Aa
Should I be worried? Low TSH 0.03 (Range 0.35 - 5.50 ulU/mL)
Been hypo for 20 years. Upgraded from 125 to 150 mg Levox 1 month ago. Blood work results came back as follows: TSH 0.03 (Range 0.35 - 5.50 ulU/mL), Free T4 1.90 H (Range 0.89 - 1.76 ng/dl), Free T3 3.30 (Range 2.30 - 4.20 pg/ml). I have doubled my weight to 335# during the years of thyroid hypo. Unable to lose weight. Was extremely tired all the time. Went into hospital with Acute Congestive Heart Failure 1 month ago, which is why the sudden spotlight on the thyroid issues. My TSH has never been this low. Thank you for any help you may offer.
COMMUNITY LEADER
It's not the TSH that's concerning, it's the Free T4 that's above the reference range, that's bothersome... TSH is only a messenger hormone and when we're on replacement hormones, it's basically useless.
With congestive heart failure, I'm sure your thyroid hormone dosage will be lowered, even though your Free T3 is only at 52% of the range, since they won't want to risk any further damage to your heart.
It sort of becomes a "catch 22" sometimes... we have to lose weight, but we need thyroid levels high enough to allow us to do so and often our doctors won't prescribe a high enough dose of medication. My guess is that your thyroid levels haven't been optimal for the 20 yrs you've been on thyroid medication or you probably wouldn't have doubled your weight, which is very unfortunate...
I'd have to wonder, at this point, if you're diabetic or bordering on it (pre-diabetic or insulin resistant)... that can have a lot to do with whether or not we're able to lose weight or if we keep on gaining, as well. Insulin is, often, called the "fat storage" hormone.
It's important to note that vitamin D deficiency can cause a lot of symptoms similar to hypothyroidism, but it cause hypothyroidism or make hypothyroid symptoms worse...
With congestive heart failure, I'm sure your thyroid hormone dosage will be lowered, even though your Free T3 is only at 52% of the range, since they won't want to risk any further damage to your heart.
It sort of becomes a "catch 22" sometimes... we have to lose weight, but we need thyroid levels high enough to allow us to do so and often our doctors won't prescribe a high enough dose of medication. My guess is that your thyroid levels haven't been optimal for the 20 yrs you've been on thyroid medication or you probably wouldn't have doubled your weight, which is very unfortunate...
I'd have to wonder, at this point, if you're diabetic or bordering on it (pre-diabetic or insulin resistant)... that can have a lot to do with whether or not we're able to lose weight or if we keep on gaining, as well. Insulin is, often, called the "fat storage" hormone.
It's important to note that vitamin D deficiency can cause a lot of symptoms similar to hypothyroidism, but it cause hypothyroidism or make hypothyroid symptoms worse...
1 Comments
I just realized I didn't really answer your question did I?
You don't really have to be "worried", but you will have to take steps to try to lose some of the weight, as that will help your heart issue... That's where the question about diabetes/insulin resistance comes in... Even if you don't have diabetes or have insulin resistance, talk to your doctor about trying a diabetic type diet that will help lose weight easier.
I'm sure your doctor has also talked to you about exercise, which is important, as well.
You should be sure to read all the inserts that come with any medications they give you, as some of them can cause side effects that are the same as some symptoms of hypothyroidism or other conditions.
You don't really have to be "worried", but you will have to take steps to try to lose some of the weight, as that will help your heart issue... That's where the question about diabetes/insulin resistance comes in... Even if you don't have diabetes or have insulin resistance, talk to your doctor about trying a diabetic type diet that will help lose weight easier.
I'm sure your doctor has also talked to you about exercise, which is important, as well.
You should be sure to read all the inserts that come with any medications they give you, as some of them can cause side effects that are the same as some symptoms of hypothyroidism or other conditions.
Of course you need to lower the levothyroxine dose with the prescription of your consulting doctor. Also apart from that please check your Vitamin D3 level. If you have low or not optimal Vitamin D your hypothyroid symptoms may get worse especially when increase levothyroxine dose. If doctor is not willing to check do it in a private lab. The test name is
25-hydroxy-vitamin D3
25-hydroxy-vitamin D3
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community
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.
