[nfinner]

#1060522

Hi everyone, been gone for a while but back now. Looking for any info you have bee given about why TSH is important. I had RAI treatment in 2008 when my first son was 3 and I now have a 1 year old also. Pregnancy went great and now after we have been a bit unstable with my levels. I always feel the same, no change in “symptoms” but TSH is now 17.44 and FT4 is normal 1.2 Just looking to understand WHY it matters if my TSH is elevated since I have no thyroid for it to work on. What will it change? Shouldn’t we be more concerned with FT4 & FT3 levels and if they are ok not worry? Thanks in advance for any information.

[Kimberly]

#1183100

Hello – The primary concern with TSH that is above 10 is an increased risk of heart issues, so that is likely why your doctor is concerned. I’ve also heard that there is an increased risk of cognitive issues, depression, and thyroid cancer with high TSH levels.

It’s always a challenge, though, when you are *feeling* well, but a doctor wants to make a change because labs are out of range. Definitely discuss this issue with your doctor until you can come up with a plan that you are both comfortable with.

We more commonly see this with individuals who have suppressed TSH, but hopefully, someone who has experienced this particular issue will jump in here.

Take care!

[snelsen]

#1183101

i really don’t know the implications of a high TSH. But my understanding was that the chances of increased cardiac issues, especially a fib, occurred when the TSH was SUPPRESSED, not elevated. And also osteopenia and osteoporosis. Plus, with suppressed TSH, if the heart rate is super fast, with or without elevated BP, that is a concern.

I hope he gives you a good explanation of the physiology of it all. Kimberly had info that i did not know

It is a big puzzle with the other labs being in range. **Are you taking Synthroid, or one of the levothyroxines? Maybe you need more. Just do not know.

I certainly see why you are questioning all of this. Makes no sense.
Shirley

[Raspberry]

#1183102

Check it out Subclinical thyroid problems and heart disease

even TSH’s higher within the normal range are linked with risk of serious heart issues. TSH of 17 is crazy high, perhaps your FT3 is very low? I had subclinical hypothyroidism for many years before Graves and became accustomed to a “normal” of low functioning but I really had no idea what was going on given it was so gradual. You might be amazed how good you feel if you get more of the right replacement.

[SueAndHerZoo]

#1183103

MY TSH is always insanely low (highest we’ve gotten it so far was .04 and then it dropped back to .02) and when I told the doc I feel fine, he told me that a suppressed TSH could cause heart issues and we had to get it higher.
Sue

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