My TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) 8.68, but my doctor says they don't do anything unless its over 10, wtf?

The range of 0.3 - 5.0 is way out of date. The AMA updated those recommendations many years ago so high is now considered 3.0, and health care practitioners that really care about getting you healthy want to see it under 2.0, preferably closer to 1.

Your doctor is clueless and dangerous. Find another doctor and get help. Note that many endocrinologists really only deal with the "epidemic" problems like diabetes and major issues like thyroid cancer. They don't really work with simple hypothyroidism.

If the first doctor didn't already do it, get a test that includes Free T3 and T4, and Thyroid antibodies. With a TSH that high there's a good chance you have something like Hashimoto's and the antibody lab information would be useful. Have your sex hormone levels (testosterone or estrogen & progesterone) and your adrenals (saliva test every 4 hours for a day) checked as well. When one of the big 3 hormone systems is off that much, there's a good chance the others are as well. If you have adrenal exhaustion it's important to find that out and treat it before or in parallel with treating the thyroid.

Consider looking for a doctor board certified in Integrative and Holistic Medicine - these are M.D.s who have training in more than the traditional medical approach. They are usually better at taking a clinical history (i.e. looking at your symptoms, not just your labs), are much more aware of appropriate hormone levels, and have a range of options from herbal supplements to prescription thyroid medication so they can tailor a plan that fits your level of illness and your treatment preferences. The American Holistic Medical Association probably has a directory. Or google for other ideas on how to find a good doctor for hypothyroidism.

Good luck!

1

Many people are told this every yr by ignorant doctors. This is HIGH (meaning low output - HypOthyroidism). GET A NEW DOCTOR!

You need testing for thyroid ANTIBODIES as well as TSH. TSH ‘norm’ should be .3 – 3 (w/ most feeling best at < 2) but, for diagnosis, may not mean much if ANTIBODIES are present which is indicative of Hashimoto’s Autoimmune Thyroiditis (cycles between HYPER & HYPO at start)…it is the main cause of eventual HypOthyroidism but worse (...OR Graves Disease – HypERthyroid from beginning).

You will have to INSIST they test for the antibodies. They can code so that ins will pay.

There is nothing 'simple' about HypOthyroidism & beware of herbal 'remedies ... you need thyroid hormone replacement (ex Synthroid/Cytomel).

WARNING: Doctors seem not to want to find/treat thyroid disease. You may have to go to more than one doctor before you get the right tests, interpretation, and treatment. Best wishes.

Ck these:

http://thyroid.about.com/bio/Mary-Shomon-350.htm

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

http://www.thyrophoenix.com/index.html

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/newsinfo/l/blguideline...

ALWAYS GET COPIES OF YOUR LABS.

God bless you

A few months ago, I was very sick, zero energy, freezing cold, depressed, weight gain, thought I was dying. I read every word of this Hypothyroidism Revolution program and followed all the advice. My life turned around the first week. I started to feel human again. Within weeks my energy came back and I felt like living again.

Get the entire hypothyroidism revolution system today? just choose the best option for you.