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Is TSH Level Of 11 A Cause For Concern?
Question: Would you consider a TSH of eleven as high?
Brief Answer:
Yes
Detailed Answer:
A TSH of 11 is certainly abnormal. It is well above the range of normal. Typical upper limit is around 4.2 It is further best interpreted in light of the Free T4 levels in the blood. It would be helpful to order thyroid auto antibodies such as anti TPO ( Thyroid Per Oxidase) and anti Thyroglobulin. This helps in deciding if treatment with Levo thyroxine is warranted or not. If already on treatment as is the case with you then it is important to adjust the dose of Synthroid to achieve and maintain TSH in the target range. Kindly discuss with your endocrinologist regarding the goal value for TSH in your individual case
Yes
Detailed Answer:
A TSH of 11 is certainly abnormal. It is well above the range of normal. Typical upper limit is around 4.2 It is further best interpreted in light of the Free T4 levels in the blood. It would be helpful to order thyroid auto antibodies such as anti TPO ( Thyroid Per Oxidase) and anti Thyroglobulin. This helps in deciding if treatment with Levo thyroxine is warranted or not. If already on treatment as is the case with you then it is important to adjust the dose of Synthroid to achieve and maintain TSH in the target range. Kindly discuss with your endocrinologist regarding the goal value for TSH in your individual case
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Will I see any improvement with 25 mcg Eltroxin or is it too low a dose?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
It is a fair starting dose. Experts generally start anything between 25 to 75 mcg for a condition in which TSH is elevated but the Free T4 is normal.
This is referred to as mild or subclinical hypothyroidism.
However in your instance we do not have the Free T4 levels to determine whether this was the case or not.
Had the Free T4 been low below normal then generally higher doses are commenced such as 1.6 mcg per kilogram of your body weight, provided you do not have heart disease or severe untreated osteoporosis.
So for example if your weight is 70 kg then 112 mcg would be a reasonable starting dose.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
It is a fair starting dose. Experts generally start anything between 25 to 75 mcg for a condition in which TSH is elevated but the Free T4 is normal.
This is referred to as mild or subclinical hypothyroidism.
However in your instance we do not have the Free T4 levels to determine whether this was the case or not.
Had the Free T4 been low below normal then generally higher doses are commenced such as 1.6 mcg per kilogram of your body weight, provided you do not have heart disease or severe untreated osteoporosis.
So for example if your weight is 70 kg then 112 mcg would be a reasonable starting dose.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
One of my main symptoms is muscle weakness, particularly in my legs. It is hard to describe but it almost feels like my muscles are soft or loose and I get burning sensations. Is this common? Will it go away as the concentration of the hormone increases?
Brief Answer:
Second follow up
Detailed Answer:
There can be other reasons for the muscle weakness, although thyroid conditions can cause it too.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
Free T4
Anti Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day
Second follow up
Detailed Answer:
There can be other reasons for the muscle weakness, although thyroid conditions can cause it too.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
Free T4
Anti Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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