False test from smoking

[deer4u98]

If you smoke, and you have your thyroid tested can you get a false reading? I have heard that it happens is there any truth to that?

I have been trying hard to lose weigh and since May, I have been walking 4 miles everyday, watching what I eat, and I haven't lost a pound. In the last 3 weeks I have been walking 6 miles a day everyday and When I weighed this morning I actually gained 1.5 lbs. Getting very frustrated!

Stacy

[thelma201]

In what way could smoking mask symptoms of hashimoto's hypo?

[deer4u98]

I HAD MY THYROID RE TESTED SINCE I DON'T SMOKE ANYMORE, I FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS WAY OFF, I WAS HIGH SUPPOSE TO BE 1-6 MINE WAS 84. THIS EXPLAINS A LOT.

I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT SMOKING CAN CAUSE YOUR TEST TO BE INACCURATE, THE PHARMIST SAID THAT IS TRUE.

SO IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS, STOP SMOKING AND GO GET TESTED.

[Smilerdeb]

I gave up smoking in March 2007 and was diagnosed with Graves 3 weeks later.
I still dont smoke either lol.

[deer4u98]

THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENTS, I DID GO AND HAVE IT RE-CHECKED YESTERDAY. I WANTED TO SEE NOW THAT I QUIT SMOKING 6 MONTHS AGO IF IT DID CHANGE. WHEN I HAVE HAD IT TESTED IT HAS BEEN NORMAL.

MY MOTHER, SISTER, AUNT, AND A UNCLE AND MANY COUSINS HAVE THYROID PROBLEMS SO IT DOES RUN IN THE FAMILY. I AM HOPING MINE COMES BACK NORMAL, BUT IF IT DOESN'T THEN I GUESS I WOULD LIKE IT TO BE HYPO ATLEAST THAT WOULD EXPLAIN THE WEIGHT ISSUE.

[Smilerdeb]

Smoking can aggravate the thyroid but doesnt change the fact or cause Autoimmune Diseases such as Hashi's or Graves.

Smoking can 'mask' the symptoms so to speak.

[stella5349]

Smoking can lower the TSH and make you look hyperthyroid. It also is an elavator for antibodies of Graves and Hashimoto - IF you have those with your condition.

[mtkst13]

what are your test results with reference ranges?

i don't think smoking can cause an erroneous test.