Aa
tsh levels
hi this question, is for the doctor or any one that can help me2 years ago i had rai... for graves i have not go hypo yet which they said i would i have regular thyriod blood tests this is my recent one done on 5th jan 07 serum free t4 level 12.4 and serum tsh level 0.89 i did not have any other thyriod ones done not like the hospital used to do (endocrine) my gp said they are normal, but these are the symptoms i have put 2 stone on cant get rid of it. very sleepy all the time, forgetfull, last year i had high colesteral 6.4 so the gp gave me statins 20mg take one every night i also had a bit of high blood pressure in the 90 mark he said thats normal i changed my gp but they are all the same . the gp said i worry to much. can any onetell me what sort of blood test i should ask for to do with the thyriod to see if its hypo. iam making another appointment as iam not satisfied, also like to say i was 49 and the treatment stopped my periods i had one period after the treatment and nothing since they tested my fsh and lh levels and said you are going into your menopause. but i dont have hot sweats or any thing like that. does any one know how long it can take after treatment with RAI to go hypo thanks sandy
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
the recent thyroid levels look normal at this point -- 49 is not an unusual age for menopause and not all women have hot flashes, etc. It usually takes 3-6 mos to go hypo after RAI but may take longer. Testing thyroid at least every 6 months is imortant in your case
Hi Sandy, I hope you are still out there reading. Sorry your post wasn't answered before now. I had expected the doctor to answer. Until he does here is my input and a short back ground of my thyroid history. I am 10 years RAI treated Hyper/Graves', with nodule and TED 2 years after treatment. I think I answered some of your other post.
I have know of women who did RAI that still wasn't on meds after 5 years. I have lost contact with them but I am almost sure that they must be on meds. by now.
When you will go hypo enough for meds. is really an individual process, with many possible factors factors such as: What the doctors goal was i.e. to totally ablate or leave a little function. Reason for the RAI, dose of RAI, was the correct dose amount given i.e. RAI dose is not an exact science therefore the dose could have been miscalculated. How tough thyroid you have i.e. some are so tough a first RAI will not take therefore will need a second treatment dose which is not all that unusual and I have read where 2 and 3 dose treatments were need. Up to 5 treatments is safe but they normally don't go beyond that amount. Then for some, it might take up to 10 years for the thyroid to totally ablate. So you see there are many factors that might influence when we go hypo from RAI.
As long as you stay in Labs reference range I would assume you would not need to go on meds. or have another RAI. However make sure you get tested on a regular bases and often to stay on top of your situation to avoid severe situations.
I was in menopause earlier than 49, however I was not diagnosed with Graves' until years later. I did not have the night sweats/hot flashes or weight gain nor any other symptoms and I did not take HRTs. However, I believe that being hyperthyroid will bring on female problems and therefore menopause as well. I don't know about you, but I welcomed mine.
As far as symptoms being fatigued or tired all the time is a continued issue with me and a possible permanent thyroid issue. I have to take cat-nap to rejuvenate, sometimes taking several throughout the day - good thing I don't work :) My cholesterol (family history with heart attacks and strokes) is good when I eat properly, if I don't it shows up in the Labs.
Worry and stress is not good for us Graver's due to the autoimmune factor. Worry and stress can make symptoms and levels worse. Exercises, especially yoga, is very relaxing on the body and for the mind.
The only test that I can recommend is TSH and both FTs. Once a year a full blood and urine work up to make sure our system is up to par and fully running correctly.
This is getting too long, hope it all post, so I'll stop for now, however I hope it finds you doing much better. If you have any more questions, I am here.
GL
I have know of women who did RAI that still wasn't on meds after 5 years. I have lost contact with them but I am almost sure that they must be on meds. by now.
When you will go hypo enough for meds. is really an individual process, with many possible factors factors such as: What the doctors goal was i.e. to totally ablate or leave a little function. Reason for the RAI, dose of RAI, was the correct dose amount given i.e. RAI dose is not an exact science therefore the dose could have been miscalculated. How tough thyroid you have i.e. some are so tough a first RAI will not take therefore will need a second treatment dose which is not all that unusual and I have read where 2 and 3 dose treatments were need. Up to 5 treatments is safe but they normally don't go beyond that amount. Then for some, it might take up to 10 years for the thyroid to totally ablate. So you see there are many factors that might influence when we go hypo from RAI.
As long as you stay in Labs reference range I would assume you would not need to go on meds. or have another RAI. However make sure you get tested on a regular bases and often to stay on top of your situation to avoid severe situations.
I was in menopause earlier than 49, however I was not diagnosed with Graves' until years later. I did not have the night sweats/hot flashes or weight gain nor any other symptoms and I did not take HRTs. However, I believe that being hyperthyroid will bring on female problems and therefore menopause as well. I don't know about you, but I welcomed mine.
As far as symptoms being fatigued or tired all the time is a continued issue with me and a possible permanent thyroid issue. I have to take cat-nap to rejuvenate, sometimes taking several throughout the day - good thing I don't work :) My cholesterol (family history with heart attacks and strokes) is good when I eat properly, if I don't it shows up in the Labs.
Worry and stress is not good for us Graver's due to the autoimmune factor. Worry and stress can make symptoms and levels worse. Exercises, especially yoga, is very relaxing on the body and for the mind.
The only test that I can recommend is TSH and both FTs. Once a year a full blood and urine work up to make sure our system is up to par and fully running correctly.
This is getting too long, hope it all post, so I'll stop for now, however I hope it finds you doing much better. If you have any more questions, I am here.
GL
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