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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Hypothyroid, but no antibodies?!
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Hypothyroid, but no antibodies?!
by Hannah1986, Jun 16, 2007 12:00AM
Hi,
For the past year and a half, I've been having some very strange symptoms. About a year ago, I had a very severe bout of mononucleosis that lasted for months on end. After I recovered, the fatigue never went away, and I gained a significant amount of weight which i was not able to lose despite diet and exercise. I had problems with very strange muscle weakness while exercising, and I also developed a huge problem with my concentration and memory...i am a student so this became a major issue in my life. Autoimmune disorders run in my family, so on a hunch, I had my thyroid tested. It turns out I am very slightly hypothyroid. My TSH before I had mono was 2.1. It is now 5.4, and my T4 is borderline low. The doctors originally told me I had an early case of Hashimoto's, but when they tested my blood for antibodies, I was negative. My question is, what could be causing this hypothyroidism, if i don't have hashimoto's? Isn't that the most common cause? Could I still have Hashimoto's even without any antibodies? or could my thyroid have been somehow damaged by epstein-barr infection? Nobody seems to have any answers for me.
Thanks,
Hannah
For the past year and a half, I've been having some very strange symptoms. About a year ago, I had a very severe bout of mononucleosis that lasted for months on end. After I recovered, the fatigue never went away, and I gained a significant amount of weight which i was not able to lose despite diet and exercise. I had problems with very strange muscle weakness while exercising, and I also developed a huge problem with my concentration and memory...i am a student so this became a major issue in my life. Autoimmune disorders run in my family, so on a hunch, I had my thyroid tested. It turns out I am very slightly hypothyroid. My TSH before I had mono was 2.1. It is now 5.4, and my T4 is borderline low. The doctors originally told me I had an early case of Hashimoto's, but when they tested my blood for antibodies, I was negative. My question is, what could be causing this hypothyroidism, if i don't have hashimoto's? Isn't that the most common cause? Could I still have Hashimoto's even without any antibodies? or could my thyroid have been somehow damaged by epstein-barr infection? Nobody seems to have any answers for me.
Thanks,
Hannah
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Jun 17, 2007 12:00AM
, Jun 17, 2007 12:00AM
hashi is the most common cause -- about 10% of hashi patients may have normal antibody levels. In these cases I usually repeat the TSH in 6 weeks and if still elevated consider treatment. Also, an experienced thyroid ultrasonographer can detect subtle inflammation in the thyroid which may also suggest hashi in the absence of antibodies.
Member Comments (2)
by Pearlie, Jun 20, 2007 12:00AM
My Doctor wants to put me on 25mcg synthroid because my T-4 level is 0.7and my TSH is 0.86. My prolactin level is 22.7. I do not have any symptoms of hypothyroidism and I have always had a little prolactinemia. I am 38 y.o.female. Is this appropriate treatment?
