How would you interpret my results?

[Jherek]

My doctor currently uses the range .35-5.0 for TSH but I have read that the most recent studies suggest 3.0 should be considered the highest accepted range. Either way, my TSH is higher than normal. Thyroid disorders run in my family and in the past year, I have noticed a complete change in my mental and physical health and have experienced nearly all of the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. I began taking Maca Root powder for hormonal acne and found that the constant exhaustion went away, I was sleeping normal, I lost 15 pounds in two weeks and I just felt much healthier overall, although not back to my old self. I discovered that Maca Root is actually used as a supplement by many people to treat hypothyroidism. However I stopped in order to have blood tests done and all the symptoms came back.

My symptoms are (suddenly within the past year or so): weight gain, difficulty sleeping + constant fatigue, inability to withstand even mild heat, water retention / puffiness, bad joint and muscle pain, extreme difficulty focusing and concentrating, very pale skin and brittle nails, and yellow skin around my eyes and mildly around my mouth.

I wanted to be put on a low dose of medication for hypothyroid to see if it did indeed improve but my doctor wants me to wait three months and have the tests done again, which is frustrating to me, because I saw some improvements with Maca and can't stand feeling this way anymore. My results were as follows:

TSH: 5.55
Free T3: 5.2 PMOL/L
Free T4: 13 PMOL/L

How would you interpret these results and symptoms, and what would you suggest?

[Super_sally888]

From your results you have mild hypothyroid and would benefit from some thyroid replacement, particularly as you have  symptoms.

Given that your results have been rising (compared to your last test a year ago), it would be reasonable that you start on replacment and get your numbers into the new normal range.

Maybe time for a second opinion.

[utahmomma]

The AACE (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists) changed the TSH range to 0.3 to 3.04 in 2003

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[Jherek]

I should also say that a year ago I had the tests done and they came back normal. TSH was under 5.0 (I can't remember the exact number)