what are the side effects of high TSH please?

[cecile54]

was told today by my nurse that my T4 and T3 are ok but TSH is too high since i changed form 100 to 125 of thyroxine/day..

[RedApple Administrator]

TSH is too high since your dose was increased? Are you sure you don't mean that she said TSH is too low?

[RedApple Administrator in reply to RedApple]

In any case, it would be better if you could post the actual numbers. If we have the numbers (plus the accompanying reference ranges) then we can comment more appropriately. Words like too low or too high have little real meaning without the numbers to back them up

[cecile54]

she is not allowed to give me the numbers via email therefore I have to wait Monday! But she did say that "the TSH has risen", last test the TSH was 6.37...

So I am planning to take only 100 tomorrow instead of 125..what do you think i should do?

[RedApple Administrator in reply to cecile54]

The way things are supposed to work is that as you take more medication, the thyroid hormone levels themselves increase, causing the TSH level to decrease.

A high TSH would theoretically mean you need to increase your dose, not decrease it. That's why it's important to get these numbers to clarify the situation.

In your situation, I would carry on as you are until you can get the numbers on Monday. Then you can make an informed decision.

[cecile54 in reply to RedApple]

thanks for the explanation! I will then go on with 125 till Monday, I will get the numbers.xx

[greygoose in reply to cecile54]

Well I don't think that lowering your dose is going to bring your TSH down - unless you're a very strange woman! lol If I were you I would continue with 125 until Monday - only one more day. There's probably a mistake somewhere.

Make sure you get a print-out of the results. She said that the T4 and T3 were ok, but in your place I would want to know the exact numbers!

Hugs, Grey

[greygoose in reply to greygoose]

PS In reply to your original question, the symptoms of high TSH is usually increased hypo symptoms. The TSH itself only effects the thyroid, nothing else. And you can't feel it.

[cecile54 in reply to greygoose]

forgot to mention that my thyroid was removed last December in France..

[cecile54 in reply to greygoose]

thanks Greygoose!My husband would confirm that I am a "strange woman" must be the french way!!!

I'll definitely get the numbers on MOnday. They have changed their policy on giving the results via email so I have to be told on the phone and by letter, so silly..

thanks for your messages.

[greygoose in reply to cecile54]

Nah, I live in France, the French aren't strange. Their TSHs go down when they increase the dose and up when they lower it! It must just be you! lol x

[cecile54 in reply to greygoose]

AHAHAHAH yes I am used to be the outsider no worry! Where do you live in France?

[greygoose in reply to cecile54]

I live in the Oise, about 45 kms north of Paris. Been here for about 38 years - apart from the years I spent in Paris.

It's not the nicest area and I sometimes wondered how I ended up here, but I doubt if I'll ever move now. I'd like to live near the sea, on the North coast, but... lol

[shaws Administrator in reply to cecile54]

I should think in France as well as giving you the numbers they will also have a range which they should also give you i.e.

TSH level- LO 0.08 mu,L (0.27-4.2)

[cecile54 in reply to shaws]

Hi Shaws, is the range up to 4.2 for the TSH??

[RedApple Administrator in reply to cecile54]

The ranges are not the same in all labs because the equipment varies. So you need to know the range for the lab that did your test. My local lab has 0.35 - 4.95 for TSH.

[cecile54 in reply to RedApple]

i didn't know that the range varies according to the lab/equipment, don't think it's the case in France..but I'll make some inquiry..thanks.

[cecile54 in reply to RedApple]

is that right that there is a risk of heart problmes of the TSH is too high?

[RedApple Administrator in reply to cecile54]

Yes, but it isn't just a risk to the heart. A high TSH usually means there is not enough thyroid hormone for your body and brain to function optimally. Over time, this can lead to all sorts of problems.

It isn't so much the high TSH that's the problem, it's the deficiency of thyroid hormone that the high TSH is alerting us to.

Here is a list of possible symptoms one can suffer with when there is too little thyroid hormone.

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

.

[cecile54 in reply to shaws]

i live in the UK but had the operation in France, so I'm looked after here in London.

[ninja1 in reply to greygoose]

Sounds like my doctor seems to think reducing meds will reduce tsh they are so wrong needs increasing

[Muffy]

Sounds like you need more thyroxine, not less.

[Stourie]

I agree with Muffy as your body gets used to not having a thyroid it needs more thyroxine not less.

Jo xx

[cecile54 in reply to Stourie]

thank you for your answer.