High Tsh Levels (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

[ForMyfamily 84]

Thought everything was in order to finally submit package, then find out that my level was 5.2 which should be between .27 to 4.0. Now I have to get level down with prescription. Hmmm, I have been gaing about 10 lbs a year then within the last 8 months put on over 100 lbs. Well duh! Anyone else have this problem?

[Amanda 3.0 140]

It is my understanding that the lower numbers cause one to gain weight. Mine was always low and so I was on 100mcg of synthroid. Now that I am down in weight I have had to lower the dosage.

When adjusting the dosage, I had to take the new dose for six weeks before a new blood test. I hope you aren't delayed from your surgery by that much time.

[BlessedBeyondMeasure2012 296]

A high TSH does explain why you could be gaining weight. The function of the thyroid is inversely proportionate to the actual result. Your result was high therefore the function of your thyroid is low. That equals weight gain, fatigue, skin and hair changes and blah blah blah. This is great for you though. Being on something like synthroid or levothyroxine should make it easier to lose weight. I'm not saying it is going to be to the point that you won't need a sleeve (I'd cry if someone told me I couldn't get mine next month) but it should make it easier for you to lose before and after your surgery. You also may get some additional energy and feel better too. It's good to get all this stuff straighted out before surgery. Your hormones will be going crazy enough after surgery you don't need anything addition to add to it. It usually only takes 2-4 weeks for the medication to be effective enough to change your labs and then they should make a decision on surgery. Good luck! I hope all works out but I am sorry for your bump in the road

[Foxbins 625]

As others have said, you are hypothyroid (too low). Your pituitary is sending out lots of thyroid-stimulating hormone to try to get your thyroid to work, that's why the level is high. Your doctor will give you a prescription for synthetic thyroid hormone and that will help get the level down. I am hypothyroid as well and lost weight just fine. My metabolism might have slowed due to hypothyroidism but I got fat from eating too much and not exercising. I get my levels done 2x year--so far I'm on the same dosage as I was pre-surgery and I'm 17 months post-op.