TSH levels

Okay, I have a hard time wrapping my mind around the "highs and lows" of TSH levels. I should know this because I have been on Levothyroxin and now Synthroid since 2005. TEEHEE, ask me anything about my job and I can tell you all about it!

My most recent blood test in the end Nov of 2011 showed I was at 4.060 with the lab reference interval should be btwn. 0.450-4.500. Am I hypo or hyper? Could I need more or less drug? 
 
I just went to a new primary doc and she stated my level was not optimal, had blood drawn but I have not had the new levels given to me. I should get the info on Monday as to the change in my meds if any is needed. I have gained a small amount of weight, have been struggling with it and have blamed myself but the new doc implied it might be my amount of drug I am getting . . . I also have issues with sleeping and waking in the middle of the night. I am 58+.

Thanks everyone!

THS measures the amount of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone in the blood.  When TSH levels are HIGH, they tell the thyroid gland to make more thyroid hormone, because there isn't enough of it in the blood.

Therefore, you are LOW on your thyroid hormone.  You have hypothyroidism.

Your levothyroxine or Synthroid needs to be increased.

Sharyn, thank you.

TSH needs to be 3.0 or less for optimal weight loss, so you most likely need an adjustment in your thyroid medication.

FYI, Christine is at goal.  Her WLS was in '03.

Thanks for jumping in.

Yes, as Sharyn says I reached goal. I developed Grave's disease in 04/05 and am now on Synthroid. I had my thyroid killed off via nuclear medicine and am now hypo thyroid. I will see what the doc wants me at when I get the results on Monday.

I should have been clearer. I believe that 3.0 is now consider the upper limit for normal TSH function, so a value of 4 (hypothyroid) would place you above that, which might contribute to some weight gain. Good Luck!!!  Hope it gets straightened out soon.

Thanks!

 I take synthroid for hypothyroidism. When I was initially tested, my level was at 16!  You should do fine once they increase your synthroid.