Help I need a diagnosis

[lizbeth259]

I just got blood test results. My doctor was concerned about results but had no recommendations for me and had no answers.My GGT 172,Total cholesterol 222, triglycerides 473, HDL 65. My TSH is 5.519. Glucose, 63, Uric acid 9.9, MCV 103 and MCH 34.4 Is there a connection between any of these test results? I am 52 years old and 13 years post menapausal and a social drinker who smokes 5-6 cigs per day. I am very tired. My hair has recently gone from very curly to perfectly straight which is what prompted my doctors visit. My skin is very dry and cracks. I am always cold. Suffered from anorexia for most of my life, but recovered now and thought I was healthy.  Do I need additional tests and if so which ones. There is no family history of high Cholestoral, or thyroid diseases.  I have been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Sydrome for lack of any other reason for diareaha, bloating and cramps. Colonoscopy was normal. I believe there is a connection in these test results, just don't know what.  Can you help?

[shellyB]

Hi, I have very curly hair that went straight when I was first sick about 3 years ago. I had very low ferritin (3). My first colonoscopy was normal. The second revealed MANY ULCERS in my colon. I had to change HMO's to get the help I needed and suggest to anyone who does not feel their medical needs are being met to seek a second opinion. I was told over and over that I was, "a little anemic" until I saw new doctors who put me on the IV therapy at my first visit. I am now quite jaded and feel like I was robbed of three years of my life. Don't let the same thing happen to you! Good luck, Shelly

[yoshi]

do some reading on hypothyroidism-how it affects post menopause women,how it affects skin and hair and metabolism.
also people who have hypo tend to be constipated .
there are also certain food which affect the function of the thyroid glands,such as raw broccoli,raw cauliflower,bamboo shoots.
i also found out too much soybeans can cause some problem with the functioning of thyroid gland.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Going over the abnormal results of the blood tests:
1) An elevated TSH suggests hypothyroidism (i.e. low thyroid level).  In your case, it is only minimally abnormal.  You can either repeat this test or discuss with your physician whether treatment is warranted.  If you are symptommatic (i.e. fatigue), then you may want to lean towards treatment.

2) The GGT is elevated.  Many liver diseases, as well as alcohol, can raise this level.  If you drink alcohol, I would abstain and repeat the test.  You may also want to consider the other liver function tests as well (i.e. AST, ALT, bilirubin, ALP).

3) Total cholesterol is elevated with a markedly elevated triglycerides.  I would discuss with your physician whether medication is warranted in your case.  Improved diet and increased exercise can also help.

4) MCV is slightly high - this is a characteristic of the red blood cells.  Alcohol can raise this particular value.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[PAJ]

It

[cashmere]

I don't have your other symptoms, but do have recurring bouts of diarrhea, bloating, cramps.  Very bad bouts (lost 15 punds the last time).  I had a colonoscopy and it was normal, but I luckily also had an excellent doctor who took a biopsy and diagnosed me with lymphocytic colitis.  This cannot be detected with a colonoscopy, a biopsy is necessary.  Have it checked out.  There's no cure, but amazingly enough, high doses of pepto bismol tablets (8 per day) worked after a couple of weeks.  Clinical trials re this are in process.  here's a website
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/collagenouscolitis/
good luck

[surgeon]

elevated TSH indicates hypothyroidism, meaning your thyroid isn't producing enough hormone. That can cause tiredness, dry skin, etc. You need to press your doctor for specific input regarding that test, among others. (how abnormal your TSH level is depends on the lab normal range, which can differ. Find out from your doctor how abnormal it really is.)