How to handle my HMO

[VCgirl]

I have asked my Dr. several times to do a TSH test. Last year it came back 2.11. He said everything was okay. My mom has been hypo for years and my symptoms could be hypo also. Extremely tired, never enough sleep. I am also iron deficient anemic (can't absorb iron)and also type 2 diabetic. I took a home TSH test twice. Last year 6/05 it was 8.66 and just recently it was 14.68. I haven't shown it to my Dr. because his test was much lower. Anyone ever use the home testing and how would you approach you MD? Do you feel these home test are accurate?

[VCgirl]

Thank you, that makes me feel a lot better.  I also read that metformin can suppress your TSH level.  Any truth to this?  Since I take 1,000 mg in the evening, can this have any effet on numbers?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

home tests may not be too accurate -- but the TSH of 14.68 is concerning -- would repeat the TSH along with thyroid antibodies -- your doc should not be offended by this request -- send him a copy of the home TSH test.