What is TSH, 3rd Generation

[Tannapuppy]

I am a male, 46. I just had my blood work done at a health fair. My result came back as: TSH, 3rd generation 5.05. Should i be conserned.

[gimel]

Sorry, but the reference range for TSH was recommended by the AACE to be revised from .5 - 5.0 down to .3 - 3.0 over 8 years ago.  Even though TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by many variables, a reading of 5.05 is enough of an indicator that, as Sally suggested,  additional testing should be done.  More important indicators than TSH are symptoms, along with levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, free T3 and free T4.  FT3 is actually the most important because it is four times as active as FT4, plus FT3 correlates best with hypo symptoms.  Since your TSH is still very high, I'd be surprised if you don't have some lingering hypo symptoms.  If so, you should also get tested for FT3 and FT4.  

In my opinion the very best way to treat a thyroid patient is to test and adjust FT3 and FT4 levels with whatever type medication is required to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important.

[Swimdude]

Normal (TSH) blood test runs from approximately .5 to 4.5/5.0.  So, yours is only slightly elevated.  My initial TSH test was 128 and I was put on the medicine 50 MCG of Synthroid about a year ago, my dosage has been adjusted from 50 MCG to currently today 175 MCG, my TSH test currently is 11.  

I would certainly watch the result of your next TSH test and make a determination accordingly.  Hope this helps.  Steve

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

That 5.05 is on the h igh side of the 'reference range'.  For many that is too high.  With more ideal levels being 1 - 2.

You also need to look up "Hypothyroid" and see if you  have any symptoms.

First thing would be to present the results to your doctor and get them rechecked.  You should also ask the Doctor to test FT4 and FT3.  With these 3 tests you will get a good idea of your actual levels and once you have these, we can give you some more information.