hypothyroid

[allikat]

I had thyroid panel done and endo says thyroid is in process of failing tsh 3 did follow up blood work and was told tsh normal ( don't know numbers yet) what does this mean. I have severe constipation. tired in afternoon, 20lb weight gain , should I be treated thanks kay

[jan0002]

I am 54 years old, post menopausal (2 years) or so I thought, I had a menstrual period, followed up with my physician and had a transvaginal ultrasound. Results were a "top normal" for the endometrial lining with a few fibroids.(A little surprised about the lining being a little over 4mm, but not surprised about the fibroids) Other than being slightly overweight and a  history of an elevated bp,  I have always been healthy.  However, the days and weeks leading up to this "event" caused me a great deal of frustration. To begin with I was very symptomatic  b/c I has been incredibly tired (more exhuasted) taking a few power naps daily to re-engerize, achy, fluid retention, etc. All of this essentially went away once I got my period.  My question is this: Can an underactive thyroid cause a post menopausal woman to have her period? Please advise. Thank you.

[brbangle]

An even slightly underactive thyroid makes it more difficult to lose weight because your metabolism is slowed. Certainly, you CAN lose weight with adjustments to your existing diet and increased exercise, but it will be more difficult.

When you find out the results of your most recent lab work, you should also find out what ranges your doctor is using. Some doctors still use old TSH ranges...

[allikat]

hi thanks again for you help. I have a couple  more quetions and I was wondering if you could help? can you have symptons at tsh of 3 and can you lose weight at this level without meds? I have been trying to lose weight for months and nothing is helping. thanks kay

[allikat]

thanks so much. I have no one to talk to about this and feel like i'm losing my mind thanks for helping

[brbangle]

Allikat, you may want to post your second question as another entry. Dr. Mark doesn't usually go back into the comments section to address responses.

A TSH of 3 is borderline, although some endocrinologists might consider this high enough to warrant thyroid hormone treatment. As Dr. Mark said, your fluctuating TSH levels makes it sound as though you may have discovered a failing thyroid before it gets to the point where it cannot continue producing the necessary amount of hormone your body needs. If and/or when it gets to that point, your TSH levels may still fluctuate, but they will be consistently above the normal range-- over 3, no doubt.  

In terms of constipation, hypothyroidism will definitely cause it! Your thyroid runs your body's metabolism, essentially; so, along with fatigue, weight gain, "brain fog," and other miscellaneous symptoms common to people with a slower metabolism, your bowels slow down, too. I know this feeling, and it is NOT fun! Good luck to you!

[allikat]

could you please tell me how the tsh could go from 3 to normal.do endo's see this often and could a level 3 cause problem with severe constipation? I have already seen a gastro and he did colonoscopy and everything was o.k. thanks kay

[allikat]

thanks so much.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Would test thyroid antibodies (TPO and Tg) -- to check to see if this is Hashimoto's with early thyroid failure (ie slightly high, but inconsistently so, TSH).  If positive and given your symptoms, then a trial of thyroid hormone treatment may be worthwhile.