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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes An Elevated TSH Level Despite Taking Synthroid?

I had radioactive iodine 42 years ago, have been on synthroid since. I just received a TSH reading of 17.67 which seems impossible to me. Thinking a bad blood test, decimal point in the wrong area. Could it be something wrong with the pituatary gland?
Wed, 11 Jan 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

It is possible that it may need repeating if you doubt that it is correct. At the same time the thyroid hormone levels should also be done with the TSH. If you are concerned about general pituitary failure then there are other hormones that can be tested but in most cases, symptoms would be present. The TSH is, as you indicated, released from the pituitary and controls release of the thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland.

A high TSH usually means that the level of thyroid hormones in the body are low, this is the reason that you would need the actual thyroid hormones levels checked. If the value is accurate and thyroid hormone level is low, then you would need the dose of the synthroid adjusted.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
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What Causes An Elevated TSH Level Despite Taking Synthroid?

Hi, It is possible that it may need repeating if you doubt that it is correct. At the same time the thyroid hormone levels should also be done with the TSH. If you are concerned about general pituitary failure then there are other hormones that can be tested but in most cases, symptoms would be present. The TSH is, as you indicated, released from the pituitary and controls release of the thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. A high TSH usually means that the level of thyroid hormones in the body are low, this is the reason that you would need the actual thyroid hormones levels checked. If the value is accurate and thyroid hormone level is low, then you would need the dose of the synthroid adjusted. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Michelle Gibson James