Thyroid high?

Question

I am 23 years old and I had blood drawn last week. The nurse called me yesterday and told me that my thyroid count was high (12.5, needed to be at 12 she said) and they need me back in to have more blood drawn to make sure. What does this mean?

Answer 1

I don't know of any thyroid test that should be 12. The TSH should be below 3.0 (new range as of 2003) The Free T4 range is 0.89 to 1.76. The free T3 range is 230 to 420, though at some labs it goes as high s 619. I have put a link below for you about thyroid testing.

About tests, basically if the TSH is above 3.0 they say you are hypothyroid (underactive) If it's below 0.3 Hyperthyroid (overactive)

Symptoms of being underactive are; weight gain, difficulty losing weight, IBS with constipation, dry skin, dry thinning hair, deepened voice, low bp, low body temp, slow heart rate, muscle & joint aches, depression, mood changes, sensitivity to light, vertigo, headache.

Symptoms of hyperthyroid are; weight loss, diarhea, anxiety, nervoisnes, fast heart rate, swearting

Answer 2

Get some more specific details. A basic thyroid test usually consists of checking your TSH levels. If your TSH level is HIGH, that means your thyroid is LOW. This condition, hypothyroidism, may require medication, either synthetic or natural thyroid replacement. It is an easy condition to control and monitor, and the medication causes no side effects, it simply replaces what your body is missing. It can be genetic or caused by damage or infection to the thyroid.

If the TSH level measures HIGH, they will often due a further blood test, measuring the actual thyroid levels, they will measure T3 and T4. This will help them determine proper medication and dosing. Synthetic thyroid medication contains the part of thyroid known as T4. Your body converts this to T3. If your T3 is disproportionatly low, you may have "low T3 syndrome", where your body is not properly converting T4 to T3, then natural thyroid (brand name Armor thyroid) is recommended, as it contains both T3 and T4.

If your TSH is LOW, that means your thyroid is HIGH, called hyperthyroidism. Then it is possible to be prescribed antithyroid medication or, in case of serious problems, even to have your thyroid removed.

Thyroid conditions are very treatable, don't be concerned, and you are lucky to have a doctor who is checking it and following up. I had hypothyroidism for 10 years before it was diagnosed, I was told my problems were just 'stress'. Symptoms are weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, and insomnia, among many others.

Answer 3

I myself have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - underactive thryroid.

Too much = HYPERthyroidism

Too little = HYPOthyroidism

Look up the endocrine society on-line for further information. Don't worry - I was 25 when mine developed and it is just controlled by medication. Not sure what kind of dr. you saw - but you should see an endocrinologist - one who specializes in thyroid disorders. They just want to run more blood work probaby to check out your T3, T4 & TSH levels...no biggie.

Good luck!

Answer 4

i wouldnt say its nothing to worry about absolutely.
but since the level is only mildly elevated, it may be high normal.
they will do more blood tests to check if it is really high - if so they may do a quick scan of your neck and a few more tests.
if its 'normal' then there is nothing to worry about.
usually at age 23, thyroid problems arent very serious, but can't be absolutely sure, which is why they just want to check abit more.
ask your doctor if you have any worries, they should be able to settle your fears and explain to you what's going on - after some test results.
dont worry too much!

Answer 5

Usually not a big deal, just you may need to take some medication to lower it a bit. Worst case scenario, you may need to have an operation to remove part of your thyroid.

Nothing to worry about ;)

Answer 6

.4 - 4.0 uIU/mL is a normal TSH count on your thyroid i believe. could be hypothyroidism or related.

Answer 7

Might be a hypoactive thyriod. I would do WEBMD.com