If your TSH level is .20 (as it cannot be 20, which is not a reading in this matter at all) then you are definitely suffering from hypothyroidism. In cases of hypothyroidism, the levels of TSH are usually too low, and not too high. This is because hypothyroidism is a case of being afflicted with less production of hormones in the thyroid gland. The normal TSH range is .3 to 3. If you are not yet suffering from any overt symptoms of hypothyroidism, then it is a good thing. However, you should know that some of the symptoms of this disease are so close to normalcy that you even miss them altogether. Only some of these are sudden changes in weight, feeling inordinately sleepy, feeling tired for no conceivable reason, feeling too cold when it is actually not cold and general body aches and pains that you would normally blow off and not pay too much attention to. There is also a host of other symptoms that may have escaped your notice. These could also include dryness and scaling of the skin, dry hair that keeps falling continually, general depression, irregular periods that last too long or too less, periods that are accompanied with bad cramps, moodiness, depression, lack of sexual energy or desire, shortness of breath or sometimes even breathlessness.
However, there is nothing to worry about if you have this problem and are suffering from little or no symptoms. If you have been medically examined and your doctor is recommending any drugs or course of medication, then you should make it a point to follow that religiously. You can also accompany this with some basic lifestyle and dietary changes to help your treatment along. You should ensure you avoid eating foods that contain what are commonly known as goitrogens, which are known to promote goiter and will always contribute in making your problem worse. The commonest goitrogens are all vegetables from the cabbage family, which would include cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, iceberg lettuce and broccoli. You would do well to stay away from these altogether. You should be eating food that is high in iodine, such as yogurt, milk, eggs, cheese and all other milk products. Strawberries are also an excellent source of providing iodine to your body when faced with a deficiency. If you can find it, edible sea kelp is the richest source of iodine. You should also accompany dietary changes with a daily regimen of 20 minute exercise for good results.
answered by G M