Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
374784 tn?1199416835

Hypothyroidism?

I have a TSH level of 4.5 this was takin in May of 07, I keep on going to the doc for help and they just keep on telling me Im fine and that my levels are normal and assured me they would not be any different from the last test. I got so frusturated in my last visit I started to cry, All the doc did was test me for depression. I am almost positive its hypothroidism, What can I do to get help???
12 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
209384 tn?1231168306
DLA
You are welcome.  Know that thyroid issues are not something most drs want to dx correctly and will put it off as depression or some such rot, so you will probably have to really fight for yourself.  All but a lucky few have to fight to feel better.  I was one of the fighters.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Dac
Helpful - 0
374784 tn?1199416835
Thank you Dac. I have also heard of others not feeling good with THS level @ 4.5 aswell. I also heard they loward the state levels. I think I will go seek another GP and see if I cant get that refferal to an Endo. Happy new year.
Helpful - 0
209384 tn?1231168306
DLA
If I was you I would keep fighting for the thyroid tests and a referral to and endo who specializes in thyroid not diabetes.  If my TSH is over 2 I feel like cr@p and have all the hypo symptoms.  Most endos want your TSH around 1 and would not let you continue to be at 4.5.  

Old standards suggest over 10, but all of the new studies want it controled much better b/c of all the physical damage it does to the body.  Make sure when you research anything about thyroid levels you check the dates on the articles b/c things have changed drastically in recent years.  Also make sure that you read ALL the data so that you don't just get part of the story, but all of it.

Hang in there and keep fighting for your right to feel better.  And definitely find a good endo.

Dac
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I only suggest that both FTs can relate to a possible adrenal fatigue or adrenal exhaustion, with symptoms of those as thyroid like. Then its up to the individual to follow through if so desired.  I leave the particular test up to the doctor.
However; cortisol levels and DHEA levels : taking saliva samples at set times throughout the day at home and sending them back to the lab for analysis. Several samples are needed at different times as adrenal hormone levels naturally rise and fall during the day. These tests indicate levels of cortisol and DHEA/DHEA-S (the sulfur salt of DHEA). Also this test can also be done on a sample of urine collected over 24 hours (24-hour urine sample). Saliva test (adrenal hormone test) is preferred as it measures the amount of free and circulating hormones instead of the binded hormone commonly measured in blood test.

Any further into the subject is not really my forte'. I am sure you can appreciate that.
Helpful - 0
125112 tn?1217273862
What tests (all) do you look into for adrenals? From what I gather, doctors do not look into this-unless Cushing's/Addison disease is highly suspected? I have heard of others who have resorted to saliva testing...what do you think of this method?

~Kate
Helpful - 0
125112 tn?1217273862
I am untreated. Antibodies present, many symptoms present.
The last 3 times I have been tested (TSH)...I have noted how I felt. 3 for 3...I've been right and it's reflected in labs.
Personally, given my own experience, I know what is considered "normal labs" -is not, does not necessarily mean normal for you. It's simply a broad reference range and one, which unfortunately is skewed. This is not my own, "pie-in-sky" belief.
See: http://www.aacc.org/AACC/events/expert_access/2006/TSHRange/ and click on "presentation"


The medical scientific community, given all that they know now, should be compelled to create a "cleaner" set of "controls" in regards to reference range.

[That said, debate aside.]
When I was at a 1. (TSH) I had been feeling better than I previously had. This November, I was feeling bad (worse). I was extremely tired and ached. My TSH was 3.7
Yesterday, I had another TSH test drawn. 2-3 weeks prior to this test...I began to feel abit better (less aches, not requiring 2 daily naps). My TSH was 2.59

I do think that everybody has a preferred set point. If most of your life, you've been carting around at say a .79 TSH and now, here you are at 4.5 and simply because you are "within range" that we must/should assume that you are "normal"?

While perhaps we are considered unworthy of treatment until we hit + or - ...just because we fall within range, I do not think we should be so bold to claim this is "normal."

Given your symptoms and TSH lab-I think you should look into antibodies. This can be done through your doctors office or on your own, via healthcheckusa: http://www.healthcheckusa.com/lab_tests/Thyroid_Screenings/Anti-Thyroid_Antibodies

If you go this route, code 12345 will take 10% off of your order. If you do this, I would post to Dr. Lupo and take his response to another doctor. While I have limited experience with doctors, thus far I am favoring my Internist over my previous G.P.

I think this needs further investigation/monitoring and I know many other patients who are have been diagnosed, who would think the same.

As for "Trust your doctor"...fine and dandy if you have a wonderful doctor. I would not seek the help of another doctor, until I heard these words coming from a doctor I met and spoke briefly with up North, "Kate, it's imperative that you find a good doctor, who works with you and is part of your team. Many do not/will not have you in their best interest. Believe it or not."

As patients, we know of some pretty cruddy doctors...and doctors are aware of cruddy doctors too.

Personally, I think you need to start anew with a new doctor. Someone with fresh eyes and hopefully a brighter mind. Until then, I am afraid that you have been pigeon-holed by your current doctor. From the sounds of it, he has concluded you have depression, it's the sole cause of your problem and will not deviate from that thought unless labs blow him away.

~Kate
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
From what I understand, your TSH level (4.5) normally does not come with thyroid symptoms.

Have you had your adrenals checked?  They share some of hypothyroid symptoms, as well as many other health conditions.  
If it is adrenals, adrenals needs to be treated and corrected first before the thyroid because they can interfere with thyroid levels.

A TSH with both FT levels at the same blood draw can or might relate adrenal fatigue and some other non-related thyroid conditions.  However, you didn't post them.

Others can spot depression in us before we can, for a lot of us are in denial, and If a doctors says depression, no matter on what scale, we probably depressed.  

There IS hope! you just have to find it. Don't give up! No one deserves to feel ill all the time. Your body is saying something IS wrong, but not necessarily thyroid.  Good Luck!


Helpful - 0
314892 tn?1264623903
You are welcome. It also depends on what is normal TSH for YOU. If your previous TSH was much lower, than 4.5 may well be too high for YOU.
Antidepressants can help if it is unbearable until thyroid is under control. My psych said that it takes 2-3 months for the mind to heal once the TSH is normal for YOU.
By the way, I don't need to see the psych any longer since my TSH is now under 2 and my anxiety is gone.
Try an endo. They are usually more in tune with what is normal concerning the thyroid. A thyroid specialist would be best, but harder to come by. Most endos know more about diabetes, but still are better for thyroid than PCP's.

Kitty
Helpful - 0
374784 tn?1199416835
Im seeing a family doc, Thank you so much for the article!
Helpful - 0
374784 tn?1199416835
I have been stuggling with being tired, sick, hair loss, just not feeling well at all for about 3yrs. I keep on going to the doc about this just to be told they cant do anything for me. I took the depression test and it was normal. I just wanted to know if there were any other test they could do. I know there is something just not right. I am just getting frustrated with no anwers. Yes I am saying I feel there is no hope for me getting better, the docs say im depressed!~ I feel run down all the time and it is affecting my everyday life!
Helpful - 0
314892 tn?1264623903
Hi- Depression can occur with mild/subclinical hypothyroidism. Here is an article you can read about it:

http://www.currentpsychiatry.com/pdf/0511/0511CP_Article4.pdf

Are you seeing an endo or primary care doctor?

Kitty

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Are you saying that your depression is caused by what you think is from hypothyroidism?  
16 percent of the U.S. population has depression and not all from having a thyroid condition.

Even if the depression was from being (subclinical) hypothyroidism (TSH 10) or (overt) hypothyroidism (TSH above 10), it would be treated in the same way, with antidepressants. Being treated for thyroidism does not necessarily mean correction of symptoms nor an easy and fast solution to what all that ails us. Thereby, each symptom might have to be treated separately from each other, or through another health condition, and, separate from thyroid.

Trust your doctor!  

Good Luck and Best Wishes for 2008.

Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community

Top Thyroid Answerers
649848 tn?1534633700
FL
Avatar universal
MI
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.