Slightly Elevated TSH in my 2 year old

[JellaDom]

My 2 year old son had some bloodwork ordered due to constipation issues.  The docs have been reassuring me the constipation is normal for a 2 year old.  The labs came back showing a TSH of 5.32, but doc says it's not hypothyroidism and we will re-check in 6 mos.  Should I be concerned with this and get a 2nd opinion?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

This is slightly high -- may not be related to constipation but may need closer follow-up than 6 months -- would explore cause of constipation and recheck TSH in 2 months then if still high consider endocrine eval.

[Super_sally888]

Hi,  

Constipation is not normal in a two year old, or anyone who is active (what 2 year old isn't), and has a healthy diet with plenty of fluids and fibre.  

A TSH of 5.32 is slightly high.  Would be marginal on whether this could be considered hypothyroid or not. Does he have any other 'symptoms' other than constipation.

However, I would definitely have the TSH monitored sooner than 6 months.  Maybe 3 months to see what the pattern is....  They should also test his FT3, FT4 and antibodies...  if things are changing, getting worse then probably treatment could be considered....

... a low dose of thyroid meds with appropriate monitoring is quite safe and may be helpful.

A second opinion definitely won't hurt.  Maybe a paediatric endocrinologist?

Hope this helps.

Sally