For anyone who knows, and/or has had their thyroid tested, can you tell me what is considered normal for TSH? Grasping at straws here...
-
My RE wanted 2.5 or less.
-
Same with me...2.5 or less for TTC. My family doctor had outdated information and thought it had to be less than 5 for TTC. It took me a year and a half to get pregnant since we were going by that information. It was only when I saw a specialist and found out it had to be below 2.5 that I was able to get pregnant.
-
@marionberry: Interesting. The last time mine was test (June I think?) it was 3.25. I think "normal" is different over here. The paperwork gives a "normal" of .3 to 4.30
Although with my m/c history, I wonder why the Dr. hasn't thought maybe this is a problem?
-
@cookie_dough: Thanks also.
-
My (OB) nurse just told me yesterday that they consider normal to be anywhere between .45 and 4.5. I have heard though that for TTC more in the 1-2 range is ideal.
-
@T.H.O.U.: Thanks so much. This is definitely something I'm going to bring up.
-
I thought my OB told me normal range was .3 - 5.00, but I can't remember if it is different being pregnant or not? I know mine came back low at 7.54 and had to be put on meds to regulate it.
-
@TheSwissWifeStyle: You may be in the same boat I am. I have been told by my general physician and my OB that being in the 3-4 range is still "normal". I am starting to wonder though for TTC based on research and what I've read. I've also read that just looking at TSH can be misleading. Ask for them to include Free T3, T4 and a D vitamin deficiency blood test.
-
@TheSwissWifeStyle: do you know what unit of measure they are using? I can tell you that for cholesterol, it is measured using different units than in the US.
-
@TheSwissWifeStyle: exactly what @T.H.O.U.: said - under 2.5 is for TTC and pregnancy. My test was 3.7 and they put my on Levothyroxine for that. It's definitely worth bringing up because Hypothyroidism can contribute to M/Cs (although 3.25 would be very mild). Do you have any symptoms of hypothyroid, like fatigue, sensitivity to cold, dry skin? Although I'm realizing those are all sort of symptoms of winter, right? haha
-
I am going this afternoon to talk to my OB again about my blood work. I will be bringing up this same topic. I have had three sets of blood work and all have shown me in the high 3-4 range (last one was 3.73) and we've had two m/c in the last year.
-
I just looked at my test results and they say: 0.550 - 4.780 uIU/mL for standard range.
Although I got these done at 6 weeks pregnant, I'm not sure if the "standard range" is different for pregnant vs. not pregnant.
-
@T.H.O.U.: I think I've had those ones tested, but I'll have to check my paperwork.
@looch: I think it's the same, it says mUI/I ?? (or those "Is" could be "ls" ? So: mUl/l )
-
For TTC, ideal is 1-2. .3-5 is the old standard, and I wouldn't trust any doctor still using it. I was once told that 2.5 or higher puts you at a higher risk for m/c...
-
This may be because it used to be .5-5 was normal. That was changed a few years ago and the recommendation was to be under 3 but many doctors and hospitals have not updated their standards. However my RE was pretty adamant about getting below 2.5. I originally was about 3.5.
-
@T.H.O.U.: I'm so sorry, I hope I didn't scare you, but my Dr said that is why I needed to go on meds - the risk of M/C. I do definitely think you should bring it up though - thyroid meds are very commonly prescribed, cheap, little to no side effects and if that could be the thing for you that would be wonderful!
-
I think not everyone agrees about what is normal. Mine was 60-something when I was diagnosed with thyroiditis. That was definitely not normal!! Yours may be borderline although there is also debate about level vs. symptoms... like some people may be "in range" but may not really be OK.
-
@Mrs.Someone: This range (.5-5) is still printed on my lab work. If this is such an outdated range why are the labs still using it? Plus I've had two doctors tell me this (not an endo or RE but still).
-
.5 to 5! If you are medicated they like you at a 2 as a goal.
-
@Shutterbug: No, it was a previously scheduled appointment. They did a repeat loss panel and one of those was the TSH. They told me over the phone that the TSH was normal in the 3.73 range but something else was abnormal.
-
@Shutterbug: Yes I have all those, although my iron is also low as well, so....? But I've always had those symptoms. I think it's worth bringing up for sure, and at the very least getting a retest.
-
@T.H.O.U.: def. bring it up, and let me know what your Dr says! Best of luck at your appointment xoxo
@mamimami: Wow, yes 60something is def. not normal!! Yikes.
-
I have a healthy daughter and was at a 6 at one point during my pregnancy. Those levels go wacky during pregnancy anyway and I was already medicated. They checked me every 4 weeks and adjusted my medication. Thyroid is not something they can quick fix. They have to slowly adjust your meds and see your body's response to them to avoid over medicating you which can lead to other problems.
-
@T.H.O.U.: Honestly, I have no idea. It could be a general range for all people, all ages, all situations? But I've been told by both an RE and ND that 1-2 is important. Also, a friend who had thyroid cancer recently told me that her endo keeps her in that range to keep the cancer cells away.
This article seems to explain it a little bit:
http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/optimaltsh.htmAnd I really don't want to scare anyone. I am no doctor. But it frustrates me that so many people are told that a higher level is OK, but are clearly having trouble conceiving.
-
.5 up to 2.5.
The old standard was 1-5, but this is no longer accepted.
You should also have Free T3 and Free T4 tested.
-
@Mrs.Someone: I totally understand keeping it in a smaller range if you are being medicated or if there is another issue (like cancer or other symptoms).
-
I agree with others that I've been told .5-2.5 is good for TTC/pregnancy. Anything higher/lower is not good. My TSH has hung at .75 for my entire pregnancy but I have hyperthyroidism where it looks like most people have hypothyroidism.
-
@T.H.O.U.: Just for reference, when my levels were at around 2.8, I was put on medication by my OBGYN (not TTC yet, but in the age range).
-
@Mrs.Someone: @T.H.O.U.: my docs would not medicate someone at a 2.8. I was at an 11 when I got medicated. Remember once you are medicated it is for life. I would just talk to your personal doc you trust and always be skeptical of such a serious medicine.
-
@Greentea: What? The whole medicated for life thing is definitely not true. That depends completely on the reason for the thyroid issue.
-
@Greentea: @MrsKoala: I agree, the "medicated for life" thing isn't true. However, once your thyroid starts to underfunction, it isn't very likely that it will ever get back into shape on its own. My ND upped my dose when I was around 2.1 and having trouble TTC. I completely trust her, and believe she is doing the right thing. Thyroid meds are by no means serious, its a hormone your body naturally produces, and the medication should have zero negative side effects.
-
@MrsKoala: @Mrs.Someone: it definitely sounds like it depends on the situation like you said! Case by case basis I guess. For me personally I am hypo so it is something I will likely always need as mine is genetic. I was under the impression that once I start the meds it is for life for me because it interferes with your body (my body's) natural ability, so that is what I know to be true for my situation. I am pretty antidrug in general, so I tend to think of them as "serious." I wouldn't even take a Tylenol pregnant! So I guess it is all from my point of view. Interesting! I didn't realize your situation was in regard to ttc. Sounds like you and your doc know what you are doing!
Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
32 comments