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thyroid TSH level of 28
Hi there
I have had my thyroid totally removed in 2004 and am on 175mcg of thyroxine. I recently had a blood test and my TSH level was 28. Can anyone please tell me what this could be? I am not very good at taking my tablets but i have taken them everyday for just over a month.
I have had my thyroid totally removed in 2004 and am on 175mcg of thyroxine. I recently had a blood test and my TSH level was 28. Can anyone please tell me what this could be? I am not very good at taking my tablets but i have taken them everyday for just over a month.
A high TSH level like that is typically related to an autoimmune dysfunction called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. That can be confirmed by testing for Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies (TPO ab) and Thyroglobulin antibodies (TG ab). With Hashi's the thyroid gland is erroneously identified as foreign to the body and the autoimmune system produces antibodies to attack and eventually destroy the gland. As this is occurring, the output of the gland is diminished and the pituitary produces increasing amounts of TSH in an attempt to stimulate more output of thyroid hormone. Goiters are frequently related to inflammation of the thyroid gland, which often occurs with Hasi's,
There is no need to be so concerned about your daughter's situation. Thyroid related issues are very treatable. Many of us on the Forum have gone through Hashi's. The most important thing for your daughter is to make sure she has a good thyroid doctor, which does not necessarily mean an Endo. . A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypothyroid patient clinically by testing and adjusting levels of Free T4 and Free T3 as needed to relieve hypo symptoms, without being influenced by resultant TSH. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.
If your daughter has not been tested for TPO ab and TG ab, then that needs to be done to confirm Hashi's. She also needs to be tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3. Note that Free T4 and Free T3 are not the same as Total T4 andTotal T3. In addition she should get an ultrasound of the thyroid gland to determine its condition.
When you see the doctor I suggest asking two questions. First is the doctor willing to treat clinically, rather than just based on test results? Second, is the doctor willing to prescribe T3 type meds like Armour Thyroid and Cytomel. If either answer is no, then you are going to have to find a good thyroid doctor that will do so. You will better understand the need for all that if you read at least the first two pages of the following link, and read more, if you want to get into the discussion and scientific evidence for all that is recommended. The more you learn about hypothyroidism the better advocate you can be for your daughter.
http://www.thyroiduk.org/tuk/TUK_PDFs/The%20Diagnosis%20and%20Treatment%20of%20Hypothyroidism%20%20August%202017%20%20Update.pdf
Please keep in touch and let us know how things ar progressing. There are a number of people here with extensive experience and knowledge that will be very glad to help interpret test results and advise further.
There is no need to be so concerned about your daughter's situation. Thyroid related issues are very treatable. Many of us on the Forum have gone through Hashi's. The most important thing for your daughter is to make sure she has a good thyroid doctor, which does not necessarily mean an Endo. . A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypothyroid patient clinically by testing and adjusting levels of Free T4 and Free T3 as needed to relieve hypo symptoms, without being influenced by resultant TSH. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.
If your daughter has not been tested for TPO ab and TG ab, then that needs to be done to confirm Hashi's. She also needs to be tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3. Note that Free T4 and Free T3 are not the same as Total T4 andTotal T3. In addition she should get an ultrasound of the thyroid gland to determine its condition.
When you see the doctor I suggest asking two questions. First is the doctor willing to treat clinically, rather than just based on test results? Second, is the doctor willing to prescribe T3 type meds like Armour Thyroid and Cytomel. If either answer is no, then you are going to have to find a good thyroid doctor that will do so. You will better understand the need for all that if you read at least the first two pages of the following link, and read more, if you want to get into the discussion and scientific evidence for all that is recommended. The more you learn about hypothyroidism the better advocate you can be for your daughter.
http://www.thyroiduk.org/tuk/TUK_PDFs/The%20Diagnosis%20and%20Treatment%20of%20Hypothyroidism%20%20August%202017%20%20Update.pdf
Please keep in touch and let us know how things ar progressing. There are a number of people here with extensive experience and knowledge that will be very glad to help interpret test results and advise further.
My 9 year old was diagnosed yesterday with an enlarged thyroid - her level is 28.2 and with several goiters. We are seeing a specialist next week? Does anybody have any answers for me? I woke up at 3am crying last night and went and crawled in bed next to her.
Need more info, there are three hormones that are important.
TSH, T4, T3. TSH is actually a pituitary hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, produced by the pituitary gland. T4 and T3 are actual thyroid hormones. TSH is what is referenced in the above thread.
TSH of 28 (range 0.4 to 4) usually would mean your pituitary thinks your T4 hormone levels are too high. However the range you gave is 12-20, which isn't a typical range for TSH.
However Free T4 of 28, (range 12-20) makes more sense. That would mean your thyroid hormone levels are too high at least by the labs. Would be reasonable to check free T3 though. T3 is the active thyroid hormone. T4 is a 'storage' hormone. It's possible that one could be 'high' and the other be 'low'.
PS: It's always possible to have properly managed thyroid hormones and feel crappy for other reasons.
Good luck.
TSH, T4, T3. TSH is actually a pituitary hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, produced by the pituitary gland. T4 and T3 are actual thyroid hormones. TSH is what is referenced in the above thread.
TSH of 28 (range 0.4 to 4) usually would mean your pituitary thinks your T4 hormone levels are too high. However the range you gave is 12-20, which isn't a typical range for TSH.
However Free T4 of 28, (range 12-20) makes more sense. That would mean your thyroid hormone levels are too high at least by the labs. Would be reasonable to check free T3 though. T3 is the active thyroid hormone. T4 is a 'storage' hormone. It's possible that one could be 'high' and the other be 'low'.
PS: It's always possible to have properly managed thyroid hormones and feel crappy for other reasons.
Good luck.
1 Comments
What is the side effects
My thyroid test has come bk with a reading of 28.. G.p says reading should be between 12 - 20.. i have been yold to reduce my thyroxine from 125mcg to 100mcg.. over medication
Can someone explain to me my readings.. n why people above are saying a reading of 28 indicates hypothyroidism.. ***confused!***
Shaz (",)
Can someone explain to me my readings.. n why people above are saying a reading of 28 indicates hypothyroidism.. ***confused!***
Shaz (",)
Hi, I have just been diagnosed...TSH 36.36 T4 5.57 and T3 2.3, just started on 25mcg levothyroxine...as for the symptoms...fatigue beyond belief, lack in interest in things around me, no concentration, visual disturbance, feelings of depression,night sweats......
In any case, your TSH is very high. Your symptoms do sound like hypothyroid.
You definitely need some meds adjusted and some more testing done.
You definitely need some meds adjusted and some more testing done.
We should make you aware that based on info from our many UK members it is difficult to find a good thyroid doctor in the UK. Most doctors have the "Immaculate TSH Belief", by which they only want to test and use TSH for diagnosis and treatment. This does not work for many patients. When testing goes beyond just TSH, frequently the doctors are hung up on "Reference Range Endocrinology", by which they want you to believe that any test result that falls within the so-called "normal" ranges is adequate for you and nothing further is needed. That also frequently doesn't work for the patient.
I have already given you info about clinical treatment for hypothyroidism. That is the kind of doctor you really need. However, since they are so hard to find in the UK, then I'll give you this information, from a fellow UK member.
"What I have learned from my experience is that you have to go to the Dr's office and TELL THEM WHAT YOU WANT and to go backed up with knowledge. You have to tell them that you have done your reading and looked into your condition and care about the long-term treatment of your health and thyroid. If you fight for what you want, you will eventually find someone that is happy to go along with your wishes. But we all have to take charge of our own health, right?"
I have already given you info about clinical treatment for hypothyroidism. That is the kind of doctor you really need. However, since they are so hard to find in the UK, then I'll give you this information, from a fellow UK member.
"What I have learned from my experience is that you have to go to the Dr's office and TELL THEM WHAT YOU WANT and to go backed up with knowledge. You have to tell them that you have done your reading and looked into your condition and care about the long-term treatment of your health and thyroid. If you fight for what you want, you will eventually find someone that is happy to go along with your wishes. But we all have to take charge of our own health, right?"
That's great both of them comments are really helpful thank you. I just don't understand the whole thing but I have booked an appt with my gp to sort it out. I think I have been like this for that long that I think the way I am feeling is normal (tired, heavy & emotional). Thank you again for the advice and I will let you know what the gp says
Hello,
a TSH of 28 is too high. It indicated that your thyroid hormone is not enough.
This can be due to not taking your meds consistently, or it could be that your dose is too low, or that you are taking it with food and it's not being absorbed properly.
Yes, as Gimel says, you should also get FT3 and FT4 tested. These should probably be in middle of the reference ranges. IF they are in the middle of the range then you don't need to worry about TSH. However, if they are low in the range or below the range you do need to have your meds adjusted / change how you take them.
How do you feel?
What did your doctor say?
Do not ignore this, please. Thyroid levels being out have a very big effect on health and welbeing.
Best wishes
a TSH of 28 is too high. It indicated that your thyroid hormone is not enough.
This can be due to not taking your meds consistently, or it could be that your dose is too low, or that you are taking it with food and it's not being absorbed properly.
Yes, as Gimel says, you should also get FT3 and FT4 tested. These should probably be in middle of the reference ranges. IF they are in the middle of the range then you don't need to worry about TSH. However, if they are low in the range or below the range you do need to have your meds adjusted / change how you take them.
How do you feel?
What did your doctor say?
Do not ignore this, please. Thyroid levels being out have a very big effect on health and welbeing.
Best wishes
Does that mean that I made no sense, or that thyroid makes no sense? LOL
Please don't just walk away from us. It is not all that difficult to understand, given a little time to become familiar with the tests and best ways to diagnose and treat. If you will spend a little time reading some of the other posts, I think it will help also. Believe me, you need to understand enough to be your own advocate for getting the testing and treatment needed. Otherwise you will always be at the mercy of what the doctor believes and practices. And there are not a whole lot of good thyroid doctors out there that will relieve you of the need to understand the basics of thyroid issues and be your own advocate. Most of those patients that do not learn and advocate end up suffering with hypo symptoms and being told that their test results are all "normal". If that was really the case then how come they have still have all those hypo symptoms, and join our Forum looking for answers?
Please don't just walk away from us. It is not all that difficult to understand, given a little time to become familiar with the tests and best ways to diagnose and treat. If you will spend a little time reading some of the other posts, I think it will help also. Believe me, you need to understand enough to be your own advocate for getting the testing and treatment needed. Otherwise you will always be at the mercy of what the doctor believes and practices. And there are not a whole lot of good thyroid doctors out there that will relieve you of the need to understand the basics of thyroid issues and be your own advocate. Most of those patients that do not learn and advocate end up suffering with hypo symptoms and being told that their test results are all "normal". If that was really the case then how come they have still have all those hypo symptoms, and join our Forum looking for answers?
It doesn't make much sense to me but I guess it's nothing to worry about. Thank you so much for the response
Please be aware that TSH causes no symptoms. TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by many variables to the extent that it is inadequate as a diagnostic for thyroid. At best it is an indicator, to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms, and also the levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T3 and Free T4. FT3 is the most important because it largely regulates metabolism and many other body funcitons. Studies have also shown that FT3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while FT4 and TSH correlated poorly.
So the first thin we should talk about is your symptoms. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results. Test results are valuable mainly as indicators during diagnosis and then afterward to monitor FT3 andFT4 levels as meds are revised to relieve symptoms. If you look at this listing of typical hypo symptoms, do you have any of those?
http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf
If you are still having symptoms, then you need to be tested for Free T3 and Free T4, along with TSH. These tests will indicate if you are on the right medication and right dosage or not. Hypo patients frequently are deficient in other areas as well, so would be good to be tested for Vitamin A, D, B12, iron/ferritin, zinc, and selenium.
So the first thin we should talk about is your symptoms. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results. Test results are valuable mainly as indicators during diagnosis and then afterward to monitor FT3 andFT4 levels as meds are revised to relieve symptoms. If you look at this listing of typical hypo symptoms, do you have any of those?
http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf
If you are still having symptoms, then you need to be tested for Free T3 and Free T4, along with TSH. These tests will indicate if you are on the right medication and right dosage or not. Hypo patients frequently are deficient in other areas as well, so would be good to be tested for Vitamin A, D, B12, iron/ferritin, zinc, and selenium.
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