TSH 6.32, many symptoms

[Bluesky22]

Hi Everyone

I have been suffering with fatigue, dizziness, muscle aches, irregular menstrual cycle, dry skin & hair, to mention a few symptoms, for about 9 months now. My symptoms seem to be getting worse. After many visits to the GP, where I was told it was due to a sinus problem, I was finally given a blood test last week.

My TSH level was 6.32. I've been told that's very borderline and they will check it again in 3-6 months.

It may sounds dramatic, but the thought of spending 3-6 more months like this, gradually feeling worse is just not something I'm willing to entertain. I haven't felt myself in so long and I need some change now.

Can any of you offer any advice on what I should/could do? Do you agree with the Dr that watch and wait is the best course of action. Thanks in advance.

[Clutter]

Bluesky22,

Go back for a retest in 3 months. Protocols allow for retesting after the first abnormal TSH because TSH can be elevated by a non-thyroidal illness like a virus which would be expected to resolve in 2-3 months.

Arrange the next test early in the morning when TSH is highest and fast (water only) as TSH drops after eating and drinking.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...

[Bluesky22 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you for your response Clutter. I hadn't realised that TSH can be affected by viruses.

[shaws]

Unfortunately doctors have been advised to wait until the TSH reaches 10 and many suffer long before it does reach 10.

I shall give you a couple of links and before the blood tests along with levothyroxine were introduced (from 1892 up until the late 50's early 60's) we were prescribed NDT according to our clinical symptoms on a trial basis and if we improved we were hypo. Modern doctors are unaware of symptoms and only treat the blood test result, i.e. TSH. They rarely test our FT4 and FT3

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[Bluesky22 in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your response shaws and for the links.

Do you think I should ask for my FT3/4 to be tested when I see the GP tomorrow or ask if a levothyroxine trial is possible? Or might I jus be better waiting until my next test?

[reikigirl]

Hi bluesy 22nd do you have any amalgam fillings, I have similar problems I'm under dental hospital now and they are looking to take fillings out although they won't admit it might be the mercury, just something to consider as I'm sure it's what's causing my problems, will keep you posted , hope you get some answers soon xxx

[Bluesky22 in reply to reikigirl]

Hi reikigirl

Thank you for replying. I actually don't have any amalgam fillings. I hope you manage to get yours changed though and feel some relief from the symptoms.

I spoke to my GP this morning and he has suggested that as I have Hypo symptoms, to have another blood test next week, including T4. Apparently they don't ever test T3?

It was useful to see that my TSH at my last test in Jan '16 was 3.4, so the jump in just over a year to 6.32 does seem to indicate an issue.

So will see where I am after the next test.

[reikigirl in reply to Bluesky22]

Aah good luck in finding the answer and hope you get some relief soon take care