Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does TSH Level Of 7.5 Indicate?
Question: My t3 and t4 are normal but tsh is 7.5. Should I start taking pill? How much dose?
Brief Answer:
Sub clinical hypothyroidism.
Detailed Answer:
TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by so many variables that it is totally inadequate as a diagnostic for thyroid. At best it is an indicator, to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms, and also the levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T3 and Free T4. Note that these are not the same as Total T3 and Total T4. Free T3 is the most important because it largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions. Scientific studies have also shown that FT3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while TSH and FT4 did not correlate.
If you will post actual test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report, members will be glad to assess the adequacy of your testing and treatment. Be aware that having T3 and T4 results just in the lower end of their ranges does not mean that is adequate for YOU. The ranges are far too broad for that to be the case. Many of our members, myself included, find that symptom relief required that Free T3 was adjusted into the upper part of its range and Free T4 adjusted to around the midpoint of its range.
A good thyroid doctor will treat a thyroid patient clinically by testing and adjusting FT3 and FT4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results. If you want to know more about clinical treatment, this is a good link. The letter is written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he consults with from a distance. The letter is sent to the PCP of the patient to help guide treatment.
Sub clinical hypothyroidism.
Detailed Answer:
TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by so many variables that it is totally inadequate as a diagnostic for thyroid. At best it is an indicator, to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms, and also the levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T3 and Free T4. Note that these are not the same as Total T3 and Total T4. Free T3 is the most important because it largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions. Scientific studies have also shown that FT3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while TSH and FT4 did not correlate.
If you will post actual test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report, members will be glad to assess the adequacy of your testing and treatment. Be aware that having T3 and T4 results just in the lower end of their ranges does not mean that is adequate for YOU. The ranges are far too broad for that to be the case. Many of our members, myself included, find that symptom relief required that Free T3 was adjusted into the upper part of its range and Free T4 adjusted to around the midpoint of its range.
A good thyroid doctor will treat a thyroid patient clinically by testing and adjusting FT3 and FT4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results. If you want to know more about clinical treatment, this is a good link. The letter is written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he consults with from a distance. The letter is sent to the PCP of the patient to help guide treatment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
