TSH Level

[cat4720]

I went to the doctor's in August and had my TSH level checked because I am trying to get pregnant and I am not getting my period regularly or ovulating. Anyway...  I went back to the doctor last week and the retested my TSH and it was at 47.8! Is that possible? Do you think they made a mistake? Could it be 4.78? They also took a ultrasound of my thyroid and it came back that the tyroid is enlarged. My FT4 & FT3 are both .4 below what is average.

[cat4720]

I am feeling much better these days then I have in the past. Unfortunately I don't think my doctor ran the Free T4, which I am not sure why. Last time she only ran the TSH and T4 so I told her I wanted T3 as well the next time around and now I don't think she ordered T4. Ugh.... her comment to this round of tests where "your thyroid function is in goal range-continue current dosage and recheck labs in 3-6 months." Do you think I should see another doctor? Or since I am feeling much better wait it out?

[goolarra]

Wel, it definitely looks like you're moving nicely in the right direction.  

How are your symptoms?  Synmptoms are really the most important.

Your TSH is in range.  So is FT3, but it's still quite low in the range.  It's still in the lower half of the range, and many (not all) of us find that we feel better with FT3 in the upper half to upper third.  It will be interesting to see your FT4 and see how it looks realative to your FT3.

The most important thing now that you are in range is to evaluate symptoms.  Do you still have lingering hypo symptoms?  If so, a slight increase might be in order.  You're in the "fine tuning" stage, so you're close!

[cat4720]

Below are my test results that I received today. I have not gotten my results from my Free T4 yet, however does anyone have any insight on the following results? They look like there in range, so does that mean my 125mg is the right dose? I went from 100mg to 125mg from the first time I was tested. Any insight would be appreciated.

6/29/11
TSH w/Reflect
2.070
Range 0.300-5.00 uIU/ml

T3 Free
3.8
Range 2.8-5.2


5/18/11
TSH W/Reflex
6.870
Range 0.300-5.00 uIU/ml

T4 Free
1.2
Range 0.8-2.2 ng/dl

3/29/11
TSH Sensitive
47.869
Standard Range 0.300 - 5.00 uIU/ml

T4, FREE 0.4
Standard range 0.8 - 2.2 ng/dl

T3, FREE 2.4
Standard range 2.8 - 5.2 pg/ml

[cat4720]

Thanks for the information I truly appreciate it!

[goolarra]

Good, I'm glad your doctor is in agreement that you need an increase.

I'd ask your doctor to test FT3 and FT4 every time you have labs.  Get your results (preferably hard copy) and start keeping your own personal history.  If you jot down symptoms and meds doses on the report, you will start to see where YOU feel best...very valuable information.

I think I'd also ask to be re-tested sooner.  Yes, it can take 4-6 weeks for a dose to completely stabilize, but after 4-5 weeks about 90% is stabilized.  You can't rush this, but neither is there any reason to drag it out.  

It just takes some time...adjust meds, re-test, re-evaluate symptoms, repeat until you get there.  However, you will start to feel better and better along the way.  Best of luck with your increase.

[cat4720]

Thanks for writing back to me. I am definately still have severe signs of fatigue throughout the day and a very hard time getting out of bed this week. I had a feeling my levels were still not where they should be. I did receive an e-mail from my doctor stating she was going to increase my med dosage. However I do have an appointment with her this coming Tuesday. Should I be asking anything else?