Thyroid Newbie

In the last few years I've gained about 40 lbs due to prednisone treatment for Lupus. My Lupus is in remission and I've been off prednisone and trying to loose weight for almost 3 years now. Lately I've been checking into my labs, etc, hoping to determine what is going on that makes weight loss so difficult. (Yes, I eat right & do plenty of exercise.)

I just noticed that a lab test from March shows my TSH at 4.75 from a lab that indicates reference ranges of 0.45 - 4.50. No T3 or T4 tests were done at that time. I have a series of questions...

1) I see some articles referencing to a more normal range as being below 3 or 3.5. How does 4.75 really rate? I mean, is that a good bit off, or just a little off? I don't know enough about the test to understand the effect of the number.

2) I'm assuming this should be followed up with T3 & T4 tests. My rheumy didn't say anything when he saw this result. My primary care (internist) hasn't seen the numbers -- and I don't know if she's equipped to handle the really low-dose thyroid adjustments anyway. Should I get more information first or head directly to an endocrinologist?

3) Or is there another Dr that it would make more sense to see?

Thanks so much in advance!
Lynnwood

Lynwood, be sure you've had blood glucose and A1-C tested also, as steroid therapy can induce type II diabetes.

If your primary care doctor is an internist, most of them have some experience managing thyroid problems. If you feel more comfortable, seeing a specialist (since those of us with autoimmune conditions are indeed "special", lol) see a good endocrinologist. Be prepared to it to take several months to a year to get a thyroid condition stable and under control, so the earlier you start the better.