At what point does the doctor prescribe thyroid medication. My TSH level was 5.18...?

Question

My tsh level was 5.18, I have pretty much all of the symptoms of hypothyroid, I went in today and had more blood drawn, I think they are re-testing. Has anyone had a similar tsh level and been prescribed meds?

Answer 1

I hope your doctor wouldn't prescribe T4 (thyroid medication) with a TSH of 5.18! In the lab where I work that wouldn't even be classed as high. In the UK the guideline is to start medication when the TSH goes above 10, but this is presuming the person definitely has an underactive thyroid - other illnesses can affect your TSH level too. I think it would be irresponsible for a doctor to diagnose you as hypothyroid based on that result. The sensible thing would be to repeat the test in around 3 months to 6 months and see if it has gone up at all. You have to bear in mind that what you describe as 'all the symptoms of hypothyroid' can be caused by lots of other things.