Thyroid level

[Kaw142]

Iv just had my last b12 jab and remembered to ask the nurse !! My thyroid she said is high at 10. Is that high??? Thought I’d ask you guys as you are my lifeline xx I’m booked to see doc on Monday

[Polaris]

It's a good idea to have a print out of results with the lab ranges Kaw142, which you are entitled to ask for. I'm assuming that 10 is the TSH, which I think you'll find is high and should be treated, especially as B12def. and Hashimoto's thyroid disease, both being autoimmune, often coexist - as in my own family.

You'll find the HU TUK forum very knowledgeable and will give excellent advice, especially on asking for more tests - (not just TSH, but T3, T4, antibodies etc) Meanwhile, this Facebook post by expert, Marc Ryan, might help although these are US ranges which are usually lower! :

"Bottom Line on TSH

The laboratory range is somewhere between 0.3–3.0 and 0.5–5.5. That is a huge range that borders on the ridiculous. The lab range values are made based on the general population that goes to the lab.

Most people who go to the lab are taking thyroid hormones and are poorly managed or are completely undiagnosed (or both), so this is not really a good measure of optimal thyroid health. Practitioners of functional medicine (like yours truly) look at a narrower range that we, and some endocrinologists, believe is much better for assessing a healthy thyroid.

This range is 1.8–3.0. Notice that our range is higher on the low end and equal to or lower on the high end. Other people believe there’s a “Goldilocks” zone, where a “just right” TSH level is somewhere between 0.5 and 2.0.

Regardless of the range, it is important to understand that these numbers mean nothing in isolation. They must be viewed in the context of your signs and symptoms, how you feel. You have to find your own ideal zone where you feel your best."

[Kaw142 in reply to Polaris]

Thank you I will ask for a print out Monday x wow so much to take in in such a short time . How life can change so quickly x thank you for your knowledge

[Polaris]

PS. As an example, many people only feel well with a very low or suppressed TSH and the little book, 'Understanding Thyroid Disorders', written by Dr A. Toft, (published in association with the BMA) helped persuade my GP not to decrease thyroid medication after heart and cholesterol problems improved on a higher dose of thyroid medication and a suppressed TSH.

"Thyroid blood tests should not be interpreted in isolation and correct medical care will also depend on careful assessment of symptoms and clinical assessment".

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Best to post on TUK

healthunlocked.com/thyroiduk

If she was talking about TSH then 10 is well outside the normal range - indicating that you are hypothyroid. If you have PA then there is a 40% chance you will go on to develop hypothyroidism.

[KimberinUS]

yes! that is high.

and doctor needs to test tsh, free t4 and free t3, and for both thyroid antibodies, hasimotos, and graves disease, all at the same time, prior to starting thyroid medicine, so you can have a baseline!!!

testing needs to be done first thing in morning. get in line before clinic opens. tsh is highest in morning.

best of luck and health

[waveylines]

I would have a look at Thyroid uk website they have excellant infomation on there. You definately should see your doctor. Your GP in all likelyhood will run further tests. Technically they should treat with a TSH of 10 but your GP may wish to rerun the tests in a short while to see if it repeats. It is possible that if youve had a virus or infection then the TSH will rise to get the thyroid to produce more so your GP has to check that this isnt the case. Having said that I would have thought a TSH of 10 is indicative of a struggling thyroid. Its very important that the GP establishes that your thyroid is failing as treatment is for life.