Female, 32, not pregnant, thin & fit my entire life. Recently went through a precautionary set of blood tests, after 5 years w/o insurance or regular checkups. My TSH was 30.3, all other results, including blood sugar and cholesterol were great. New doctor diagnosed me with hypothyroidism based on this test, prescribed levothyroxine .05mg daily, & said to come back for a checkup in 3 months.
I have a few symptoms common to hypothyroidism: cold intolerance, constipation, joint pain, low libido. Also a mild form of bipolar disorder (not currently medicated). None of these conditions are acute, I have had all of them for 10 to 15 years at least, and none have gotten worse in the last 5 or so years. Some have improved. I definitely don't have the most common symptoms: weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, or slowed heartbeat.
I insisted on a 2nd TSH test for confirmation, and my doctor grudgingly consented to also do a T4 test, but flatly refused to test for T3 levels or antibodies because it "doesn't change treatment." I asked about treatment plan: he wants my TSH to be "under 10, 6 if possible, lower if I felt like it." I asked about coming in sooner, he was willing but indifferent, didn't see the urgency. I asked about delaying treatment, he thought I would eventually get symptoms, & would prefer that I start within a few weeks.
I'm concerned about his casual attitude & treatment plan. I feel great now, could meds make me worse? Should I just take the meds, see how I feel, and retest in 2 months? HMO means it's hard to see specialists, and I must be my own treatment advocate.