I was just diagnosed w/ hypothyroidism & my tsh was 16.33. how severe is that? i was prescribed synthroid (thyroxine) 25 mcg but am still feeling side effects of hypo

Not severe.: This degree of TSH elevation denotes significant but not particularly severe hypothyroidism. Your initial dose of synthroid (thyroxine) may be a bit shy of what you'll eventually need. Your TSH level should be rechecked after 6 weeks of treatment. As your TSH gets into the normal range, you should be feeling better. Give it some time.

Wait: Tsh measures how robust your pituitary can respond to the degree of hypothyroidism you have. It will take a few weeks to feel better if that is all you have.

Need more med: With a TSH of 16.33 you have little or not thyroid function and will need more than 25 mcg daily to feed better. Ask you doctor if you condition allows for a higher dose.