My TSH level is 5.440. Do I have thyroid problem?

Question

Hello doctor,

My TSH level is 5.440, whereas T3 and T4 are normal, that is, 1.16 and 7.25, respectively. Do I have thyroid problem? If yes, what treatment should I take? I have diabetes for the last 30 years and taking Insulin 16 morning, 12 evening and one tablet morning and a half tablet of Metformin 500 and Glimipride two in the evening.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your query. After reviewing your report (attachment removed to protect patient identity), if you do not have any symptoms of hypothyroidism like dry skin, hair loss, cold intolerance, weight gain, loss of appetite, or bradycardia, you can be diagnosed as having sub-clinical hypothyroidism for which your physician will find no need to start you on any treatment. Because subclinical hypothyroidism is usually started on treatment only in special patients like a pregnant woman, and not usually in a general population.

If your physician has any further doubts after examining you, he may advise you to get anti-TPO (thyroperoxidase) antibodies test and thyroid scan to rule out any remote causes to be started for treatment. I advise you to get a repeat thyroid profile testing done after three months or in between in case you develop any symptoms.