High TSH levels

[rakers80]

I just recieved my blood work results. My T3 and T4 were with in normal range but my TSH was high at 13.80. From reading this forum I have noticed that most people with a high TSH have had a much higher number like over 100. Is 13.80 really that high? Would this need to be treated with medication?

Thanks!

[Super_sally888]

HI,

yes, it is chilly.  But there is not much he can do immediately.  But it takes time to adjust to the meds.

So he's giving you a script for thyroid meds and wants to see you in 2 months when he wants to see how you feel and test your levels again.  He will probably be seeing you every 2 months for a while until things get to a normal level.

Take the meds as prescribed, and prepare your questions for the next visit.  In the meantime learn as much as you can. And of course we here are an excellent resource.

Hopefully you will be feelign a whole lot better soon.

let us know how you go.

[goolarra]

That's a bit chilly!  My PCP used to write me a letter after each lab that said "need more thyroid" - that's a direct quote.  Not how much, not I'll write you a script...if I wanted to chitchat, I had to fork over the $200 for an office visit.  I got so I just called the nurse an told her what I wanted for a script...and she did it every time!  Yes, the internet is great for some things.

[rakers80]

The doctor actually just called me and said that I am hypothyroid and that he will call me out a script. And that he will see me back in 2 months. That is crazy to me...just call someone up and tell them something like "you have to take meds now for the rest of your life" with little to no explanation. Thank god for the internet, right?

[rakers80]

Yes, I have another appointment but not until next Wednesday. Thank you guys so much for your help!

[goolarra]

Your FT4 is quite low in the range (0.6-2.0 at my lab - you should check your lab's range to verify).  Since your TSH is quite high, and your symptoms support it, I think meds are definitely indicated.  I think you'll feel much better.  I agree with Smilerdeb - you need to get FT3 run at your next labs...it's the best indicator of what's going on with you.

Do you have a follow-up appointment with your doctor?

[rakers80]

I forgot to list in my symptoms that I am always cold...and have a really hard time dealing with cold temperatures. Also my fingers have been turning blue which was the entire reason for my trip to the doctor but I don't think hypothyroid can cause that.

[Smilerdeb]

The Doc should really be running FREE T3 and FREE T4, not the normal T's.
The FREE T's are what is spare and for use in your body.
Big difference from the normal T's which show what your body is using basically.

[rakers80]

The other results are as follows:

T4, Free 1.0
T4 (thyroxine), total 8.6

I actually did not have the T3 test (I confused it with the two T4's)

My symptoms include extreme fatigue/tiredness, very low pulse, inability to lose weight, dry skin.

Thanks!

[goolarra]

I agree that a TSH of 13.80 indicates hypothyroidism IF it is supported by FT3 and FT4 and symproms.  Please do post FT3 and FT4 and ranges.  Also describe any symptoms you have.  We're all different, and some of us feel better in different parts of the "normal" ranges.

[laura1967]

Yes a TSH of 13.80 is very hypo.....the new tsh range is .30-3.0.  When you say your t3 and t4 are normal, what were your exact results with ranges? Were they free t3 and free t4 tests?  If they truly are normal, then it would warrant your dr to run pituitary tests.