What causes high TSH level?

Posted on Sat, 19 Apr 2014

Question: Recently i diagonsed with thyroid, T3 and T4 are normal but TSH = 8.67, please suggest treatment

Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Mildly elevated TSH, what are your symptoms? Detailed Answer: Hello Mr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX I took a look through your reports. I see that your TSH is slightly high. But more important than the blood work is YOUR symptoms. What made you get the blood work done in the first place? Have you had any symptoms of a weak thyroid (hypothyroidism)? Feeling cold, gaining weight? Excessive fatigue? The treatment will depend on your symptoms. If you ARE having symptoms of hypothyroidism, then you will need a thyroid med like levothyroxine. On the other hand if you do not have any symptoms, then we can afford to wait and recheck the blood work in 6 months. I hope this helps. Take Care, Vinay

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (19 hours later)

Yes Sir, I feel Eccessive day time sleepiness and fatigue, mild memory loss also. I become moody mood swings, irritable, angry with even small reasons. This turned my life miserable, my efficiency to work is extremely hampered due to huge fatigue, and sleepiness even after 8 hours sleep. This situation starts 5 years back, and progressive slowly. Now Its frequency increased so much almost all day, sleepiness, fatigue that I am not able to work However there is no Weight gain, not feeling cold very much indeed. Now suggest me.

Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Synthroid will help Detailed Answer: If I had examined you in my own practice. I might suggest that part of those symptoms are from thyroid issues. In which you would start a small dose of synthroid. say 25mcg every morning on empty stomach. Then I would repeat the blood tests in 6 months. I would also like you to consider approaching a good therapist during this time so they can help you with your mood issues. Lastly, the day time sleepiness and fatigue sound very similar to people who have Sleep Apnea, may i ask if you snore or have breath holding spells at night? Of course you will not know this, but your significant other might be able to tell you or might have noticed. I hope this helps. Vinay

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (49 minutes later)

Dear Sir, I already get my checkup done by a ENT specialist, he told me that there is no sinus blockage and NO SLEEP APNEA, and no need to sleep test. I do not snore also. After then only I get it checked my Thyroid profile.

Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: I see Detailed Answer: Ok. I'm glad you've already rid yourself of that doubt. I believe synthroid would be your best bet at this point. Vinay

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar