Diagnosing hypothyroidism

[Suzyq120]

My 30 yr old daughter has been tested for the 3rd time for TSH levels (my nagging). She has so many of my own mother's symptoms (weight issues, extreme tiredness, thick tongue, etc) but her GP keeps telling her levels show she does not need meds for hypothyroidism.  Her closed model HMO means her own MD has final say so, therefore does not refer onto an Endo...  Help, I can see so many things my own mother and my daughter have in common, but getting a proper diagnosis from her GP is just possible...  I know TSH is not the only indicator of this syndrome and I do know know how the meds have saved my mother, especially with the "brain fog" and tiredness.......

[gimel]

Your daughter is going to have to become knowledgeable about thyroid problems and become her own advocate for the proper testing and treatment.  If her doctor is one of those with the "Immaculate TSH Belief" then she will either have to work him over by showing him info such as the link I gave you, and get him to change his approach , or else she will have to find a good thyroid doctor that will treat her clinically.  By the way, a TSH result like hers, in the face of having those hypo symptoms, may mean she need to have her pituitary function tested, as well.  

I know that with her being in an HMO, that will make it much more difficult.  But at least we should try to find her a good thyroid doctor.  What area does she live in?  

[Suzyq120]

Thank you for your comments, found her blood tests and this is the reference:
TSH - Ultrasensitive 1.40 0.35-5.50 ulU/mL

My niece is going through similar issues and her endo is only testing the FT levels and treating even though her TSH is in limits.  My daughter's MD only tests TSH and since her level is low they have blown her off (or possibly her over-reactive mother - me).   My grandmother had a goiter, my mother was diagnosed when she was 20 (she's 88 now and has been on Synthroid since its inception) and I really think my daughter is suffering from hypothyroidism.  Appreciate the pdf file, will start more indepth research on diagnosing since I have seen my mother with and without Synthroid and do know that a proper dosage of thyroid meds can make a huge difference.  

[gimel]

You might give a copy of this link to the doctor and discuss with him and try to persuade him to treat her clinically by testing and adjusting FT3 and FT4 as necessary to relieve symptoms.  Make sure you read and understand the info yourself so that you can be most effective in your discussion with the doctor.

http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

can you post her results?  Even just for TSH?  

If her results are borderline (this means above about 3) then she is probably hypo.

Can her doctor be convinced to do additional testing for FT3 and FT4?  

Let us know.