Aa
Subclinical Hypothyroid - why drug therapy?
Hi - recently went to the MD because of a few palpitations. Echo/Holter pending. Had labwork done:
CBC/lytes all normal
TSH 7.97
FT4 1.1
T3 175
I originally only had the TSH done, and my doctor wanted me to immediately go on Synthroid. I had her add on the thyroid hormones because I wanted a bigger picture. Now with this data, she still wants me to go on drug therapy.
(1) I don't understand why I would go on Synthroid when my thyroid hormones are normal.
(2) Could there be another reason why my TSH is elevated?
(3) And would it be smart to wait a little bit and repeat the tests before starting on a medication?
Thank you
JD
CBC/lytes all normal
TSH 7.97
FT4 1.1
T3 175
I originally only had the TSH done, and my doctor wanted me to immediately go on Synthroid. I had her add on the thyroid hormones because I wanted a bigger picture. Now with this data, she still wants me to go on drug therapy.
(1) I don't understand why I would go on Synthroid when my thyroid hormones are normal.
(2) Could there be another reason why my TSH is elevated?
(3) And would it be smart to wait a little bit and repeat the tests before starting on a medication?
Thank you
JD
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Usually would retest in 5-6 weeks before committing to meds - esp when symptoms don't clearly match hypothyroidism. In many cases these are transient increases in TSH that resolve and do not require treatment.
hi jd81, what a coincidence we have the same name!
hope you get better soon
jd2
hope you get better soon
jd2
Subclinical hypothyroid which is defined as max TSH 10 with normal FTs, with no symptoms or minimal symptoms and good cholesterol levels, treatment might not be warranted, but regular monitoring is. Subclinical hypothyroid with TSH between 5 and 10 with nodules/goiter or antibodies, and or high cholestrol, treatment might be warranted.
You might want to retest 6 weeks from original test to see if levels repeat or close to repeating. Your T-3 looks suspecious in relationship to your FT-4 and TSH.
Make sure of doctors reason(s) for wanting to treat you if the above applies or doesn't apply. Your doctor knows your health history best and might have good reasons for wanting to treat.
Palpitations are seen in a verity of health conditions, one is MVP. Was an echocardiogram done to rule out this and other heart issues, in which can only be detected by this method.
Wait for Dr. Lupo's response. Good Luck!
GL
thyroid patient
You might want to retest 6 weeks from original test to see if levels repeat or close to repeating. Your T-3 looks suspecious in relationship to your FT-4 and TSH.
Make sure of doctors reason(s) for wanting to treat you if the above applies or doesn't apply. Your doctor knows your health history best and might have good reasons for wanting to treat.
Palpitations are seen in a verity of health conditions, one is MVP. Was an echocardiogram done to rule out this and other heart issues, in which can only be detected by this method.
Wait for Dr. Lupo's response. Good Luck!
GL
thyroid patient
Added ranges for my results:
TSH 7.97 (0.5-5.5)
FT4 1.1 (0.9-1.8)
T3 175 (60-181)
TSH 7.97 (0.5-5.5)
FT4 1.1 (0.9-1.8)
T3 175 (60-181)
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