Thyroid Results

[lne1224]

I am a 50 year old woman who's recent thyroid tests showed the following levels:
TSH-3G (1.6), ANTI-TG (<4) and ANTI-TPO (1) An ultra sound also revealed a nodule 7.4x4.2x4.7. I have a very strong family history of autoimmune disorders, my father had lupus and rheumadiod arthritis, his mother had scleroderma and my mother has Hashimotos. I so far haven't had any problems but since menopause have had high cholesterol, a vitamin D deficiency, joint pain, hair loss, memory loss etc. etc. I was wondering what these results mean and or, if any, other tests I should Should be looking toward other autoimmune problems and should see a Rheumatologist rather than an endocronologist?

[Barb135]

Many of us have nodules on our thyroid and most often, they are not a concern.  TSH is thyroid stimulating hormone, which is a pituitary hormone produced to stimulate the thyroid into making more hormones (your TSH is good).  The other 2 tests are to check for autoimmune thyroid disease.  According to your results, you don't have Hashimoto's, but some people can have it and not have antibodies.  

You should try to get your doctor to run tests for the actual thyroid hormone levels; that would be Free T3 and Free T4.  Knowing those levels, along with the TSH will tell if your thyroid is producing adequately or not.  Your symptoms are definitely those of being hypo, so it's possible that even if your thyroid hormone levels are in the "normal" range, they may be too low for YOU.

[MANmom]

The nodule may be causing your symptoms, I had much the same.  I had elbow pain that was so bad it affected my lifting of simple objects, I could barely lift a gallon of milk.  I had hair loss, terrible memory, clumsiness (I can't tell you how many glasses I broke).  I had four nodules, long story short, they found cancer and the thyroid was removed, and my joint pain went away after about a week.  Once I got on the correct dose of meds, I am now brain-fog free, a LOT less clumsy, and my hair has ceased falling out.  I haven't dropped a glass in several months, I haven't tripped and fallen while walking or running, I feel great.  Keep at it, you will find an answer.  Is the nodule measured in cm or mm?  I would guess mm because 7.4 cm would be rather large.  Is it solid?  Vascular?