During some routine infertility bloodwork, my doc discovered that my TSH is 3.23. From there, she ordered a full thyroid panel, but I haven't gotten those results yet.
Although 3.23 was considered "normal" based on my lab's reference range, it is my understanding that this is actually high - especially when trying to conceive.
Since this is a new world for me, I'd love to hear what you "experts" think. Is a TSH of 3.23 indicative of hypothyroidism? I have many of the classic symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, etc.
The nurse mentioned that the doctor is going to want to start me on medication. Also, FWIW, I'm a type 1, diagnosed at 25 years old.
Depending on the other labs, you’ll probably be started on a low dose of synthroid. The ideal range for TSH is 1-2, and the Free T3 should be in the upper part of the lab range (T3 is what causes most thyroid symptoms, most people feel better when it’s higher but not too high), and T4 level should be in the middle of the lab range.
For pregnancy the TSH should be under 2. A higher TSH makes it more difficult to become pregnant and increases the risk of miscarriage.
My TSH has been between 2.5 and 3.5 for years, but I have a very high level of thyroid antibodies. Even though my last TSH was only 2.5, my endo sent me for more through exams. I got a isotope exam and will go for an ultrasound later.
I haven’t gotten the results back yet from the isotope exam and the T3 and T4 blood work, but this is definitely something that should be examined carefully for pregancy.
Hi Shannon,
I’m type 1 diagnosed and hypothyroid since I was 10-11 years old and just like you trying to conceive.
I’m not sure if TSH of 3.23 is considered hypothyroidism or not in an ordiary situation, however for someone who trys to conceive this TSH is high. In begining of pregnancy even in healthy woman, TSH level goes up; therefor it’s recommended to start pregnancy with TSH below 1.5 so there is enough room for that increase.
Glad she ordered more tests. Too many go on TSH alone. Free T3 & T4 are the best indicators. Yep, that’s high. Some researchers believe that what’s been set as a normal range is too high to begin with.
If you’re put on thyroid supplementation, don’t be alarmed if your insulin needs increase. Mine went up about 50% & this isn’t unusual.
You are lucky that you have a good doctor that recognizes that a TSH of 3.23 is too high! Most people that really understand thyroid say that the TSH should be below 2. Even on the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist’s website, they say most people feel better with it below 3.
Unfortunately, TSH is not really the best indicator of thyroid problems but that is what most doctors tend to go by. Since you have T1, chances are good that you have Hashimotos - autoimmune thyroiditis. With Hashimotos, your TSH can fluctuate. Even without Hashimotos, the TSH can fluctuate 3 points on the same day. Your TSH will be lower in the morning with fasting bloodwork than it would be in the afternoon after eating.
To be tested for Hashimotos, you should have an anti thyroid peroxidase (TPO) test and thyroglobulin autoantibody (TgAb). It is possible to test negative for one and positive with the other.
Hopefully since your doctor recognized the TSH as being high, she ran the “right” thyroid tests. The two important ones to check are Free T4 and Free T3. Some doctors check T4 & T3 but not the Free ones. The “frees” tell you how much is circulating in your blood. Your FT4 should be about mid-range of the lab range. My labs FT4 range is 0.7-1.48 so to be at optimal range, my FT4 should be about 1.09. The Free T3 should be in the upper 2/3rds of the lab range.
The T3 is the energy portion of the thyroid. A lot of doctors won’t treat with T3 and if someone’s T3 levels are low, that is why they still don’t feel good with thyroid treatment.
Here is a good site for thyroid info - click on “site map” at the bottom to see some of the articles there:
