What if you are among the many people with higher TSH levels of, say 2.5, 3.0, or 4.5, and you continue to experience unexplained fatigue, hair loss, excessive sleepiness, sluggishness, high LDL cholesterol despite your best efforts? I believe the HUNT data provides ammunition to discuss whether a low thyroid is, indeed, at the root of your problems.
In my clinic and programs, based on these data, we are now aiming for lower and lower TSH levels.
References:
Asvold BO, Vatten LJ, Nilsen TI, Bjoro T. The association between TSH within the reference range and serum lipid concentrations in a population-based study. The HUNT Study. Eur J Endocrinol 2007 Feb;156(2):181-6.
Asvold BO, Vatten LJ, Nilsen TI, Bjoro T. Thyrotropin Levels and Risk of Fatal Coronary Heart Disease: The HUNT Study Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(8):855-860.
Read more from Dr. Davis:
Heart Scan Mix-Up: What You Need to Know
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