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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Thyroid Problem?
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.
Thyroid Problem?
by I am Nancy, Nov 13, 2005 12:00AM
my TSH was 3.70
my T-3 uptake was 30
my T-4 total was 6.0
free T4 (T7) was 1.8
don't know what any of this means but my new doctor said I was fine and didn't need thyroid... I was on thyroid pills for 20 yrs (different doctor now retired) and off the past 8 yrs.. gained weight and haven't been able to lose more than 5 pounds with dieting ..very frustrating.. dry skin, thinning hair..<sigh>
What do you think?
my T-3 uptake was 30
my T-4 total was 6.0
free T4 (T7) was 1.8
don't know what any of this means but my new doctor said I was fine and didn't need thyroid... I was on thyroid pills for 20 yrs (different doctor now retired) and off the past 8 yrs.. gained weight and haven't been able to lose more than 5 pounds with dieting ..very frustrating.. dry skin, thinning hair..<sigh>
What do you think?
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Nov 13, 2005 12:00AM
, Nov 13, 2005 12:00AM
Technically these are fairly normal. The TSH is a little high-normal - but there is no evidence that treatment would be definitively beneficial. If the thyroid antibodies are positive then a trial of thyroid hormone to bring the tsh to about 1.0 for 4-6 months may be worthwhile to see if symptoms improve. Even if they are negative and a repeat TSH in 6 weeks is still above 3 it may be worth a try, but this would not be a mainstream approachl.
Member Comments (3)
by ancientmariner, Nov 14, 2005 12:00AM
To: I am Nancy
Your TSH is above the new AACE range upper limit, which would mean you are hypothyroid. I have read studies that say that when you are on thyroid replacement, your TSH may not be accurate. And anyway, TSH measures a pituitary hormone, not how well your thyroid is functioning. Your SYMPTOMS are hypothyroid, and if you felt well on thyroid meds for 20 years, that appears to be reason enough to still take them. As Dr. Mark says, a trial of thyroid meds in your case is not mainstream, but maybe it SHOULD be! How you FEEL should be more important than a lab report.
by I am Nancy, Nov 16, 2005 12:00AM
thanks for your comments and suggestions.. I may have to find a new doctor since the doctor I am going to now is adament about me not going on medication.
