TSH is 116

[bella_423]

I was called by my doctor tonight to tell me that my TSH level was extremely high at 116 and she said normal levels were .4 - 5. She said she had never seen it this high before and that she had it retested 3 times and it was verified each time at that number. She said she is very concerned and called in a prescription of synthroid 125mg to start immediately. She said she wants me back in the office first thing Monday morning for more tests. In the meantime I am scared, confused and not sure what the outcome of this will be. I went in because as I explained to her, I have been extremely fatigued but can't sleep, gained 40lbs in the last four months, have muscle aches, am always cold, feel very depressed and emotional, and the list goes on... My question is how can my level be 116 with typical ranges being .4 - 5? Everything I have read in the last 6 hours of research on the internet, I haven't seen anything even close to this kind of number? Am I going to be ok and if so what does all this mean for my future health?

[bncrump]

TSH of 116 is high, but you will be okay. I promise.

In April of this year, my TSH was 202. Yes, 202! I started on 125mcg of Levothyroxine and within 6 weeks, my TSH was 1.3. It will come down with the medication. Just make sure that you take the medication EVERYDAY, even if you feel terrible. Take it 1 hour before food in the morning and don't miss a dose.

Like AR-10 said, you may feel worse before you feel better. I felt WAY worse after I started taking the Levothyroxine. The first 2 weeks after I started were the worst! My stomach hurt everyday, I was exhausted, had a headache, etc...and I didn't smile for a good 2 weeks. People at work couldn't believe what a mess I was. Then, one day I went to work and someone said "The old Brooke is back" and that was it. I was back to myself. My levels are still up and down a little and they are still trying to get the meds right.

You are on the right track, just take the medicine and try not to stress. This forum has been a life saver for me so come here and use us as a support system. The people here are wonderful and know exactly how you feel.

Good luck and hope you feel better soon :)

[seawha]

  Naturally you are concerned but no need to panic.  Your doctor has found the problem and it's easily treated.

  TSH is just a chemical that our brain produces that tells our thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone.  If the thyroid gland cannot produce what our brain thinks is enough hormone, the brain just kicks the TSH production into overdrive to try to force the thyroid to produce.

You will still be tired for awhile, even after medication is started.  Be patient.  It takes a while to find the right dose and for you to feel better after the right dose is found.

Welcome to our group and keep coming back.  Ask questions. We will help you understand the process of returning to wellness.

Cindy

[AR-10]

My TSH has been over 100 before.

Yours took a good while to get there. A few more days is not going to make a big difference. The medication wil take a few weeks to get your TSH down below 10, and then you will work toward a goal of a TSH of around 1.0.

Your symptoms may get worse before they get better, and some of them may take months to go away. You should start feeling a bit better in a week or two.

In the meantime, try to alter your schedule to be less stressful and demanding if you can.

As for WHY it is over 100, it will take more testing to see just what your thyroid is up to.

[barrettsark]

Five years ago when I first became hypo my TSH levels were 100 + and like you I had a lot of symptoms.  They did send me for and ulta sound and a MRI of my pituitary Gland.  All was ok for me.  I understand how scared you are and that's what this site is for.  It has helped me out a lot.  Just in Oct my levels went to 56 and I feel worst this time around than I did when they where over 100+.  Keep you chin up a least you know what's wrong now.

[Rachel4]

First of all, the typically range used to be .4-5.5. But now it is considered to be .3-3.0 so you'll want to make sure that your doctor has a goal of getting you to that level. When you go in to talk to her I would ask what her goal would be for your TSH level.

I'm sorry, but I don't know anything about TSH levels that high. I've seen other post some pretty high numbers. Hopefully they'll chime in.

I can imagine that she's want you to get an ultrasound to check things out, which is a pretty easy procedure and can tell your doctor alot about your thyroid.