Born with one thyroid lobe, other enlarged

[stpippa]

I, too, was only born with one thyroid lobe, the left is completely missing (and yes, it is rare.  I've read that only 1/2 of 1% of the population has this condition).  The right one is enlarged, with a goiter, but the ENT and Rheumotologist are keeping an eye on it.  I've done thyroid imaging and blood tests to ensure it is functioning properly, and there are no "hot" spots on it, and the blood tests indicate that there is no hypo/hyper thyrodism.  My question is, are people who have one lobe removed and have a perfectly functioning remaining lobe put on medication?  My doctors have not put me on any medication for thyroid related illnesses.  I have an autoimmune disorder, so some of the symptoms that are there for thyroidism could also be attributed to the MCTD.  Any input?

[goolarra]

I agree that it would be helpful to see your labs.

"My doctors have not put me on any medication for thyroid related illnesses."  There is no medication that treats the cause of autoimmune thyroid disease.  Hormone replacement simply treats the symptoms.  So, if you are symptomatic, meds would be indicated, if not, there is nothing to be done.

[stpippa]

Hi FTB4.

I will have to find my latest lab work to determine those ranges.  MCTD is Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder.

As another question, I've never seen an Endocrinologist for my thyroid, only an ENT and my Rheumy.  I assumed that they would have referred me to an Endocrinologist if needed.

Thanks,

[FTB4]

The determining factor of your thyroid would be your Free T3 and Free T4 from your lab work, if you have thyroid symptoms, then you have a thyroid imbalance, If you have an auto immune disorder and it affects your thyroid then it is either Graves or Hashimoto's
Graves being Hyperactive and Hashimoto's being Hypoactive, And what does MCTD stand for? If you have your Labs ie: Free T3, Free T4 and TSH with reference ranges, please post them for members to get a picture of where you are regarding thyroid. And then they can offer opinions, comment or advice. Good Luck FTB4