Subacute thyroiditis causes hyperthyroidism for 6-10 weeks followed by a hypothyroid phase during which the thyroid has yet to recover - then in 85% of cases a full recovery within 4 months. Usually I watch patients through the hypo phase, but if symptoms or labs are severe then I treat for 3-6 months (or in the case of young women planning pregnancy, until they are done with pregnancies). In your case, measuring thyroid function would be helpful. Remember that about 20% of subacute thyroiditis patients have a recurrence (ie, it comes back) within the first 2-4 months - again labs are the key here.
Ok I got my TSH results back. My value is a 1.18. The reference range is .70 - 6.40. Do you guys think that should be anything to be concerned about. It falls within range but is that kind of on the high side?
thanks, Tram
HI TRAM,YES YOUR THYROID COULD BE ACTING UP AGAIN,THERE IS ALL SO A SLIGHT POSSIBILITY YOU MIGHT STAY HYPOTHYROID.CALL YOUR DOCTOR AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TELL YOUR DOCTOR YOUR SYMPTOMS,ASK FOR ANOTHER THYROID TEST.YOU MIGHT JUST HAVE THYROIDITIS AGAIN,BUT IF IT KEEPS REPEATING IT SELF THATS WHEN YOU WILL GO HYPOTHYROID.THYROIDITIS IS TRICKY TO TREAT,IT WANTS TO KEEP ON BOTHERING YOU.UNTIL EVENTUALLY IT WINS.YOU NEVER WILL KNOW IF IT IS YOUR THYROID OR NOT THOUGH UNTIL YOU GO TO YOUR DOCTOR.GOOD LUCK AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF.TNT406
ok thanks. I should get might TSH results back tommorow.