TSH 5! No medication.

[Orangepie1]

Hi,

Can someone tell me what the NICE guidelines are for TSH (not pregnant), my TSH is 5 surely they will put me on medication, right?? I just called for results and they said it is satisfactory, I am not happy with that result and for me believe it's effecting my menstrual cycle (heavy) etc. Cold hand and feets more severley compared to others.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Orangepie

You haven't given the range for your TSH but I assume your result is over range. Unfortunately most doctors wait until TSH reaches 10.

However, TSH alone isn't enough, you need FT4 testing, if that is under range you might get diagnosed. Also, testing thyroid antibodies is also necessary as when TSH is over range and antibodies present, Dr Toft (past president of the British Thyroid Association and leading endocrinologist) suggests starting Levo to 'nip things in the bud'.

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

[Orangepie1 in reply to SeasideSusie]

I do have thyroid antibodies over the reference range by quite a bit can not remember exact numbers. And hypo runs in the family. For that reasoni thought they would treat. The GP is due to give me ring so I'll chat to her about the results. Just wanted to know what NICE guidelines say about reference range of treating TSH. The reference is 0-4.2 for my surgery so I am confused so I will speak to them.

[Orangepie1 in reply to SeasideSusie]

I have been told to repeat test in 12 weeks and if it goes above 6 then they will treat me.

[Clutter]

Orangepie1,

NICE CKS advises "Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) — TSH levels are above the normal reference range and T3 and T4 are within the reference range." cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...

Most doctors will diagnose hypothyroidism when TSH is over range on two occasions especially in the presence of positive antibodies. Have thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) been tested?

If your TSH is over range and you are symptomatic ask your GP to prescribe Levothyroxine.

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

[Orangepie1 in reply to Clutter]

The GP does not test these but I have the TPO test in past and they were well over the reference range but GP is not interested in that result. I guess I have to wait until April as that is when my Endo appointment is, he is quite good compared to the GPs.

[Orangepie1 in reply to Clutter]

I have been told to repeat test in 12 weeks and if it goes above 6 then they will treat me.

[Clutter in reply to Orangepie1]

Orangepie1,

Make sure you arrange the blood test early in the morning when TSH is highest and fast (water only) because TSH drops after eating and drinking.

[Orangepie1 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks for tips , lets see what the next results say then.

[bluebug]

Ask them also to investigate why your periods are very heavy as well. Refuse to let them just give you stuff - yes you may have to mislead them about wanting children - to ensure they investigate properly.