TSH 6.9 - GP says borderline and I should not be experiencing symtoms- but I always am unwell. GP says will treat if TSH reaches 10 as it is not advisable to treat too early. I'm confused. Just how

[Janineeoh]

TSH TEST

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

I'd love to know where he gets his idea that is inadvisable to treat early. Having recently been started on thyroxine from a TSH of 5.75, I categorically know the differences it has made so far.

The only question marks I have relate to the possibility of some transient issue. So maybe two TSH tests which are both out of range? And did they not do a free T4 test at the same time? (Quite possible, each area has their own approach.) This might help to confirm your thyroid hormone levels as these do not always correlate closely to TSH.

Would leave leave a hungry person until they are skin and bone before giving them a decent meal?

I would also wish to see thyroid antibody tests to show if you have autoimmune thyroid disease. Or not.

All the best

Rod

[Janineeoh in reply to helvella]

Thank you so much for your interest Rod. I am getting a print out of my test results so I can do some further research. I must admit at this stage I am confused and don't fully understand. GP not forthcoming with info so trying to find out what I can from the Thanks again.

[Hidden]

Janine,

The GP is out of date and hasn't been doing his research. The society for endocrinology issued a press release in March, which stated that anyone with a TSH of more than 4 was at increased risk of heart problems and bone fractures. Print it out, and show him.

endocrinology.org/press/pre...

Lots of countries treat when the tsh reaches 2.5 and it is only in Britain where the level is 5... leaving you to suffer is irresponsible and there is no reason to leave til you get to 10, ( if you ever do)

Write to the doc and the head of practice, list your symptoms and ask for a referral to an endocrinologist of your choice. Check out local hospitals to see which one has an endo who specialises in thyroid problems on drfosterhealth.co.uk. or get a list of good endos from the helpers and administrators on this site.

Good health!

Nel.

[Janineeoh in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Nel for the info. Will be doing some further research and hope to become informed rather than confused. Not happy with GP.

Thanks again.

Janine

[vienna2010]

My advice is to insist on treatment. Same thing happened to me - I had a TSH of 7.2, chronic fatigue and drowsiness, hair loss and other awful symptoms. I was initially told that my TSH was within normal range and that I should come back in 6 weeks for a further evaluation as my TSH could not be causing the problem. What a joke! I insisted on an seeing an endo who, on evaluation, told me and my GP that my symptoms were severe and needed immediate treatment. So don't take no for an answer. A good doctor should look at ALL of your symptoms including family history with the TSH level being one piece of evidence in the diagnosis.

[vienna2010 in reply to vienna2010]

I forgot to add..I was initially told the same thing - that they would not treat until my TSH was at 10...to which I replied that I did not want to wait until I was in a coma and bald for the NHS to sit up and take notice. It did the trick!

[Trev]

Your GP is a complete idiot. What symptoms are you experiencing? Above TSH 5 should be investigated & treated. Have your FT3, FT4 tested too and I suggest you find a new GP.