Tsh levels and atheroclerosis

[Trudi1962]

I have Hashimoto's disease.  Last summer, unfortunately, I had to switch endocrynologists.  The new doctor insists I am taking too much synthroid and has reduced it.  All the symptoms that originally brought me to a doctor have re-emerged, noduleson my thyroid, forgetfulness, hair loss, depression, weight gain, lethargy, etc.  The new doctor argues that a TSH of anything lower than 2.5 puts me at risk for atheroclerosis when I am older.  Where does she get this idea?  And can you direct me to research that contradicts this idea?

[stella5349]

There you go -  on getting your simple information and consulting this with your doctor.

See what happens. Good Luck

[kitty9309]

I agree with the above.
Your doctor has it backward. A higher TSH is linked with heart disease. There are articles that state even mild elevations in TSH above 2.5 or so, increase the risk for CVD.

This is a good article on the reference range:

http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/90/9/5483

And here is one on cardiovascular disease:

http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/88/6/2438

Hope this helps.

[stella5349]

Opps -- sorry your new endo is a she.. I said he.

Good information and current TSH info can be found on www.thyroid.org or about.com search = thyroid

[stella5349]

It is a bold thought - but give him a 'simple" study on the new reference ranges for thyroidism. (.3 - 3.0)  He/She might be practicing under the old reference of .5-5.0/5.5 of normal and that could explain his concern.

If he does not appreciate your findings and is persistant on his treatment. You may need to move on to someone with more of a compassion for wellness instead of ranges.

Good Luck....too  bad you lost the one that helped you.