How bad is TSH 18?

[Howbadisthis]

For several years TSH has been consistent, thyroxine stayed the same at 100mcg. Last year TSH was 1.8, this year - 18!!!

I know this is bad, but just how bad is it? I can't find anything helpful online, all any site seems to give is the normal range.

They're going to begin by adding another 25mcg with repeat blood test in eight weeks. Any information you can share would be gratefully received.

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Welcome aboard

TSH isn't much of a guide it just shows your pituitary would like more thyroid hormone, have your symptoms greatly worsened? You really need to see your fT4 and fT3 levels...

Worth asking them to test your folate, ferritin, B12 and Vit D levels as these are all key to good conversion

[greygoose]

The TSH in and of itself is neither good nor bad. It doesn't cause symptoms, nor make you feel anything. It's just a rough guide to thyroid status.

18 is high, certainly, but without seeing the thyroid hormone levels themselves, it doesn't mean much. There are far too many things that can affect the TSH level - one of them being the time of day. So, don't get hung up on the TSH, or worry about it, tell your doctor you want your FT4 tested, too!

[Howbadisthis]

Thank you. Lots more to think about.

[Minimol]

As this appears to have come out of left field and if you’re not feeling much different it might be worth double checking those results. 18 is after all only one decimal point place away from 1.8. Just a thought?

[Litatamon]

Don't worry too much. I had at least eight months with a TSH of anywhere from 18 to 33.

And the weird part was when it was in the 30s I was on NDT and didn't feel that bad at all.

My worst eight weeks were my one 'good lab' with the TSH.

Of course get it in a good place, but don't overly worry in the meantime.

All the best.