I doubt a GP would have known this.
My point being is find a doctor you trust, but be smart and don't take no for an answer. It is tough to understand, but once you get yourself leveled out, you won't even realize how great you feel and you'll look back and only then you'll realize just how horrible you've felt. We tend to get used to it. So please, get yourself the help you need. You'll be thankful you did.
My endo put it best. Most people who die in their sleep probably had undiagnosed hypothyroidism. It can kill you. I'm not saying this to scare you. It IS manageable, but if you leave it go untreated, you're in for a world of trouble.
Yes, you have to take a pill the rest of your life, but I look at it as my lifeline. I recently moved to another state and my old doctor wouldn't continue my prescription because I had no health insurance and couldn't afford the bloodwork, so because I didn't get the bloodwork, they told me I was "noncompliant" and booted me as a patient. They knew I moved, so it was no skin off their back (this was my GP -- I quit going to the endo because I couldn't afford it @ $575 a visit). Long story short -- I've been off my meds for 6 weeks now, and drug myself to the health center here where the doctor acted like I was nuts and really didn't believe me. She called me at 5 pm today to inform me my TSH level was off the charts and that she couldn't tell me the actual number because Quest only tests up to 150. I was on 150 mcg of Synthroid. She originally argued with me and told me she was going to start me at 25, and I told her it wouldn't make a difference, and that I NEEDED to be MUCH higher. I've dealt with this disease for 12 years, so I know my body. I'm a mess and it's everything I can do to make myself get up. After seeing my test results, she decided to give me the 150. The best thing you can do is become educated, and it's forums like these that can help you see the light. If you have health insurance, go to an endocriologist. They specialize in thyroid disorders. I was diagnosed with Graves' disease and they gave me methimazole, which I was allergic to, so my endo said he didn't want to give me ANY drugs because many times, being allergic can kill the thyoid -- which it did for me. Mine is nonfunctioning -- not working AT ALL. Thank God he knew what he was doing, otherwise he would have been pumping me full of HYPERtyhroid drugs, which may have just put an end to me. I doubt a GP would have known this.
My point being is find a doctor you trust, but be smart and don't take no for an answer. It is tough to understand, but once you get yourself leveled out, you won't even realize how great you feel and you'll look back and only then you'll realize just how horrible you've felt. We tend to get used to it. So please, get yourself the help you need. You'll be thankful you did.
Thank you so much. Her Dr has indicated Hashimoto's disease. My mum has it but she grew up thinking it wasn't heridatary. Some of the things I've already found out about my mum has no clue about. I am going to make a list of the things you have mentioned and ask the specialist when we see them. I'm also going to get my mum to make an appt about her Hashimoto's as they have lowered her thyroxine and she feels awful still. Will ask her to get tested for the T3 one too. I'm lucky because I can research on the Internet. My mum has no clue and has just relied on what Drs have told her. She was diagnosed age 9ish. Thanks again for all you help and advice.
No clue it was her being severely anaemic that led to thyroid function tests etc. it was actually physio therapist that referred her for blood tests as she was struggling walking a great distance without pain. But when she was diagnosed just over a week ago with hypothyroid and we saw list of symptoms she ticked every box. I just put it down to growing pains etc.
She's been put on 100mg of thyroxine daily and is being referred urgent to a paediatrician that specialises in endocrinology.
She's been put on 100mg of thyroxine daily and is being referred urgent to a paediatrician that specialises in endocrinology.
1 Comments
Hi ..please help me what King of thyroid whether hyper or hypo..please.. TSH IS 150, FT3 IS 1.5, FT4 IS 0.27...PLEASE GIVE ME DETAILS,MY mail is ***@****
She's been put on 100mg of thyroxine daily and is being referred urgent to a paediatrician that specialises in endocrinology.
No clue it was her being severely anaemic that led to thyroid function tests etc. it was actually physio therapist that referred her for blood tests as she was struggling walking a great distance without pain. But when she was diagnosed just over a week ago with hypothyroid and we saw list of symptoms she ticked every box. I just put it down to growing pains etc.
From those test results it appears that your daughter is very hypothyroid, and will require thyroid medication to build up her thyroid hormone levels. What symptoms does she have?
I am not familiar with the anaemia level you mention. What test was that?
I am not familiar with the anaemia level you mention. What test was that?
Could you please give me advice. My daughter (15) has anaemia level of 8.4 and thyroid test results as follows:
Serum TSH LEVEL 150 mu/L (0.30-5.50) &
Serum free T4 level 3.3 pmol/L (11.5-22.7) Do those results mean anything to you? Could anyone give me any advice? We are new to all this.
Serum TSH LEVEL 150 mu/L (0.30-5.50) &
Serum free T4 level 3.3 pmol/L (11.5-22.7) Do those results mean anything to you? Could anyone give me any advice? We are new to all this.
You can start with this one.
http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13590840050043521
In the study, thyroid test results were evaluated against the composite scores for 8 typical hypothyroid symptoms. When you consider the subjective nature of rating symptoms, the correlation of those symptoms to Free T3 was amazingly good. Free T4 and TSH show no significant correlation.
http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13590840050043521
In the study, thyroid test results were evaluated against the composite scores for 8 typical hypothyroid symptoms. When you consider the subjective nature of rating symptoms, the correlation of those symptoms to Free T3 was amazingly good. Free T4 and TSH show no significant correlation.
When you say, " Scientific studies have shown that Free T3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH did not correlate", could you list links or information to access those scientific studies? I know many have opinions and anecdotal experience of this being true, but I can't find any documented or peer reviewed studies or research. I really need to find a way to educate my doctor on this. Thanks.
Thyroid testing should include more than just TSH. She should make sure to get tested for Free T4 and Free T3 each time she goes in for tests. Free T3 largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions. Scientific studies have shown that Free T3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH did not correlate. If she has been tested for Free T4 and free T3, please post those, along with reference ranges.
What symptoms is she having? Has she been tested for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin? If so, please post those as well.
What symptoms is she having? Has she been tested for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin? If so, please post those as well.
my mom too has tsh >150 , not only this but earlier she was taking 100mg and got herself tested her tsh has shooted up to >150
she then started taking up medicines of 150 and 200 mg alternatively
she has even got herself to an endicronologist ...pls if u can suggest some more ideas it will be really helful
she then started taking up medicines of 150 and 200 mg alternatively
she has even got herself to an endicronologist ...pls if u can suggest some more ideas it will be really helful
My TSH is more than 150 and my T3 & T4 is also more i am under medication.
Does this Thyroid is curable what we need to do...
or
Is this lifetime gift ???
Does this Thyroid is curable what we need to do...
or
Is this lifetime gift ???
Hello,
We cannot suggest exact dose, that will be up to your dr. to determine.
Typically they may start you on a fairly low dose (25 mcg) and increase your medications with monitoring until ideal levels are reached. (Ft3 and Ft4 should be at least middle of the reference range).
However your numbers are very abnormal and your health is at serious risk, so your dr may choose to start you on a higher than 25 mcg starting dose (maybe even up to 100 mcg/day).
What thyroid medication have you been prescribed? Your blood levels should be tested every 4 - 6 weeks to appropriately adjust meds.
Please ask your Dr. to test FT3 and FT4 next time. They are the active hormone.
We cannot suggest exact dose, that will be up to your dr. to determine.
Typically they may start you on a fairly low dose (25 mcg) and increase your medications with monitoring until ideal levels are reached. (Ft3 and Ft4 should be at least middle of the reference range).
However your numbers are very abnormal and your health is at serious risk, so your dr may choose to start you on a higher than 25 mcg starting dose (maybe even up to 100 mcg/day).
What thyroid medication have you been prescribed? Your blood levels should be tested every 4 - 6 weeks to appropriately adjust meds.
Please ask your Dr. to test FT3 and FT4 next time. They are the active hormone.
COMMUNITY LEADER
There is not endo on this forum; we're all patients just like your wife...
With a TSH of > 150, you wife is likely to be hypothyroid... Has she had Free T3 and Free T4 tested? If not, she needs to have those tested.
With a TSH of > 150, you wife is likely to be hypothyroid... Has she had Free T3 and Free T4 tested? If not, she needs to have those tested.
COMMUNITY LEADER
TSH, on its own has no impact; it neither causes nor alleviates symptoms. You need to find out why your TSH is that high. It could be because your thyroid isn't producing enough hormones - you need to test Free T3 and Free T4 to determine that. It could also be because your pituitary isn't working properly. It's very odd that you wouldn't have any symptoms of hypothyroidism, with a TSH that high.
If your thyroid is malfunctioning, you will need to be on the medication because you can't live without thyroid hormones. Get the FT3 and FT4 tests, then we can go from there. You should also get thyroid antibodies to determine if you have an autoimmune thyroid disease that just hasn't progressed to the point where it's causing symptoms.
If your thyroid is malfunctioning, you will need to be on the medication because you can't live without thyroid hormones. Get the FT3 and FT4 tests, then we can go from there. You should also get thyroid antibodies to determine if you have an autoimmune thyroid disease that just hasn't progressed to the point where it's causing symptoms.
Thanks for all details.
My TSH value is more than 150. There are no symptoms of any kind. No wight loss or gain in last 1 year. No fatigue. I have undergone heart surgery before 8 months. I am taking medicines for the same. All my reports about the heart problem are normal now. While doing some other tests we found the value of TSH is very High. Hence I consulted Doctor and he has stared dose of 25 mcg and slowly the dose will be increased. My question is what will be the impact of high TSH on me if I don't take medicine at all.
Shirish1951
My TSH value is more than 150. There are no symptoms of any kind. No wight loss or gain in last 1 year. No fatigue. I have undergone heart surgery before 8 months. I am taking medicines for the same. All my reports about the heart problem are normal now. While doing some other tests we found the value of TSH is very High. Hence I consulted Doctor and he has stared dose of 25 mcg and slowly the dose will be increased. My question is what will be the impact of high TSH on me if I don't take medicine at all.
Shirish1951
COMMUNITY LEADER
First off, as Red_Star posted, it's not unusual for symptoms to get worse, before they get better. Additionally, the doctor started your wife on a very high dose. It's always best to start at a lower level and work up; there may be a dose smaller than 100 mcg that will be sufficient. Some symptoms can cross over and apply to either hypo or hyper.
It takes 4-6 weeks for the medication to reach full potential in the body.
Tests your wife needs to have, in addition to the TSH, are FREE T4 and FREE T3. Testing for total T4 and total T3 is obsolete and of little value. It would also be good if she could get tested for thyroid antibodies, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab).
It takes 4-6 weeks for the medication to reach full potential in the body.
Tests your wife needs to have, in addition to the TSH, are FREE T4 and FREE T3. Testing for total T4 and total T3 is obsolete and of little value. It would also be good if she could get tested for thyroid antibodies, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab).
Thanks for post Red_star..
Even after taking thyronorm100mg for 20days the fatigue hasent reduce plus increase in joint pains n irritaion have started...
Why does this actually happen?? Is it because of less dosage or excess dosage( Reactions??) ....
Is it any serious threat to life as TSH>150 and still no relief found even after 20days of dosage??
Thanks
Nanda
Even after taking thyronorm100mg for 20days the fatigue hasent reduce plus increase in joint pains n irritaion have started...
Why does this actually happen?? Is it because of less dosage or excess dosage( Reactions??) ....
Is it any serious threat to life as TSH>150 and still no relief found even after 20days of dosage??
Thanks
Nanda
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It can take a few weeks for symptoms to dissipate after starting the medication...I'm not sure why this is but that was my experience.
When her doctor retests her TSH, he should also check her T4, FT4 and T3 levels. She might have something more complex than primary hypothyroidism and might need to see an endocrinologist.