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What Causes Low TSH Level?
Question: I'm a bit confused as to why my Dr is concerned about my TSH level which is 0.020. I had thyroid cancer and had thyroid removed a year and half ago. And I thought I was suppose to keep suppressed TSH. I take 150 synthroid. My only slight concern is that I had osteoporosis prior to surgery due to complete hysterectomy when I was 21 and never did hormone replacement. I have an appt next week with dr as he wants to discuss the lab results. Is there any questions I should ask? Also a freind of mine said I may want to ask for T3 med as my level is 72. And I'm tired a lot even though I force myself to go to bed is that something I should consider
Brief Answer:
suppose to be in normal range
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The TSH is suppose to be within the normal range. This range can vary slightly from one lab to the next but in general it is 0.3 to 5.
A low TSH means that it is being suppressed by too much of the thyroid hormones which are t 3 and t4.
It implies that one or both of these hormones it too high. Since your T3 is not too high (may be actually towards the low range but you can check your lab normals on result sheet), then it means that it is the t4 (due to the synthroid).
TSH is made in the pituitary (a part of the brain).It stimulates the thyroid gland to release the thyroid hormones.
When the thyroid hormone levels are too high, a message is sent back to the pituitary causing a decrease in TSH. There is a specific normal range for the TSH,it is not to be suppressed, it is suppose to be normal.
You can ask about the implications of the low TSH and the ask about the T4 levels
Your medication may adjusted to reduce the T4 level, this would be reflected in improved TSH though this can take a few weeks.
The thyroid hormones may not be likely related to your fatigue since the TSH is showing that the T4 is high not low though the T3 may be at the lower limit.
It is not likely that you would be given T3 because this would further increase thyroid hormone levels and further suppress TSH.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
suppose to be in normal range
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The TSH is suppose to be within the normal range. This range can vary slightly from one lab to the next but in general it is 0.3 to 5.
A low TSH means that it is being suppressed by too much of the thyroid hormones which are t 3 and t4.
It implies that one or both of these hormones it too high. Since your T3 is not too high (may be actually towards the low range but you can check your lab normals on result sheet), then it means that it is the t4 (due to the synthroid).
TSH is made in the pituitary (a part of the brain).It stimulates the thyroid gland to release the thyroid hormones.
When the thyroid hormone levels are too high, a message is sent back to the pituitary causing a decrease in TSH. There is a specific normal range for the TSH,it is not to be suppressed, it is suppose to be normal.
You can ask about the implications of the low TSH and the ask about the T4 levels
Your medication may adjusted to reduce the T4 level, this would be reflected in improved TSH though this can take a few weeks.
The thyroid hormones may not be likely related to your fatigue since the TSH is showing that the T4 is high not low though the T3 may be at the lower limit.
It is not likely that you would be given T3 because this would further increase thyroid hormone levels and further suppress TSH.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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