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What Does A TSH Level Of 5.83 Indicate?

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Posted on Wed, 19 Oct 2016
Question: Hello,

My TSH thyroid is at 5.83 and my T4 is at 12.2
and I have all the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. I am a 59 year-old female, very sluggish and tired, especially all morning. Cold feet and hands ( once fall arrives and throughout all of winter), anxiety, very hard to lose weight even by eating little. Brittle nails, hair falls out quite easily.
I have also been a vegetarian for he past 6 years now ( not sure if it is what's best for me though).
My iron level is very normal but I wonder about B12 deficiency since I have been having shortness of breath in the past years too and I know that it can be a symptom of B12 deficiency (or anxiety) or both!
I also had low potassium come out in test (3.00). Everything else was normal.
Thank you for taking the time to read me.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Needs work up and management

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Your thyroid functions are still in normal range though upper limit of normal and does not fit the description of hyperthyroidism. It may be opposite of subclinical hypothyroidism and that can explain inability to lose weight, fatigue etc but all these can be explained by anxiety too.

Apart from it you being vegetarian has led to B12 deficiency as meat and poultry are commonest sources of vitamin B12 and you have been off these for 6 years so depleted B12 reserves. You need B12 injections and lifelong supplementation, recovering that will help the symptoms as well.

Low potassium of 3 needs potassium supplements and repeating it after few days with diet rich in potassium. Get in touch with your doctor, also have a complete psych eval and some psychotherapy sessions for your anxiety and see if it helps .

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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What Does A TSH Level Of 5.83 Indicate?

Brief Answer: Needs work up and management Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and i understand your concern. Your thyroid functions are still in normal range though upper limit of normal and does not fit the description of hyperthyroidism. It may be opposite of subclinical hypothyroidism and that can explain inability to lose weight, fatigue etc but all these can be explained by anxiety too. Apart from it you being vegetarian has led to B12 deficiency as meat and poultry are commonest sources of vitamin B12 and you have been off these for 6 years so depleted B12 reserves. You need B12 injections and lifelong supplementation, recovering that will help the symptoms as well. Low potassium of 3 needs potassium supplements and repeating it after few days with diet rich in potassium. Get in touch with your doctor, also have a complete psych eval and some psychotherapy sessions for your anxiety and see if it helps . I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please. Regards Khan