I had blood tests as I was feeling very tired and lacked energy. My thyroid was checked came back with reading of TSH 12.8. Was told I was mildly hypothyroid and put on 25mcg of thyroxine. Is this reading indicative of mild?
2007-06-01 04:03:55 · 8 answers · asked by nickywireobsessive 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Hopefully your investigation was complete. You need 3 results to confirm the diagnosis:
TSH - I agree yours appears raised
T4-n this should be low
Thyroid antibodies- this should be >50.
Assuming that your diagnosis is correct and these 3 factors were considered, generally most GPs will start patients on 50 mcg of levothyroxine per day and recheck after 3 months. 25 mcg is generally only used as a start dose in the elderly or those with cardiac risks.
You may need a dose up to 150 mcgs or more, but this must be arrived at gradually.
2007-06-01 05:58:14 · answer #1 · answered by Dr Frank 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The cut off for TSH is around 5.5 in most labs. I would say it is not too mild. TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone. This hormone is trying to stimulate your thyroid gland to produce more T3 which is basically your metabolism/energy source. If you don't start feeling better in the next couple of weeks you should have your levels rechecked. I think 25mcg's is a bit of a low dose, 50 mcg's would be better and 100 mcg's is standard. Maybe your doc just wants to start you low and to help you adjust better. Good luck!
2007-06-01 11:22:55 · answer #2 · answered by mispriss 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since I was 10 years old I have not had a thyroid due to removal of thyroid goiter, and over the years have taken different named synthetic thyroid hormone, Synthroid, Levothroxin, ect. Unfortunately have never paid attention to the TSH numbers, but not even having a thyroid, I still do not take the dosage your taking for "Mild" hypothyroidism, if you're very concerned over this, you should write out your questions and go to your doctor and go over the subject until you're satisfied you know what's going on with your body..Thyroid problems are related to and causes other maladies in the body...it 's not mild by no means. Good luck.
2007-06-01 11:25:05 · answer #3 · answered by moonnightsoar 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Normal level from my lab for tsh is 0.3 to 4.5. So yours is raised. T4 should be 10 to 22. As said thyroxine should be upped in small doses as it takes a while to settle in the system so its no good to recheck levels less than six weeks after a dose change. I take 200 mcgs and just about hang in the normal range but that is after treatment for hyperthyroidism.
2007-06-01 17:51:48 · answer #4 · answered by pollywallydoodle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The normal range for TSH level is 0.5 - 5.0. Some physicians are even starting to treat patient's with a TSH above 3 if they are symptomatic. I can't tell you whether it's mild or not, I'm not an MD. But you're definitely elevated.
2007-06-01 11:20:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have just received a copy of my latest blood test results for this from my consultant. My TSH was 141 mu/l and free T4 was 4.6pmol/l.
I take 200mcg of thyroxine and looks like it's going to be increased yet again!
2007-06-01 12:26:56 · answer #6 · answered by Lily & Stu Too 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's mild. I can't remember the exact normal range right off the top of my head, but I think the max for normal is about 10. So, you're just barely above that, so you're mild.
2007-06-01 11:11:09 · answer #7 · answered by Andee 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i hope this helps....
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/Hypothyroidism-What-Happens
2007-06-01 11:12:34 · answer #8 · answered by youve got one life to live:] 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋