TSH Levels

[Ebeth09]

Can someone tell me why 3.2 is considred a high level when it says that normal TSH range is between a .4 and 4.0?? Thanks!

[Ebeth09]

redheadaussie-

Thanks! Yes I have heard this about T4 and T3...don't know if my doc has tested for these yet. I know he tested for TSH, antibodies (I have none), glucose, and kidneys...will ask about T4 and T3 at my next visit.

You are correct in that it takes 6 weeks or more for a dose to sink into your symptom! I was fine for two months and then started having all kinds of symptoms. My doc said that 25 mg should not even be considered a dose since it was so low...but...he said to go ahead and try it for starting out since I was having symptoms on the higher doses.

[redheadaussie]

Different labs have different ranges so here in Australia we use 0.35 to 5.0 so you would be 'normal' (ha, as if that is normal though!!!!)

USA have many different ranges but 3.2 is considered pseudo high for some labs.

  Taking 25mcgs is considered a low dose. You might have to increase to get your TSH to a lower level. HOWEVER! DO NOT rely on the numbers for TSH. You should be going by symptoms not numbers. For many, 3.2 is quite comfortable for others it is a nightmare.

You need to be aware that Free T4 and Free T3 are far superior in guaging how you are doing thyroid wise. Free T4 shows how much dosage is available and the Free T3 is like the gas in the car, no gas, no go!

  It takes approx 6 weeks for any dose to work. You need regular testing to make sure you aren't going too high on your dose.

[Ebeth09]

Ah okay thanks! If I'm only taking 25 mg of it, do you know how long it will take for me to get down to a level of 2?

[DreamNaut]

Recent medical research indicates a TSH level of 2 or below is optimal. Some labs have outdated ranges. Your symptoms have to be taken into account as well.

[Ebeth09]

Thanks! But that still doesn't answer my question of why 3.2 is still considered high?!

[Younique1]

Although the "Norm" is between .4 and 4.0, I tend to find that if I am at about .5 then that is where I feel my best.  Everyone is different, but if you are still suffering from symptoms then adjust yours meds.