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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Thyroid tests affected by birth cotrol pills
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 tests affected by birth cotrol pills
by kcr01, Jun 03, 2009 12:05PM
Hi Dr. Lupo,
I was hoping you could explain how much of an effect birth control pills have on the outcome of thyroid tests. My understanding is that TSH is not affected at all by taking these, is this correct?
I am wondering how much even a low-dose birth control pill would affect other thyroid tests. For example, my total T4 was 13.0, just very slightly elevated, and at the time I was taking Ortho-tricyclen, so I imagine this was the cause of the slightly high level. (Free T4 was normal, although just over the low threshold at .9, with a range of .8 to 1.8 and TSH was normal at 2.1)
At the same time my Total T3 was 224, with a normal range of 80 - 181. I would consider this "high" rather than "slightly elevated." (free T3 was not tested) How much would the Ortho-tricyclen play a role in this elevated level?
Would I have to be off birth control pills completely to get a truly accurate measurement of thyroid function?
Thanks!
I was hoping you could explain how much of an effect birth control pills have on the outcome of thyroid tests. My understanding is that TSH is not affected at all by taking these, is this correct?
I am wondering how much even a low-dose birth control pill would affect other thyroid tests. For example, my total T4 was 13.0, just very slightly elevated, and at the time I was taking Ortho-tricyclen, so I imagine this was the cause of the slightly high level. (Free T4 was normal, although just over the low threshold at .9, with a range of .8 to 1.8 and TSH was normal at 2.1)
At the same time my Total T3 was 224, with a normal range of 80 - 181. I would consider this "high" rather than "slightly elevated." (free T3 was not tested) How much would the Ortho-tricyclen play a role in this elevated level?
Would I have to be off birth control pills completely to get a truly accurate measurement of thyroid function?
Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Jun 03, 2009 07:14PM
, Jun 03, 2009 07:14PM
The high total T4 and total T3 is due to the estrogen in the BCP increasing thyroid binding globulines. This is not a reflection of a thyroid problem if the TSH and free T4 are normal.
