Aa
TSH jumped from 6.8 to 8.5 in 3 months...why
Hello,
I've had elevated TSH over the last two years. I'm a fairly healthy male, 30, and I felt some symptoms that I thought were checking out - being tired, irritated, etc. My blood work was mainly normal, with TSH in range of 6 or so. My vitamin D was low, sub 30. This was in the last year and a half or do. Every 6 months I check my TSH, T3, Reverse T3 and T4. We checked antibodies, all normal range. I'm mainly asymptomatic with some irritability and tiredness but that comes with having two small kids and lack of sleep.
However, from August 2016 to December 2016, my TSH jumped from 6.8 to 8.5. Here are my results below:
8/2 Test
TSH - 6.83
T4 - 1.33 Range .8-1.73
T3 Free - 4.0 Range 2.0-4.7
Reverse T3 - 14.9 Range 7.5-19
Vitamin D- 29.3 Range > 30
12/20 Test
TSH - 8.56
T4 - 1.12 Range .8-1.73
T3 Free - 3.4 Range 2.0-4.7
Reverse T3 - 12.3 Range 7.5-19
Vitamin D- 28.2 Range > 30
Two things - the labs weren't the same I don't think that my doc used this time vs. last time. Also, since last test, I started eating Organic Seaweed every night, drinking Organic Spirulina, and in the last month or so, I've been taking Aquaflora Candida (I thought Candida was maybe causing issues).
Now, I'm wondering if that's the reason for the spike in such a short period of time? Here are my previous TSH levels
12/16/15
TSH 6.4
T4 - 1.27 Range .8-1.73
T3 Free - 3.5 Range 2.0-4.7
6/2015
TSH - 6.24
3/6
TSH - 6.12
Is this a cause for concern? My general doc wants me to come in and chat some options. I did take Synthroid 50 MCG from 6/15 to 9/15 and my TSH was 3.75 on 9/15. I just didn't like how it made me feel - more irritable I guess so I stopped. I didnt want to damage my liver.
Any inputs is appreciated.
I've had elevated TSH over the last two years. I'm a fairly healthy male, 30, and I felt some symptoms that I thought were checking out - being tired, irritated, etc. My blood work was mainly normal, with TSH in range of 6 or so. My vitamin D was low, sub 30. This was in the last year and a half or do. Every 6 months I check my TSH, T3, Reverse T3 and T4. We checked antibodies, all normal range. I'm mainly asymptomatic with some irritability and tiredness but that comes with having two small kids and lack of sleep.
However, from August 2016 to December 2016, my TSH jumped from 6.8 to 8.5. Here are my results below:
8/2 Test
TSH - 6.83
T4 - 1.33 Range .8-1.73
T3 Free - 4.0 Range 2.0-4.7
Reverse T3 - 14.9 Range 7.5-19
Vitamin D- 29.3 Range > 30
12/20 Test
TSH - 8.56
T4 - 1.12 Range .8-1.73
T3 Free - 3.4 Range 2.0-4.7
Reverse T3 - 12.3 Range 7.5-19
Vitamin D- 28.2 Range > 30
Two things - the labs weren't the same I don't think that my doc used this time vs. last time. Also, since last test, I started eating Organic Seaweed every night, drinking Organic Spirulina, and in the last month or so, I've been taking Aquaflora Candida (I thought Candida was maybe causing issues).
Now, I'm wondering if that's the reason for the spike in such a short period of time? Here are my previous TSH levels
12/16/15
TSH 6.4
T4 - 1.27 Range .8-1.73
T3 Free - 3.5 Range 2.0-4.7
6/2015
TSH - 6.24
3/6
TSH - 6.12
Is this a cause for concern? My general doc wants me to come in and chat some options. I did take Synthroid 50 MCG from 6/15 to 9/15 and my TSH was 3.75 on 9/15. I just didn't like how it made me feel - more irritable I guess so I stopped. I didnt want to damage my liver.
Any inputs is appreciated.
Thanks, Barb. Ill continue to monitor it. I did see an endo a year and half ago, prior to synthroid, and he did do the ultrasound. He noted that the thyroid was a bit inflammed but nothing major. He didnt think too much of it. Hes one of the best specialist for thyroid disorders in this area. Ill keep an eye out on symptoms while beefing up vitamin intake.
One last question as Im reading more on google. All of my tsh tests were done early in thenorning (8-9am) fasting for 12 hours. Based on what Im reading, nonfasting tsh is always lower. Since my t3 and t4 appear ok, should i test my tsh when i had food and later in the day? What are your thoughts on that?
1 Comments
It's normal for TSH to be highest first thing in the morning. It's also normal for TSH to fluctuate, because it's affected by a variety of things, other than thyroid hormone levels... That's why we're looking so closely at your Free T3 and Free T4 levels, along with the antibody tests you had done and not worrying so much about your TSH level. TSH is, at best, a diagnostic tool, to be used with the other parameters and symptoms; it doesn't deserve all the attention you're giving it.
While your FT levels have gone down over time, they, and your lack of symptoms, indicate that your thyroid is still functioning adequately, so there's really no need to change the timing of your testing - in fact, it would be best that you "not" change that timing, because it's important to keep things as consistent as possible, in order to establish a pattern. If you keep changing things you won't be able to tell what's happening or why.
Since the only symptom you have of a thyroid condition is fatigue and that can apply to dozens of other conditions, as well, it's safe to say you'd be okay to monitor in a couple of months and see where you are. In the meantime, you could try supplementing the vitamin D and B-12 to see if it helps your fatigue. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause the most horrendous fatigue imaginable. Not getting enough sleep is also a very important factor.
If you get more symptoms or your fatigue worsens, by all means, go in and ask for testing sooner.
Some people have also been diagnosed with Hashimoto's, even with negative antibodies, based on thyroid ultrasound, so when you get your next testing in a couple of months, you could ask your doctor for an ultrasound. An ultrasound will determine whether the characteristics of your thyroid are consistent with Hashimoto's and/or thyroiditis.
While your FT levels have gone down over time, they, and your lack of symptoms, indicate that your thyroid is still functioning adequately, so there's really no need to change the timing of your testing - in fact, it would be best that you "not" change that timing, because it's important to keep things as consistent as possible, in order to establish a pattern. If you keep changing things you won't be able to tell what's happening or why.
Since the only symptom you have of a thyroid condition is fatigue and that can apply to dozens of other conditions, as well, it's safe to say you'd be okay to monitor in a couple of months and see where you are. In the meantime, you could try supplementing the vitamin D and B-12 to see if it helps your fatigue. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause the most horrendous fatigue imaginable. Not getting enough sleep is also a very important factor.
If you get more symptoms or your fatigue worsens, by all means, go in and ask for testing sooner.
Some people have also been diagnosed with Hashimoto's, even with negative antibodies, based on thyroid ultrasound, so when you get your next testing in a couple of months, you could ask your doctor for an ultrasound. An ultrasound will determine whether the characteristics of your thyroid are consistent with Hashimoto's and/or thyroiditis.
Personally, I wouldn't spend a moment worrying bout your TSH level. As Barb mentioned, TSH neither causes or alleviates symptoms. Your lone symptom seems to be fatigue, which can be caused by a number of things. Even though your Free T4 and Free T3 levels have gone down while TSH has gone up, the TPO ab and TG ab do not show Hashimoto's. So I would go along with your doctor and just continue to monitor your test results.
If anything changes in the way of symptoms, then go back to see the doctor sooner. In the interim I would continue to supplement with D and B12, which can help fatigue. Also I would make sure to get tested for ferritin and then supplement to optimize to at least 70.
If anything changes in the way of symptoms, then go back to see the doctor sooner. In the interim I would continue to supplement with D and B12, which can help fatigue. Also I would make sure to get tested for ferritin and then supplement to optimize to at least 70.
COMMUNITY LEADER
TSH, itself, neither causes, nor alleviates symptoms... it's the lack or presence of thyroid hormones that determines symptoms...
1 Comments
So should I be freaking out that my TSH elevated a bit this time around? I'm still mainly asymptomatic and I do think that any other symptoms, could be related to low vitamins and lack of proper sleep. I also think that diatery change this time around, might've caused. I plan to re-test in 2 months to check if it moves up or down but yeah, I don't feel easy about it.
I did read the NIH report about subclinical hypo and how if you're between 5-10 it's slightly elevated and most doctors don't treat it. There's no solid evidence that supplements do help which I think was the case with me when I took 50mcg Synthroid. I think I was still tired and and more irritated/angry even though my TSH was lower (3.5). I think it could be start of hypo or it may not - it could be just p. gland missfiring for whatever reason.
Should I concern myself or just continue to do what I been doing - monitor it every 3-6 months? I do think that beefing Vitamin D is a must and maybe even start taking Vitamin B12 even tho I wasn't tested. Ferratin was ok but a bit on lower end.
Any input is appreciated to calm myself over this.
I did read the NIH report about subclinical hypo and how if you're between 5-10 it's slightly elevated and most doctors don't treat it. There's no solid evidence that supplements do help which I think was the case with me when I took 50mcg Synthroid. I think I was still tired and and more irritated/angry even though my TSH was lower (3.5). I think it could be start of hypo or it may not - it could be just p. gland missfiring for whatever reason.
Should I concern myself or just continue to do what I been doing - monitor it every 3-6 months? I do think that beefing Vitamin D is a must and maybe even start taking Vitamin B12 even tho I wasn't tested. Ferratin was ok but a bit on lower end.
Any input is appreciated to calm myself over this.
Vitamin D3 you checked last time is 28.3 and is low you need to up it fast to optimal range of 50 - 70 using weekly mega dose and then maintain good levels using diet, sun exposure etc.
You mentioned lack of sleep and this is another reason for deteriorating thyroid problems. You need to make sure you go to sleep at fixed time at night (not past it for any reason) and give yourself plenty of sleep during night.
Increasing TSH with normal Free T3 and T4 is subclinical hypothyroidism and the symptoms you experiencing especially irritability is surely a good sign of high TSH value and it will get better when your TSH is brought down at least to some lower range like less than 5. Its common to see worsening symptoms when you start on thyroid hormone medication as TSH won't respond instantly but it will soon get stabilized. To reduce it starting dose is kept very low and raise in steps like every weeks. Also another option is NDT or natural desiccated thyroid, if you able to get it it gives better feeling than levothyroxine as it contain more natural components rather than T4 alone.
You mentioned lack of sleep and this is another reason for deteriorating thyroid problems. You need to make sure you go to sleep at fixed time at night (not past it for any reason) and give yourself plenty of sleep during night.
Increasing TSH with normal Free T3 and T4 is subclinical hypothyroidism and the symptoms you experiencing especially irritability is surely a good sign of high TSH value and it will get better when your TSH is brought down at least to some lower range like less than 5. Its common to see worsening symptoms when you start on thyroid hormone medication as TSH won't respond instantly but it will soon get stabilized. To reduce it starting dose is kept very low and raise in steps like every weeks. Also another option is NDT or natural desiccated thyroid, if you able to get it it gives better feeling than levothyroxine as it contain more natural components rather than T4 alone.
PS I forgot to put this test for thyroglobulin panel
THYROGLOBULIN AB <1 < OR = 1 IU/mL
THYROGLOBULIN AB <1 < OR = 1 IU/mL
Symptoms? I really don't have a single symptom that bothers me EVERY day. From time to time, I do get fatigue and irritability/anger. The fatigue is usually over the weekend, but not really during the workweek. And it's not every weekend, but it just seems to be random. Again, the low Vitamin D could contribute to that as well as many other factors (poor sleep due to small kids that wake up at night, etc.) With lack of sleep, I had brain fog and bit of shakey hands. I mean, kids were up 4-5 times every night.
Also, from time to time, I do get a cold front for 20-30 mins where i clinch my teeth how cold I feel. It usually happens when I have to speak to someone so it could be a nervousness thing. This happened to be in September/October 2-3 times at work. I also get seasonal migraines/tension headaches which could be tied to barometric pressures. They resolved in 3-4 weeks as the season sets in and it's not every year this occurs. I do have sinus issues for years and some anxiety earlier in my life (10-15 years ago). I did get some random heart palpitations over last year (maybe 8-10 times). Just a random skip in the heartbeat where it made me take a deep breath. Idk if it was stress related or not. And mild dry skin around fingers in winter only (same as my wife, really).
As you see, nothing specific that occurs every day I'd say. I'm just puzzled by the sudden increase in TSH. Besides seaweed and spirulina, my diet did change a bit. I did increase MILK in my diet almost every day or every other day for breakfast. I did read online that MILK or A1 Casein Allergy. Maybe?
Should I stress over this TSH like it's a God forbid tumor or something? I mean, when i took Synthroid it did lower it - it just made me angrier I think. I also didn't want long term issues with liver. I spoke to my doc earlier and he's not too concerned to wait and re-test in February/March. I'll drop the milk, try to cut out more gluten, beef up Vitamin D, B12 and test TSH again (also get rid of seaweed and spirulina). I'm just stressing as you can read anything on google.
Also, from time to time, I do get a cold front for 20-30 mins where i clinch my teeth how cold I feel. It usually happens when I have to speak to someone so it could be a nervousness thing. This happened to be in September/October 2-3 times at work. I also get seasonal migraines/tension headaches which could be tied to barometric pressures. They resolved in 3-4 weeks as the season sets in and it's not every year this occurs. I do have sinus issues for years and some anxiety earlier in my life (10-15 years ago). I did get some random heart palpitations over last year (maybe 8-10 times). Just a random skip in the heartbeat where it made me take a deep breath. Idk if it was stress related or not. And mild dry skin around fingers in winter only (same as my wife, really).
As you see, nothing specific that occurs every day I'd say. I'm just puzzled by the sudden increase in TSH. Besides seaweed and spirulina, my diet did change a bit. I did increase MILK in my diet almost every day or every other day for breakfast. I did read online that MILK or A1 Casein Allergy. Maybe?
Should I stress over this TSH like it's a God forbid tumor or something? I mean, when i took Synthroid it did lower it - it just made me angrier I think. I also didn't want long term issues with liver. I spoke to my doc earlier and he's not too concerned to wait and re-test in February/March. I'll drop the milk, try to cut out more gluten, beef up Vitamin D, B12 and test TSH again (also get rid of seaweed and spirulina). I'm just stressing as you can read anything on google.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis shows up as high TPO ab results in 90% of the cases; however, your TPO ab test was negative. I don't think that the other test for Hashi's is included in the two Thyroglobulin test results. As I understand it the TG ab test would have been included if it had bee a full Thyroglobulin test panel. Is that your understanding?
Putting that aside for a moment, the most important indicator of thyroid status is symptoms, followed by Free T4 and Free T3. So please tell us of all your symptoms, besides the tiredness and irritability. Although your Free T4 and Free T3 have gone down slightly, along with the increased TSH, that is not clear evidence of hypothyroidism, unless you have other symptoms to tell us about. If no other symptoms that could relate to hypothyroidism, then I would at least make sure about the Thyroglobulin antibodies, and also test for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin. All are important, and frequently less than optimal, and can relate to fatigue. D should be at least 50, B12 in the upper end of its range and ferritin should be at lest 100 for men. So you can supplement for those to optimize.
So please clarify about the Thyroglobulin and also any other symptoms.
Putting that aside for a moment, the most important indicator of thyroid status is symptoms, followed by Free T4 and Free T3. So please tell us of all your symptoms, besides the tiredness and irritability. Although your Free T4 and Free T3 have gone down slightly, along with the increased TSH, that is not clear evidence of hypothyroidism, unless you have other symptoms to tell us about. If no other symptoms that could relate to hypothyroidism, then I would at least make sure about the Thyroglobulin antibodies, and also test for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin. All are important, and frequently less than optimal, and can relate to fatigue. D should be at least 50, B12 in the upper end of its range and ferritin should be at lest 100 for men. So you can supplement for those to optimize.
So please clarify about the Thyroglobulin and also any other symptoms.
Also, TSH on 1/ 2015 was 6.6. So as you can see, TSH fluctuates from 6.1 to 6.8 in the last year and a half. So I was surprised to see 8.5 in just 3 month range.
Before discussing further, what antibodies tests were done and what were the results and ranges shown on the lab report?
1 Comments
THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODIES - 2 Range <9 IU/mL
THYROGLOBULIN,HAMA - 4.2 Range 2.8-40.9 ng/mL
THYROGLOBULIN - 4.0 Range 2.8-40.9
These are from 3/2015. I also tested
FERRITIN 47 Range 20-345
and
TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL, LC/MS 590.1 Range 348.0-1197.0 NG/DL
FREE TESTOSTERONE(DIRECT) 9.8 Range 9.3-26.5
THYROGLOBULIN,HAMA - 4.2 Range 2.8-40.9 ng/mL
THYROGLOBULIN - 4.0 Range 2.8-40.9
These are from 3/2015. I also tested
FERRITIN 47 Range 20-345
and
TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL, LC/MS 590.1 Range 348.0-1197.0 NG/DL
FREE TESTOSTERONE(DIRECT) 9.8 Range 9.3-26.5
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.
