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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Hypothyroidism and TSH/T3/T4 Levels
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.
Hypothyroidism and TSH/T3/T4 Levels
by brainfreeze, Dec 07, 2005 12:00AM
In the past few years, I've had to repeated check my TSH levels b/c of fluctuations; this past Sept (2005), my TSH showed up at 9. In November, it showed up as 10. However, my T3 and T4 levels have remained pretty much constant throughout the past 3 years. I've had TSH levels of 1, 4-5, and now 10. I don't have elevated antibodies. Why don't my T3 and T4 levels change with changes in TSH. Technically, TSH only rises if T3 and T4 are low right?
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Dec 07, 2005 12:00AM
, Dec 07, 2005 12:00AM
No, TSH will increase before the T3 and T4 decrease -- this is what we call subclinical hypothyroidism (ie, catching it early) -- The antibodies don't have to be positive to have this and 10-15% of patients with autoimmune thyroid hypofunction (hashimotos) don't have positive antibodies -- ultrasound may show the changes however. In this case, you have repeated TSH >5 and if there are any symptoms, heart disease or high cholesterol, most of these situations should be treated with thyroid hormone replacement.
Member Comments (2)
by brainfreeze, Dec 07, 2005 12:00AM
By the way - to add to my question, I've had NORMAL T3 and T4 levels and by normal I mean - pretty much smack in the middle of the range. Thanks for your help!
