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Is TSH Level Of 16.3 A Cause For Concern?
Question: I have a blood test in Sep this year and TSH was 11.7 and T 4 was .7 Prior blood test in July TSH was 16.3. At those times I had few if any symptoms. In last week or two I have had increased cold sensitivity, dry skin, depressed mood, throat sensation of mild swelling, some hair loss, etc. Need to go on meds?
Brief Answer:
Yes,you need thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I read carefully your question and understood your concern.
You have the lab values and the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones.
Since the main purpose of thyroid hormone is to "run the body's metabolism," it is understandable that people with this condition will have symptoms associated with a slow metabolism.
Increased cold sensitivity, dry skin, depressed mood and hair loss are symptoms of hypothyroidism.
If you were my patient i will ask to repeat the thyroid function test(TSH, freeT3 and freeT4) to have your actual blood hormone levels and i will start the thyroid hormone replacement therapy or Levothyroxine ( accordingly to the test results.)
So, my answer is:Yes, The hormone replacement therapy is indispensable for you,if you want to feel better.After the hormone replacement therapy your symptoms will gradually disappear.
Hope this information is helpful.
For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy,you can ask me at HealthCareMagic at my private link: bit.do/hcm-Dr-Xhardo
Wish you good health.
Yes,you need thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I read carefully your question and understood your concern.
You have the lab values and the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones.
Since the main purpose of thyroid hormone is to "run the body's metabolism," it is understandable that people with this condition will have symptoms associated with a slow metabolism.
Increased cold sensitivity, dry skin, depressed mood and hair loss are symptoms of hypothyroidism.
If you were my patient i will ask to repeat the thyroid function test(TSH, freeT3 and freeT4) to have your actual blood hormone levels and i will start the thyroid hormone replacement therapy or Levothyroxine ( accordingly to the test results.)
So, my answer is:Yes, The hormone replacement therapy is indispensable for you,if you want to feel better.After the hormone replacement therapy your symptoms will gradually disappear.
Hope this information is helpful.
For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy,you can ask me at HealthCareMagic at my private link: bit.do/hcm-Dr-Xhardo
Wish you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Anything I can do prior to seeing DR to help with mood? How soon upon starting treatment would you usually see some improvement?
Brief Answer:
The treatement is the only clue.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I can say that only the treatement will help you to feel better.
The diet with coconut oil,apple cider winegar,fish oil,ginger may help improve thyroid functioning and stimulate metabolism but for your symptoms you need to take Levothyroxine.
After starting Levothyroxine, generaly there are necessary several weeks to see some improvements.
About 1 to 2 weeks after you start treatment with levothyroxine, you will likely notice that your levels of fatigue have improved. It is important that you take your medication exactly as prescribed and not miss any doses.
Your doctor will monitor your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels about 6 to 8 weeks after you begin therapy and make any necessary dosage adjustments when warranted.
Hope i have answered to your questions.If you have further doubts,feel free and ask to my HCM private link:bit.do/hcm-Dr-Xhardo.
I will be happy to help.
Best regards.
If you have
The treatement is the only clue.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I can say that only the treatement will help you to feel better.
The diet with coconut oil,apple cider winegar,fish oil,ginger may help improve thyroid functioning and stimulate metabolism but for your symptoms you need to take Levothyroxine.
After starting Levothyroxine, generaly there are necessary several weeks to see some improvements.
About 1 to 2 weeks after you start treatment with levothyroxine, you will likely notice that your levels of fatigue have improved. It is important that you take your medication exactly as prescribed and not miss any doses.
Your doctor will monitor your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels about 6 to 8 weeks after you begin therapy and make any necessary dosage adjustments when warranted.
Hope i have answered to your questions.If you have further doubts,feel free and ask to my HCM private link:bit.do/hcm-Dr-Xhardo.
I will be happy to help.
Best regards.
If you have
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. Remy Koshy
Answered by
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