Aa
My TSH level was 12.2, do I have thyroid disease?
I'm a Type 1 Diabetic and have been having issues with fatigue and weight gain for the past year. I've seen three dietitians and three personal trainers, all of which have put me on a rigorous plan only to not be successful. I used to think it was an insulin-related issue, but it is getting much worse. My doctor did blood work and found my TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) was 12.2. His response was to wait a couple more months and redraw the blood work because he thinks it's an anomaly. Is an anomaly possible?
COMMUNITY LEADER
While anything is *possible, it's hardly *probable* that this an "anomaly"... First off, the highest reference range I've ever seen for TSH is 5.50 and while some doctors believe that it's okay to let TSH get as high as 10, which is totally crazy, I've never heard of one taking a "wait and watch" approach when TSH is higher than 10... Many people have hypo symptoms with a TSH of much less than 5.50 and many labs have a much lower reference range, plus it's been recommended that the reference range only go as high as 3.0.
Secondly, if your doctor is only testing TSH, that's a good indication that he's not a good thyroid doctor. TSH is a pituitary hormone and often, does not adequately represent actual thyroid hormone status. You should insist that he test Free T4 and Free T3, as well, in order to get the full picture.
The thyroid produces T4 and T3, but mostly T4. Of that T4, most is bound by a protein and can't be used, which is why we test for Free (unbound) T4. Free T4 isn't used, directly, but must be converted to T3. Like T4, most of the T3 in your body is bound by protein and can't be used, so again, we test for Free (unbound) T3. Free T3 is the hormone that's used by nearly every individual cell in your body.
Thyroid hormones control metabolism (hence, your weight), body temperature, heart rate and other body functions.
Other symptoms, besides weight gain/inability to lose, commonly found with hypothyroidism include, but are not limited to constipation, fatigue, muscle/joint aches/pains, hair loss, facial puffiness, swelling/edema, depression, anxiety, brain fog, etc. There are actually many more symptoms that a lot of us don't even think to associate with hypothyroidism.
Secondly, if your doctor is only testing TSH, that's a good indication that he's not a good thyroid doctor. TSH is a pituitary hormone and often, does not adequately represent actual thyroid hormone status. You should insist that he test Free T4 and Free T3, as well, in order to get the full picture.
The thyroid produces T4 and T3, but mostly T4. Of that T4, most is bound by a protein and can't be used, which is why we test for Free (unbound) T4. Free T4 isn't used, directly, but must be converted to T3. Like T4, most of the T3 in your body is bound by protein and can't be used, so again, we test for Free (unbound) T3. Free T3 is the hormone that's used by nearly every individual cell in your body.
Thyroid hormones control metabolism (hence, your weight), body temperature, heart rate and other body functions.
Other symptoms, besides weight gain/inability to lose, commonly found with hypothyroidism include, but are not limited to constipation, fatigue, muscle/joint aches/pains, hair loss, facial puffiness, swelling/edema, depression, anxiety, brain fog, etc. There are actually many more symptoms that a lot of us don't even think to associate with hypothyroidism.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community
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.
