Intro and TSH question

ThisIsJenni

Hello, ladies. I've been lurking for awhile, and I finally have a question, so i thought i would introduce myself.

First a little background: I have a three year old daughter, and I've been TTC number 2 for close to two years with a break when i started a new job. I had a missed miscarriage in October 2011.

My question: I had my thyroid levels tested as part of a routine physical and my TSH level was 5.08, which was described as "borderline". My T4 free level was 1.0, which is normal though.

The reading i've done indicates that the TSH is way too high to TTC, but I'm not sure how the Normal T4 free level affects that. My Dr. did not recommend any treatment, but it was just my General Practitioner, so maybe a specialist would be more knowledgable?

Is there anyone with knowledge or experience on TSH levels? Should i talk to an endocrinologist? Thanks!

ETA: grammar

Emerald27

Hmmm...5.08 doesn't sound borderline enough to me that I would ignore it. Are you experiencing any other hyper symptoms? I.e. fast heart rate, heat intolerance, shaky hands, increased appetite or frequent bowel movements? It may be that no treatment is necessary, but on the other hand, if you're experiencing symptoms, I would want to do something.

If your insurance requires a referral to a specialist, I would chat with your GP about at least getting a consultation. Good luck!

Edited for spelling. Dumb bump mobile.

ThisIsJenni

I think the high TSH indicates hypothyroidism, so the symptoms are fatigue, coldness, dry skin and hair... I guess I have mild fatigue and feel cold sometimes, but no major symptoms.

Thanks for the reply!

Emerald27

SweetC80:

Emerald27:

Hmmm...5.08 doesn't sound borderline enough to me that I would ignore it. Are you experiencing any other hyper symptoms? I.e. fast heart rate, heat intolerance, shaky hands, increased appetite or frequent bowel movements? It may be that no treatment is necessary, but on the other hand, if you're experiencing symptoms, I would want to do something.

If your insurance requires a referral to a specialist, I would chat with your GP about at least getting a consultation. Good luck!

Edited for spelling. Dumb bump mobile.

the symptoms you are describing are hyper symptoms, and 5.08 would be hypo.  

Agh...oops! I got them backwards! You'd think after dealing with all of this and trading one thyroid disorder for another, I'd be better at this. Thanks so much for correcting my mistake!

KikiRio

 So... I'm no doctor but I think your TSH is still low enough for a wait and see approach to be reasonable, especially if you weren't complaining of symptoms. You can ask that you be retested in three months just to make sure that it hasn't gone up.

Elabee33

KikiRio:

 So... I'm no doctor but I think your TSH is still low enough for a wait and see approach to be reasonable, especially if you weren't complaining of symptoms. You can ask that you be retested in three months just to make sure that it hasn't gone up.

I had it tested about a month ago for CD 22 bloodwork, and it was around 3.5.  The nurse was surprised it had gone up to 5 in only a month.  The tests were done by different doctors and labs, and one was a fasting test (not sure if that matters...) It's all pretty confusing.