FT3 & FT4 is in normal range but TSH is High. What to do?

[smopel]

Just got my FT3,FT4 & TSH Radioimmuno Assay (RIA) results.
FT3 - 8.70 Pmol/L
FT4 - 15.7 Pmol/L
TSH - 7.90 mlU/L
Should I consult a doctor?
I have rough skin and weakness for last 2/3 months.

[gimel]

Forgot the link.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC143526/

[gimel]

TSH is a pituitary hormone that does not even correlate well with the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3.  It does not correlate well at all with tissue thyroid effects, including symptoms.  Note  this link to a scientific study which concluded that "We found no correlations between the different parameters of target tissues and serum TSH.......Therefore, the biological effects of thyroid hormones at the peripheral tissues- and not TSH concentrations- reflect the clinical severity of hypothyroidism."

There are so many variables between TSH and tissue thyroid effects that it is a foregone conclusion that there will be no significant correlation between the two, and the above study, and many others, verify that.  Therefore, suggesting that the TSH level should be brought under 2 to prevent straining a weak thyroid gland is erroneous information.  

[Barb135]

TSH is a messenger hormone only and it's level is basically irrelevant, as it does nothing other than try to stimulate the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones.  If the thyroid can't do so, there's not addition stress or "straining" put on the thyroid gland, because the damage is already done and nothing is going to repair it.

Free T3 and Free T4 levels, alone, should determine dosages.  TSH levels will vary for all of us... some of us like me, will have suppressed TSH and others we see will have TSH as high as 20 and still be very comfortable...

[des900]

irrespective of what free t3 and t4 values the tsh should be bought under 2 as high tsh value is straining already weak thyroid gland which could make it swell over time and other complications also hormone levels can fluctuate a lot so treating is best and easy.

anyway all deficiencies associated with thyoid like vitamin d, b12, ferritin should be ruled out. also minerals like zinc, selenium containing foods should be incorporated into diet for proper t4 to t3 conversion.

[Barb135]

What are the reference ranges for the Free T3 and Free T4?  Ranges vary from lab to lab and have to come from your own report for the best comparison.  Just because they are in the normal range, doesn't mean they are good for you...

Once we see the ranges, we can better assess your situation.

[paranormalkitty]

Yes your TSH is similar to what mine was and I have been feeling terrible, even left my job because I was so worn out (I started meds this morning so hopefully will get better soon). If your doctor doesn't know your TSH is that high you should definitely consult one - how did you get tests w/o one in the first place?