Question on recent Thyroid Lab Results

[SpringerMom]

Just got back my lab work from a recent checkup.  My results were THS-4.9, T4 Free-1.0 and my TPO was 1870.  Should I be worried?

[FTB4]

Do you have the reference ranges that came with the lab results and also the Free T2 if that was included? We would need these ranges to comment and understand your levels. Thanks FTB4

[Barb135]

Sounds like you might be hypothyroid, with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  Your TSH is higher than the recommended 3.0, although that should not be used, alone, as a diagnostic value.  

FTB4 is right - we'd need the reference range for the Free T4, to comment fully, but if it's similar to those that we often see, your result might fall in the "low normal" category, which is another sign of being hypo.  You can find the reference range on your lab report, and since these do vary from lab to lab, it does have to come from your own report.

Your TPOab is also high, which indicates Hashimoto's, which is an autoimmune disease, in which the body sees the thyroid as "foreign", so produces antibodies to attack and "kill" it.  This process often (not always) takes a long time, but if managed properly, can be handled.  

If Free T3 was done, please post that result, with reference range also.  Many doctors refuse to do this test.

Did your doctor suggest starting you on thyroid replacement hormones?  

[SpringerMom]

They only did the three tests.  THS while I was 4.9 the std range was 0.45 - 4.50 uIU/mL.  For my T4 Free my 1.0 value was within the std range 0.7 - 1.5 ng/dL.  The last test (TPO) Thyroperoxidase Antibody I had a value of 1870 when the list the std range as 0 - 60 Units/mL.  As far as i know they did not run a Free T2 unless it goes by some other name.  The were kind enough to post my results quickly but have yet to actually hear back from my Dr.  I had originally gone in because I had experience what he diagnosed as SVT a couple days prior.

[FTB4]

Some Md's are still going by older ranges, the newer ranges for TSH are from .03 to 3.0 or 3.5, Barb is right yours would be high, and your Antibody are high also. He/she should have done a Free T3 because Free T3 is the actual hormone used by your body to function, if you can post the Free T 4 and the reference range for it, also ask him if he did a Free T3, if he does not respond to your requests, then I think it might be time to find an MD experienced with thyroid, Hashimoto's as Barb explained is a treatable condition, but you want to be on medication, otherwise the symptoms will get worse and could get uncomfortable. TSH is only a Pituitary hormone, Free T3 and Free T4 are thyroid hormones, that is why these results and ranges are important to have. Best Regards FTB4

[SpringerMom]

Thank you for your earlier responses.  I finally got a call back from my Doctor.  He seems to think that I should wait until my THS is at 10 before considering medicating.  He didn't think the 1870 on my Antibody test is of concern.  Said let him know if I have any other "symptoms".  When I was in I was complaining about being tired.  My hair is falling out in clumps.  I have been having anxiety attacks. I have been putting on weight.  Both my mother and grandmother had Hypothyroidism.  He even said something about autoimmune but instead he would rather treat me for high cholesterol.  Should I be pushing back?

[Barb135]

Yes, you should be pushing back --- or find a different doctor.  Any doctor who wants to wait until your TSH is at 10 or thinks high antibodies is insignificant, knows nothing about thyroid issues.  

Hypothyroidism will cause high cholesterol........ either make him treat your thyroid or go elsewhere.