Extremely Low TSH

[Barb135]

When I was first dx'd with hypothyroidism, my TSH was 55.51; I was put on synthroid and the very next time I had labs (6 weeks later), my TSH had completely gone to the basement -- 0.01.  My doctor immediately began cutting back on my med, insisting that I was hyper, which I was not.........that's another story.  He's no longer my doctor.

I am now on generic levo + cytomel and my FT4/FT3 levels have barely made it to mid level in their ranges, but my TSH still continues to be rock bottom = 0.01 - 0.02.  

Mind you, this does NOT bother *me* in the least, because I feel relatively well, although I still have a few minor hypo symptoms, such as the constipation, hard time losing weight, some fatigue, etc.

My problem is my doctors -- they (endo and new pcp) tell me that by keeping my TSH suppressed that low, I am increasing my risk for osteoporosis.  I've read on here that this is not true.  I have had osteopenia for about 6-7 yrs, and my DEXA done in June of this year showed that I have actually rebuilt bone that I had previously lost, so this is not a huge concern for me.  I would, however, like to be able to find a credible source that backs this up.  I've searched the web and most of the credible sources (AACE, Mayo Clinic, etc) that I find indicate that my doctors are correct, unless I just haven't looked in the right places.  Can anyone give me a web site, from which I can print, stating that keeping my TSH suppressed will NOT cause me to get osteoporsis.  I'm tired of having to argue with them all the time because they (especially the pcp) continue to want to cut my med due to the low TSH, when I, in fact, am considering the possibility that it may need to be raised a bit.  

Appreciate your help.  If you can't post a web address here, please feel free to PM me.  

[Smilerdeb]

Ok well here it is.......not good but good NO Cancer cells.
.

It seems part of the bowel has died off due to an anurysm (that was the massive bleeding he had) and has stopped the blood vessels getting blood and oxygen into the left colon which in turn has killed off the left colon and he has to have it removed or gangrene will set in.
NO Cancer cells...Doc said he should be happy to hear that but Rob doesnt feel that way knowing the colon to his large bowel has to be removed. CT angiogram in the next few days...will know appointment today then if this is correct (as biopsies show this) then in for surgery.

The left colon is dead and he has Iscemic Colonitis.

The Doc explined that it is the same as the heart....when the heart doesnt get enough oxygen and blood supply then it dies off ...this being the case with the left colon. Doc said in other words Rob has had a 'heart attack' in the bowel (sounds stupid but only way to describe it) and the blood clot (anyurysm) has burst and left massive ulceration.
This is turn will turn to gangrene if not removed and can also spread right through to other parts of the bowel and right colon.
The ulceration is too much to

I have 'googled' this (as I'm the google queen ) and it seems what the Doc has said is all true.

Funny thing is...no signs whatsover until he got stomach cramps, and diarrea then massive blood.
I will know more after the CT angiogram being done in the next day or so.
Thanks for your best wishes everyone.

[Barb135]

Well, haven't heard anything so am still praying........

[Smilerdeb]

Hi Barb....
Dunno for how long, will know in an hours time.
My Doc has asked to see Robert 2 days earlier than he was supposed too. Said he had got back the Endoscopy results with the Ulceration in the lower colon.
Doc knows Robert is due to see him Thursday but rang today (Tuedday) saying he wants to see him at 5.40pm tonight.
Isnt looking good I'm afraid.
Will let you know when I do .

[Barb135]

Sunshine -- I know what you  mean -- my FT3 and FT4 are just barely at mid range and I still have some hypo symptoms.  My pcp *insisted* that I was hyper because of my low TSH and demanded that I allow him to lower my med -- I went ahead and let him write the script because I have been alternating 88 mcg with 75 mcg and was running out of both - I had just enough to get me to the date of my blood work, which was last Wed.  He wrote me a script for 75 mcg, so I am now taking that until I see my endo on the 18th, but I also upped my cytomel by 2.5 mcg.............I'll explain it all to the endo and ask to get tested again in 4 weeks instead of 6.  

I can't believe I'm having to have these arguments when I've even provided my DEXA to *prove* that I rebuilt bone I'd lost previously AND I did that while my TSH was "in the basement"........are they totally dumb or what??

I'm also looking for good "printable" sources which back up the strong need for FT3 and FT4 as well.......since my pcp will only ever order TSH and TT4, which is pretty much useless.  You'd think since I'm on a T3 med (cytomel) that he'd have enough sense to know that needs to be monitored also.  I'm happy that my endo DOES monitor FT3 and FT4, but I'm tired of having the same argument with my pcp every time I go for something else.  Right now, it's all about printable data.......I guess I'll just have to do the research FOR him......

Hey Deb --- good to see you back again.............

[Sunshine_67]

I've had a very low TSH for almost two years now, but still have a lot of hypo symptoms and have felt bad for two years because I can't find a doc who will increase my meds. They're all afraid of the osteoporosis too. I was actually diagnosed with osteo 8 years ago. It was caused by low estrogen.

In my opinion, with the way I feel, I'd rather have weak bones than be unable to function or enjoy any part of my life.

[Smilerdeb]

Barb.....stick to your guns.
There is an old saying.......
IF IT AINT BROKEN...DONT FIX IT!
And if you feel good with a low tsh...them leave well alone.
Good luck with your Doc.

[dawnangela]

Oh sorry didn't see that, i will thanks:))

[Barb135]

Take a look at the link gimel posted -- I printed it off and intend to make sure both my endo and pcp have a copy -- they can look up studies cited.........

[dawnangela]

My specialist says the same, the lower your tsh the more the risk of osteoporosis.?

[Barb135]

Thank you -- that's what I needed.  I printed it off an will make sure that both my endo and pcp receive copies.  

Appreciate your help and if you run across any more that will back that up -- I'm willing to bombard the doctors with them................lol

[gimel]

Here is a link for you.  It cites several studies.

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/osteoporosis.htm