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Is TSH Level Of 11 A Cause For Concern?
Posted on
Fri, 3 Jun 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 3 Jun 2016
Answered on
Mon, 4 Jul 2016
Last reviewed on
Brief Answer:
Possibly
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
Full recovery from thyroid related problems typically takes only as long as it takes to achieve normal blood test results of the thyroid labs.
So generally the TSH and Free T4 are rechecked about 6 weeks after the dose initiation or change.
Once your TSH and Free T4 are in target range, then it is unlikely that whatever symptoms you are experiencing are due to the thyroid condition.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
Free T4 (this too checks your thyroid) Thyroid autoantibodies : Anti Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) antibodies and Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day
Possibly
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
Full recovery from thyroid related problems typically takes only as long as it takes to achieve normal blood test results of the thyroid labs.
So generally the TSH and Free T4 are rechecked about 6 weeks after the dose initiation or change.
Once your TSH and Free T4 are in target range, then it is unlikely that whatever symptoms you are experiencing are due to the thyroid condition.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
Free T4 (this too checks your thyroid) Thyroid autoantibodies : Anti Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) antibodies and Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
In general, how long should it take for a TSH of eleven to reduce to normal levels?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Anything from 6 weeks to 6 months. It is all about getting the dose right. This is basically a process of scientific estimation so in some cases the dose is found to be correct in the first prescription itself while in many other instances, it takes a few 6 weekly-dose adjustments
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Anything from 6 weeks to 6 months. It is all about getting the dose right. This is basically a process of scientific estimation so in some cases the dose is found to be correct in the first prescription itself while in many other instances, it takes a few 6 weekly-dose adjustments
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
For a TSH of eleven is 25 mcg usually prescribed?
Brief Answer:
Second follow up
Detailed Answer:
Yes it is a reasonable starting dose, although it varies from 25 to 75 mcg as per expert guidelines and the final decision is left with the prescribing physician
Second follow up
Detailed Answer:
Yes it is a reasonable starting dose, although it varies from 25 to 75 mcg as per expert guidelines and the final decision is left with the prescribing physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Once my TSH is normalised will all my symptoms disappear. Will I get back to the way I felt before this started? Will my energy levels return to normal?
Brief Answer:
Third follow up
Detailed Answer:
Full recovery from thyroid related problems typically takes only as long as it takes to achieve normal blood test results of the thyroid labs.
Once your TSH and Free T4 are in target range, then it is unlikely that whatever symptoms you are experiencing are due to the thyroid condition.
Third follow up
Detailed Answer:
Full recovery from thyroid related problems typically takes only as long as it takes to achieve normal blood test results of the thyroid labs.
Once your TSH and Free T4 are in target range, then it is unlikely that whatever symptoms you are experiencing are due to the thyroid condition.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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