What Does A TSH Level Of 6.86 Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 26 May 2015

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

Tue, 26 May 2015 Answered on

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : In a recent health checkup that I had, my TSH level has come as 6.86. Please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Subclinical hypothyroidism, Vitamin D deficiency

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mrs XXXXXXX

Welcome to HCM. I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Abnormalities in your blood reports:

A. You are having sub clinical hypothyroidism - a small decrease in thyroid gland function in which TSH is between 5 and 10 miu/ml , but thyroid hormones (T3&T4) are normal. This condition doesn't require treatment always. The indication for starting treatment are:

1. High cholesterol (not in your case)
2. Thyroid swelling (goiter) - consult a physician for examination or do an ultrasound thyroid.
3. Increased anti TPO antibodies (a blood test)
4. Pregnancy or planning for pregnancy.

If any one of the above 4 is there, you should start on medication. Thyroxine 25mcg is the usual starting dose.

B. Vitamin D deficiency - needs replacement. Consult a physician. Vitamin D 60,000 iu weekly once is the usual starting dose. You can take calcium supplementation along with this.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

With warm regards,

Dr Ajish TP (MD,DM)
Consultant Endocrinologist.

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

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (25 minutes later)

Thanks for the prompt response doc. I have taken Calcirol pouch on 15th May for covering up on the Vit. D deficiency. Is that sufficient or I need to take something else? Also, how frequently should I take it?

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Takeit weekly once x 8 weeks

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back.

In vitamin D deficiency you have to replace the body stores first followed by maintenance daily intake.

Calcirol pouch usually contains 60,000 iu of vitamin D. You have to take one pouch weekly x 8 doses (2 months) followed by monthly once x 4 months. This will restore your body storage of vitamin D. The maintenance dose is one pouch every 2 months there after.

Regards
Dr Ajish TP

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

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (3 minutes later)

Thanks doc. Maintenance dose should be taken till when?

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is better to continue

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome back.

It is difficult to get adequate Vitamin D from diet. The sun exposure needed for vitamin D is from 11 am to 3 pm- at least 30 minutes a day. So in most situation it is difficult to maintain good vitamin D levels. It is better to continue a maintenance dose pouch once in 2-3 months continuously as a supplement. It is not associated with any side effects.

Regards
Dr AJISH TP

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