» Latest In Tsh Levels Controversy? Options

[beanpot]

Does anyone have a handle on the latest ideas about what a person's tsh levels should be? Last I heard they were saying that the old lab standards .5 to 5.0 were too broad. My tsh levels are 4.31, and up from last year, but are considered normal because the lab my GP uses has a range from like .5 to 5.40 or something. I do have some mild symptoms, but don't want to take medicine unless necessary or unless recommended.
Bleh!
Thanks for any info!

[Wolicki]

According to the American Endocrinology Association, TSH levels above 3.0 indicate Hypothyroid, which needs to be treated. Unfortunately, too many Endos look at the old levels. They need to be re-educated

[Gemini]

According to the American Endocrinology Association, TSH levels above 3.0 indicate Hypothyroid, which needs to be treated. Unfortunately, too many Endos look at the old levels. They need to be re-educated

Agreed! The lab I am tested through is very progressive and they use an upper limit of 2.5 for the TSH. I would have to agree with them, judging from my symptoms when my TSH goes over 2!

Beanpot....you would not be taking medication for a low thyroid but a hormone replacement for what you are lacking. I don't consider that medication because thyroid hormone is supposed to be in your body, at the correct levels. If you have mild symptoms, you need to be treated for it. Your TSH is well into the hypo range.

[Tigercat17]

According to the American Endocrinology Association, TSH levels above 3.0 indicate Hypothyroid, which needs to be treated. Unfortunately, too many Endos look at the old levels. They need to be re-educated

Totally agree! My endo follows this new giudeline also.

[Roda]

The reference range in the lab I get my blood work states "The TSH reference interval of 0.3 to 3.04 uIU/ml reflects the guidline recommendations from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and many others because of the finding that repeated TSH levels above 3.0 may indicate the early stages of thyroid failure. In addition, a TSH level less than 2.5 uIU/ml is considered optimal in pregnancy." This is what is directly typed underneath my latest results. On 10/13 my TSH was 0.81, free T4 of 1.17ng/dl (0.58-1.64) and free T3 of 4.20 pg/ml (2.50-3.90). My doctor called me to tell me all looked good no dosage change. I take 112 mcg levothyroxine(T4) once a day and 5 mcg leiothyronine(T3-generic cytomel) twice a day. I function better with my free T3 in the upper limit if not slightly over.

[Wolicki]

My endo uses the old standards. I am waiting for an appointment with a new guy next month. In the meantime, I would love opinions about what treatment you are receiving. He wrote me a scrip for Levoxyl, 7mcg, which is WAY too low a dose, according to the package insert. I wonder if those of you with similar labs take Cytomel or other T3 scrips? Here are my labs:

Tsh 3rd gen 5.05 (.2-4.7)

t4 free 1.0 (.8-1.8)

t3 free 335 (230-420)

I can't find the antibody thyroid tests, but they were in the normal range. Thanks!

[beanpot]

Okay, thanks everybody! I guess its worth calling and telling the doc then. Maybe I can find the new guidelines on the web to back myself up.
I am having a lot of the symptoms, and my mother and my aunt have it too. Oh well.

[janetw]

There is some good info on TSH in here: http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddi...s/normaltsh.htm

My Endo thinks that anything above 2 is cause for concern especially if you are exhibiting symptoms. I tend to agree with him.