Hypo or Hyperthyroidism??

[dcjmiller33]

I have been given some blood work regarding my thyroid with the following results:

01 Oct 08    TSH 3.080 (0.465-4.680 Normal range)    No FT4 Taken

09 Jul 09     TSH 4.160 (0.465-4.680 Normal range)    FT4 0.80 (0.79-2.35 Normal range)

29 Jan 10    TSH 4.800 (0.465-4.680 Normal range)    No FT4 Taken

My TSH keeps going up, and my FT4 was already borderline low according to the lab ranges.  Could this be a sign of hypothyroidism?

I am underweight. My weight is 115 lbs, and my ideal weight is 145.  I am a 33 year old male.

People keep telling me this would be hyperthyroidism, because I am underweight, and in hypothyroidism, people are overweight.  My lab results really suggest more hypothyroidism however.

Please help.

[GravesGirl]

Yes,I would say you are in hypo range for sure, your tsh is too high and FT4 is too low.If you have these hypo symptoms you could go on replacement. You can have antibodies testing for Hashi's too but with it in your family, it's most likely that. Some people with hyper (Graves) gain weight even before treatment with anti thyroid meds. Some with Hashi's don't gain, you're lucky, but you're a guy, it's different.

[dcjmiller33]

I do have some of the symptoms such as fatigue, can't stand the cold, mood swings, muscle aches. I also have a family history with both my mother and grandmom being hypothyroid. With this being said, would we just wait still, or would a low dose of levothyroxine be in order?

Thanks for the help.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The TSH is in the high-normal range, it suggests a tendency towards hypothyroidism, but does not require treatment if you have no symptoms.  This is not hyperthyroidism and the weight is not likely related to thyroid - however levothyroxine can increase appetite in some patients.

[euahome]

You're right. It's definitely HYPO. And you can be underweight and still have it.

Good luck!