Is TSH Level Of 8 A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Fri, 5 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 5 Aug 2016 Answered on

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, My thyroid blood test came back at .8. I am an overweight (256) 57 year old man with RA. what does that mean?I didnt have fluorescein XXXXXXX angiograph in the last year.
Overarching problem is treatment for RA. Taking Zeljanz for the RA

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thyroid

Detailed Answer:
It is clear from the information provided by the flourescein monograph that there is a potential interference on the TSH test method your lab utilizes. In this case you may wish to recheck it after the effect of the XXXXXXX wears off. Because a TSH of 0. 8 is still normal, you can wait even a week to repeat the test and know your true TSH result

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (2 hours later)

I did NOT have the florescein in the last year

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
I apologize for misreading.

Xeljanz is not known to cause any thyroid problems to the best of my knowledge. I am not aware of any published reports of xeljanz affecting the thyroid.

In this context a TSH of 0.8 is considered normal. However to be sure you would need a thorough physical examination by a physician in-person.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar