fluctating tsh levels

[banarep]

Since treatment began (30 weeks ago) my TSH levels have gone from normal (2.3) to <.1 (week 20), back to normal (3.2) at week 24 and now to 6.4 (week 30).  My TSH levels have always been normal, no thyroid problems before treatment, has anyone had any experience with this.  My study doc, says not to worry, my PC doc says come talk to him.  What I have read runs the gamet from get meds to take a wait and see approach.

Any thoughts.

[justme53]

I can't offer you any advice but I am in the same boat as you with the TSH levels on tx and no prior problems. They also ran a T3 and T4 which were normal. I had another TSH drawn today so we'll see where I stand now. Dr. said we'll take about going on the lowest dose of thyroid meds next week at my check up. I can do without any more meds, but If it helps with the fatigue, I'm all for it.

[Marcia2202]

It is very common to have thyroid problems during tx. Before starting treatment, my doctor thoroughly informed me of possible permanent side effects from treatment. One was thyroid the other diabetes.

My thyroid was edging on hypo during treatment, but never became any concern. I consider myself as lucky.

[banarep]

from what I have learned, as long as T3 and T4 are normal, the TSH is not as big a concern.  thanks of the replies.

[nygirl7]

the TSH is not as big a concern.

Unfortunately not true.  Commonly on treatment what happens is that most patients go hyper first and then flip flop over to hypo.  Depending on when this happens and how many more weeks of injecting interferon - some do bounce back eventually to normal.  But hardly all.

My TSH went from normal to .00 (week 24?) to 6.2 at about 28.

I have been on synthroid starting at week 28 then through all 72 weeks of treatment. I'm now over two years post tx and still on the synthroid which keeps my TSH about 1.  I have to have the TSH checked every six months tops to make sure the meds are working and don't need to be altered but other than that it's no problem.

It's better to be hypo than hyper because hyper is more dangerous if that is any consolation.  

But you do need to go to and Endocronologist and have a nuclear imaging scan and all of that.  You shouldn't just ignore it because the side effects of being hypo are covered up with the sides of treatment - it doesn't mean they are not there just they are so similar you can't tell.

Just like you don't go to a PCP for hep you don't want to stick with a PCP for the Endo.