TSH - Optimal level

[Sunflower535]

I was wondering if any of you nice people would be able to link for me any papers/information that indicates that the Optimal level for the TSH is between 1 and 2. Mine is away over 3 and I want to arm myself with actual papers to take or send to the GP to see if they can do anything for me. I know it has been mentioned here numerous times but if I just had the link I would save it and print off for the doctor.

Many thanks in advance.

[tattybogle]

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu.... /my-list-of-references-recommending-gps-keep-tsh-lower-in-range

[Sunflower535 in reply to tattybogle]

Thanks so much. This is so much appreciated.

[elaar]

You won't be able to get too specific with optimal TSH levels, it's simply not possible.

TSH would differ depending on the way you're being medicated. Those on T4 +T3 medication would more closely match the original Thyroid hormone release and have a (more) functioning feedback loop, and so in theory their TSH can be compared to the ranges in people with a healthy thyroid.

But those on Thyroxine only have a broken TSH Feedback loop, missing the TSH-T3-Shunt, and so their TSH value is distorted/incomplete. Similarly, those on T3 medication only will also have a completely distorted feedback, and the TSH values are worthless.

The other thing is that TSH is inversely log related to predominantely T4, which means even minimal differences in T4 can have large differences in TSH, and so it's not a good measure for comparison anyway. But it's those large changes vs minimal T4 changes that makes it useful for early diagnosis.

[Sunflower535 in reply to elaar]

All I know is I'm not feeling well at the minute and just want the medical profession to listen to me as I know my own body and know that whilst I'm inside the range that I'm not at optimal health.

[elaar in reply to Sunflower535]

I know the feeling. All of my Thyroid stats are in the "normal" range, but as I write this my internal tremor, tinnitus and leg muscle twitching are all in full flow.

The NICE Guidelines state:

"Aim to maintain TSH levels within the reference range when treating primary hypothyroidism with levothyroxine. If symptoms persist, consider adjusting the dose of levothyroxine further to achieve optimal wellbeing, but avoid using doses that cause TSH suppression or thyrotoxicosis."

Therefore your GP should allow dose increases to reduce your TSH below 3, all the way down to 0.5ish.

[Sunflower535 in reply to elaar]

Thanks, that's useful to know. My TSH is above 3. I felt better when it was below 3. GPs are hard to persuade so having this information is good. It might persuade them to look at my dose and change it.