low thyroid hormone

hello, i am curious about a recent bloodtest that showed my thyroid level to be low. at first the dr. was concerned and told me to call the office for information on test he had planned, especially since i am currently taking cytomel prescribed by my psychiatrist for help with energy level. i visited my dr. again today and he was very laxed about the thyroid level, said not to be concerned about it. i thought keeping the thyroid hormone at a regular level was important. it was pretty low when it was tested, and it was not checked again today. am i concerned for no reason or is this something i should seek further treatment over? i also had anestesia for a treatment i receive and the dr. said the oxygen level was low and i should stop smoking. that is all that was said. could this have anything to do with the low thyroid level in any way?      thank you  molayne35180

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Cytomel is a form of thyroid hormone that is used for replacement.  

When you say the thyroid level is low - you need to be more specific as to which level is low.  If the T3 or T4 level is low, it is suggestive of *hypo*thyroidism.  If it is the TSH level that is low, then it is suggestive of *hyper*thyroidism.  

I would suggest obtaining a full thyroid panel - which includes a TSH, T3, T4 and free T4 level.  Once this panel is obtained, a clear picture should emerge as to what the next steps should be.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[Plashomb]

Have had a very low TSH level ( <.03) for several, 3-4, years now, was diagnosed last year with Hashimotos THyroiditis but told it did not warrent Medication, I have a variety of classic Hypothyroid symptoms, ( fatigue, "brain fog" brittle nails, hair falling out, low sex drive, lethargy, insomnia, etc) and a family history literally riddled with thyroid disease. In the last year I have been told I have PCOS and prescribed 1000mg per day of Glucophage, been taking it for a few months now, don't really know if its doing anything for me, I'm not trying to get pregnant and have never really thought that I had "irregualr" periods, I do have about 50 lbs to lose and a lot of hair on my face and arms, always have been heavy and hairy! My gyn found cysts on ultrasound.  I have not had a appt with an Endocrinoligst in over a year, have to find a new one due to insurance reasons.

Question is... At what point would my Thyroid need medication if a diagnosis of Hashimotos isn't enough?, What changes, if any should I be noticing after 3-4 months on Glucophage. If they still choose not to medicate my thyroid aren't I at risk for other problems? Lupus, Pernicious Anemia? Diabetes?

I'm sorry but I don't have my last years tests in front of me so I can't tell you what the T3, T4, etc were, they diagnosed the Hashimotos based on Antobodies test.

[yoshi]

if you want the doc to reply,you have to post it as  a new thread.

[lights]

Hi
I also have Hashimoto's and hypothyroid, If my doctors would have taken my illness more seriously and treated me I wouldnt have gone onto diabetes and anemia. I feel most doctors don't treat women as effectively as men they need to realize we have nore then breasts and vaginas. The good news is I finally found a educated doctor. finally getting treated now thay my life is on the line, to bad I and others have to go untreated untill we reach this point.