Blood test TSH came back on a routine blood test 5.460 and the reference range is 0.450-4.500 marked above high normal. could it be wrong

[anniefrankie8679]

My routine once a year blood test came back 5.460 on a reerence range of 0.450 to 4.500 marked high above normal. My GP intern had me come back to redo it stating that it could be a mistake, but when I called on friday they said she was not in, so I am panicking and in limbo. It is Saturday noon. I sent the copy fax to my endo doctor, as I have hyperparathoidism due to low vit D and 6 lumps in my thyroid gland,, which I get checked once a year, but he was out also. My doctor redid blood work of TSH blood test, but I find it hard to believe could be mistake, hoping though It seems so high. Can someone help me understand this situation. Annie

[greygoose]

All sorts of things can raise the TSH. Do you have some sort of virus, for example? What is your TSH usually?

It could be a mistake, mistakes can creep in anywhere. But, just testing the TSH doesn't tell you very much. TSH is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. It stimulates the thyroid to make more thyroid hormone. If it is high, the thyroid hormone could be low, so that's what they should be testing. But, if you feel well, it's certainly nothing to panic about. My TSH was 45 once, and I was just putting on a bit of weight, no real symptoms.

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to greygoose]

Hi Greygoose. I just called gp and told on redone blood test that it is now 3.650 in normal range. Last week 5.560 I believe. Just wondered if I have a problem or wrong test first time. Sincerely Linda Ann

[greygoose in reply to anniefrankie8679]

I answered that question below. It's more likely to be because you had the second test in the afternoon, instead of early morning, rather than a mistake.

But, you need the other tests done to confirm it, or otherwise. You cannot make any decisions on the TSH alone. Unfortunately, doctors have no idea that TSH varies throughout the day, so your doctor will now be quite happy that the early one was a mistake. But, it really, really wasn't.

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you. Sincerely Linda ann

[greygoose in reply to anniefrankie8679]

You're welcome.

[anniefrankie8679]

Thank you Greygoose. I found one from November 2015. The TSH was 3.780 reference range 0.450 to 4.500. And one from May 2016 TSH was 2.690 reference range was 0.450 to 4.500. And when I called my endo dr. He was out also. They told me last May it was 3.80. Range 0.450 to 4.500. Now gp interest did yearly blood test and it was 5.480 reference range was 0.450 to 4.500 Way over did not hear back about redone one done yet. I do have 6 noogles or lumps in my thyroid for years. And hyperparathoid from low Vit D. But never high TSH. I did have a flu shot mintutes before blood test. Wonder if it could increase TSH

[greygoose in reply to anniefrankie8679]

The TSH can't rise that fast, so I doubt that had anything to do with it. It would appear that you are just getting progressively hypo. I don't know why your doctor wouldn't believe that possible.

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you Greygoose. I was hoping lab error. I am a worrier. I did notice the past year that my hair thinned Out and losing more hair in brush, and tired lot but a lot has happened in my life, so I hoped for that to be stress related. Do you know if hair stops falling out and comes back once on meds. I found out in 2012 that I had lumps 6 of them by accident. Thank you again

[greygoose in reply to anniefrankie8679]

Hair is a funny thing. So many things can affect it. It should stop falling out if one gets onto the right dose of the right thyroid hormone replacement, and all nutrients are optimal.

What sort of lumps are you talking about?

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to greygoose]

I had dr do a scan on my thyroid I can’t temember why, as at same time my parents were sick and died, and my boyfriend came down with CLL cancer. Taking care him. They than tried to do needle biopsy but calisfied and hard. And night PTH. In blood test. Taking Vit D brought it down. I guess I’m worried as my stress level is high now and being alone you tend to worry more, but wondered why high Tsh my gp as I said seemed worried. And redid blood test, but not in Friday to tell me. Girl at desk said. I knew someone years ago that wen bald from thyroid, so that is on my mind. And I take the protomex and calfate to coat stomach, and fooled some where that those pills stop thyroid pills from working. This is first summer that I remember to keep air on higher, as I felt so cold with it on 72 degrees. And skin dry. I never put 2 and 2 together. What are chances of blood test wrong. ??? It was done at 7:00 am fasting. I just can’t google anything on it. Just worried. Thank you Linda

[greygoose in reply to anniefrankie8679]

Ah, you mean nodules. Everybody has nodules - well, most people, anyway. Even if they don't have a thyroid problem, they have nodules.

Sounds like you've been having a tough time. Stress can cause high TSH, but unless you're still stressed, it shouldn't keep climbing.

The receptionist should have more sense and tact, than to tell someone that! If it's hypo that's making you lose your hair then it should regrow. But, as I said, so many, many things can make you lose your hair, including stress. I had a friend at school that lost all her hair when her mother died. But, it grew back more lovely than ever - thick blond hair. Also, nutritional deficiencies can cause it to fall out, so you'll need to have vitamins and minerals tested.

Are you taking protomex for high blood pressure? Hypothyroidism can cause high blood pressure.

And, are you taking calfate because you have an ulcer? Hypothyroidism can lower stomach acid, which makes ulcers more likely.

But, they should be ok to take if taken well away from thyroid hormone. So, I don't think you need to worry on that account.

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to greygoose]

Hi Greygoose. I have acid reflux and gastris almost 20 yers or more, never had a good stomach. I had several upper endonospies and sometimes also get stomach polips. I think from protomex, which stops acid acid and calfate coats stomach. This year is worse stress year for me. In 68 and think as you get older that you tend to worry more. Things changed in my life and I think that has a lot to do with it. Do you feel that it’s to be pushy to call dr office at 9:30 am today, as doctors seem to always be busy. I don’t want to be a pain but very worried. Do people seem on this group to find google confusing ??? I did read as I said that my meds stops throiyd meds from working, and I seem to keep getting animeia and low b12 I do not have a good diet ashamed to admit. Thank you again. Linda Ann

[greygoose in reply to anniefrankie8679]

Good diet or bad diet, you probably have low stomach acid. You don't get ulcers with high stomach acid because the acid kills the virus. And low nutrients are a sure sign that your stomach acid is low. But doctors never bother to test it.

It's your doctor's job to make you better, that's what he's paid for. You are not being a 'pain' by asking him to do his job! He's paid very well for it, after all.

Google can be confusing until you learn who to trust. For every article/study that says one thing, you can find another that says the opposite. I did google those two medication but there was no mention of interaction with levo for either of them. And, if you were on the correct dose of thyroid medication, you probably wouldn't need them, anyway. They are making your health worse by blocking the absorption of nutrients. Your doctor really needs to look into that.

Your thyroid levels need proper investigation, too. They should be testing :

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPO antibodies

Tg antibodies

vit D

vit B12

folate

ferritin

But, I doubt your doctor will do all of those - he won't understand the results on most of them, anyway! But, it is possible to have private tests done without the intervention of your doctor.

Forgot to say that the symptoms for high and low stomach acid are the same : acid reflux. So, having acid reflux doesn't automatically mean that you have high acid. It often means that you need to raise your acid so that you improve your digestion and that stops the acid reflux.

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to greygoose]

Hi Greygoose I called today for the retake on my TSH blood test that was 5.460 and I am confused. The girl at the desk said normal that it was redone and now at 3.650 not the 5.460. Reference range is 0.450 to 4.500. First one taken on regular physical. Was at 7.00 am fasting and redone one taken at mid afternoon I believe. Am I in safe zone or something wrong. I am so confused at this point. Sincerely Linda Ann

[greygoose in reply to anniefrankie8679]

The difference in your results is more than likely due to the blood being taken at different times of the day, and you having eaten. TSH is highest early in the morning, and drops throughout the day. It also drops after eating. But, in any case, you are hypo when your TSH hits 3, but I wouldn't expect a receptionist to know that. You need to get full thyroid testing done.

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you Greystone. I didn’t know that low acid can be a problem. I also think that I need a endo dr., which I see once year. I called him faxed him the blood work, I just hope that he does blood work. He is always booked. My appointment with him is not till November, that’s a long time to wait. Thank u again. Linda Ann.

[greygoose in reply to anniefrankie8679]

You're welcome.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Is your low vitamin D now being treated with vitamin D supplements?

You also ideally need folate, B12 and ferritin tested, especially if TSH is high

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you slowdragon. I forget a lot on my Vit D. I get b12 shots, and yes my ferritin level has been dropping. Funny that you mentioned that. Why??? I had 2 iron infusions in about 14 years. Last one about 4 years ago. Is it connected. Linda

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to anniefrankie8679]

Yes, can be. Low stomach acid is common result of being hypothyroid. This can lead to low vitamin levels

Vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin need regular testing and supplements to improve if affected

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.

Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

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

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

List of hypothyroid symptoms

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

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you Solw Dragon, i am going to do it but with Another Dr. I appreciate the input Please keep in touch. Sincerely, Linda Ann

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to anniefrankie8679]

Important to test folate if you have regular B12 shots

Low folate and low B12 often go together

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you slowDragon I will do that and ask for it. Sincerely Linda Ann

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you again, Sincerely, Linda Ann

[Treepie]

Assuming you are not taking levothyroxine ,greygoose is probably right that you are becoming more hypo.

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to Treepie]

Oh. What are chances blood test wrong. It was my gp that did it as a yearly. I’m worried that I’ll go bald. Losing hair. Thought stress. I was told in 2012 that I had hperparathoidism, but when on large doses of Vit D. It went back down to 65. I’m stressed over this. I do take protomex and calfate to coat stomach read some where that those pills stop the thyroid pills from working. Now I tried to research it so much. I forgot where I read it. I just feel overwhelmed. I see my ending dr. In nov. I do have osteoporosis. Also. I’m just stressed out and confused. Thank you linda

[greygoose in reply to anniefrankie8679]

Anniefrankie there are far worse things than losing your hair. Low thyroid hormone can cause problems with your heart, your liver, your kidneys, to name but a few. So don't let that put you of taking thyroid hormone if you need it. You cannot live without thyroid hormone.

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to Treepie]

No pills for thyroid, as I didn’t know high till past week, blood test redone but dr not in on Friday for results.

[Treepie in reply to anniefrankie8679]

GPS will usually not treat until TSH is 10.You will have to request a trial in view of symptoms.

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to Treepie]

Thank you Treepie. All the input helps, as google on computer is confusing. Please keep in touch. Sincerely Linda Ann

[Treepie in reply to anniefrankie8679]

Linda Ann,My TSH was 101 some four years ago when I was 69 and I could hardly climb the stairs. For future reference you really need to know FT4 and FT3 and you need to post the ranges as lab ranges differ across the country. A result of " normal" meaning somewhere in range is not good enough . you need to be what is optimal for you.

Steve

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to Treepie]

Thank you Steve, I see my endo dr in november, but am worried. I may go to internist dr and have the above test done. I did notice that I get cold at temps that never bothered me before, and so so tired, also dry skin, and heart beat fast sometimes, as I could feel it

Sincerely Linda Ann

[Treepie in reply to anniefrankie8679]

You may be better getting private testing done as the NHS rarely tests FT3 which is the active hormone. I suggest that you read up on the Thyroid UK website about symptoms and testing.

[Hidden]

What symptoms do you have? And are they getting worse? It's natural to be worried, but a TSH level of 5.480 isn't that "Way over". However, it can cause some unpleasant symptoms. When I was first tested my TSH was over 5.9. In the UK they don't seem to consider you hypothyroid until it is above 10! I am still "Subclinical" because the T4 was lowish but within range. Thankfully, because my symptoms were troublesome (especially lethargy and inability to concentrate) they did start me on levothyroxine eventually.

So you have parathyroid problems as well? Hope that at least is under control.

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Jnetti. But I keep hoping test wrong. Hair has thinned Out does that stop. Thank you again Linda

[Hidden in reply to anniefrankie8679]

Thinning hair (except in men who are naturally going bald) is a very common sign of hypothyroidism. There is a list somewhere - a LONG list! Lethargy, memory problems and difficulty concentrating I found the worst. Could hardly concentrate enough to do anything, or even string a sentence together. Before getting treatment I also had swollen eyelids, sometimes a tingling scalp, occasional breathlessness, dry and tight throat, a few palpitations... And I was only "Subclinical"!!! Feeling cold, depression, digestive problems, constipation and muscle aches and pains are also common.

So if your hair is thinning, and you have raised TSH you are likely becoming hypothyroid, as others have said. If it's still high in last test results you could ask doctor for a trial of levothyroxine. A trial means they don't have to commit themselves so much and might be more willing. And it should make a big difference. (after starting it I had to pluck my extra facial hair more often, lol).

If you have Hashimoto's (the autoimmune version, and most common cause of hypothyroidism) you may also have HYPER episodes at first, where you feel hot, have difficulty sleeping, racing brain and maybe heart palpitations. Apparently thyroid cells attacked by antibodies disintegrate and dump their hormones into the blood, causing a sudden but temporary increase. But that's nothing to worry about.

Sorry for long post. Some of these things have probably been mentioned before but this is a long thread and I can't remember.

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to Hidden]

Oh Jnetti. I get out of breath, but had it maybe 20 years. Tired but worry a lot past few years. Yes, I sometimes forget, but attributed that to getting older, as I am 68. Dry skin one to 2 years on face. Moody. B12ways low get b12 shots and now in about. 15 years 2 series of iron infusions, and that keeps dropping. The ferritin levels. Still not anemic yet Had iron infusion 4 years ago. Doctor. Hemoloist seemed puzzled from beginning after infusions, as to why dropping. I do eat lots of eggs. Thank you for all input. Please keep in touch. Sincerely Linda Ann

[Hidden in reply to anniefrankie8679]

Message me for a chat if you like. I was 70 last week, so we aren't far apart in age. Have to go out this afternoon but around this evening. I'm new at this thyroid business but have learned a lot since joining this forum x

[klr31]

What dose are you taking?

Karen

[anniefrankie8679 in reply to klr31]

None yet just had blood test for tsh redone and doctor was out Friday. I’m nervous waiting hoping to find out if blood test wrong on second one. Thank you again Linda