--- title: Does High TSH with Normal T4 and T3 Mean Hypothyroidism? description: Study shows that blood sugar elevation can cause a rise in TSH with low thyroid symptoms. Taking thyroid medications unlikely to help. Learn more. image: https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/hs-fs/file-21368215-jpg/images/funtional_range-blood_test_jcnn-resized-600.jpg --- [![Dr Karl Johnson Logo Header](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/hs-fs/file-1517915219-png/images/logo.png "Dr Karl Johnson Logo Header")](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com) [![contact-img](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/hs-fs/file-1517915214-png/images/contact-img.png)](http://helpmychronicpain.com/) ## Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson's Chronic Condition Natural Treatment Blog *Intentional musings of a unique Shelby Township Michigan Chiropractic Physician dedicated to helping people find solutions to improving their health by rooting out causes to chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, stubborn thyroid disorder symptoms, balance disorders, chronic knee & shoulder pain, migraines, sciatica, ADD/ADHD/ASD, back pain, peripheral neuropathy, gluten sensitivity and autoimmune disorders so they can Reclaim Their Life!* # From the Desk of Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC..... ## [Does High TSH with Normal T4 and T3 Mean Hypothyroidism?](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/bid/112695/Does-High-TSH-with-Normal-T4-and-T3-Mean-Hypothyroidism) Posted by [Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/author/dr-karl-ros-johnson-dc) on Tue, Feb 26, 2013 Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/ShelbyChronicConditionDoctor) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/pub/dr-karl-r-o-s-johnson-dc/26/676/422) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/WellnessChiroMI) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## A research study published in December 2012 sheds some light on a phenomenon we see quite often … A patient has elevated TSH but normal T4 and T3. ## If that person also has symptoms of fatigue do they have hypothyroidism? By standard definition any elevation of TSH indicates hypothyroidism. Usually this elevated level of TSH corresponds with a decrease in T4. That is the way it normally works in the body. In this case it may not be a [thyroid](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/Shelby-Township-Thyroid-Answers/) problem at all. One of the things we look at in all our patients is dysglycemia (abnormal blood sugar). If you have been reading my posts for a while you will recall the concept of the [functional range for blood tests](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/why-we-look-at-functional-lab-ranges-not-just-pathological-ranges/). ![Funtional Range Blood Test JCNN resized 600](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/hs-fs/file-21368215-jpg/images/funtional_range-blood_test_jcnn-resized-600.jpg?width=476&height=357&name=funtional_range-blood_test_jcnn-resized-600.jpg) Often, the patient's glucose (blood sugar) is considered normal on their blood teat bacause it is still in the "normal" range. In actuality the glucose may be trending high (pre-diabetes). ## Having undiagnosed pre-diabetes, as this newly published article points out, can lead to elevations in TSH. And guess what? *Pre-diabetes causes many of the same symptoms as low thyroid.* So most patients that go to the doctor with fatigue and the doctor sees elevated TSH then they immediately get put on thyroid hormone. The underlying blood sugar problem never gets fully investigated and the patient continues to suffer with symptoms because a lab marker was treated and not the patient. That is why we take a whole person approach and make sure we understand the problems and mechanisms so we can help our patients feel and function well. So if you are continuing to suffer with thyroid symptoms then maybe it is time to work with someone who is going to spend the time to get to the root of the problem. [![Request Your Copy of My Thyroid Ebook Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/67234/378f3c16-bea9-427e-89e5-f00c9c87b300.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/67234/378f3c16-bea9-427e-89e5-f00c9c87b300) If you found value in this article, please use the social sharing icons at the top of this post and please share with those you know who are still suffering with a chronic thyroid symptoms despite having medical managment. Thank you for helping me reach more people so they may regain their zest for living! ## All the best – Dr. Johnson – Digging Deeper To Find Solutions References: [Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Nov-Dec; 16(6): 958–961](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3510967/) Topics: [TSH](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/topic/tsh), [insulin resistance](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/topic/insulin-resistance), [T4](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/topic/t4), [T3](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/topic/t3), [hypothyroid](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/topic/hypothyroid), [pre-diabetes](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/topic/pre-diabetes) ### STAY INFORMED - Sign Up For Dr. Johnson's Blog Updates Search This Blog Search Google [![I Could Use Some Help With My Health](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/67234/18beb174-b53e-4a4d-8018-f3bb7049a9e7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/67234/18beb174-b53e-4a4d-8018-f3bb7049a9e7) ### Call Dr. Johnson #### 586-731-8840 ### Follow Me ### Latests Posts ### Most Popular Posts [![Reclaim Your Life Book 3D Reflect](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/67234/9f6ed339-86f2-4e81-afff-effda60643ed.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/67234/9f6ed339-86f2-4e81-afff-effda60643ed) [Powered by Eventbrite](http://www.eventbrite.com/) - [Home](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/) - [About Dr. Karl R.O.S. 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