Graves Disease

[BridgetPaige27]

My free T4 is 4.85, TSH is  8.0, what dosage of methimazole should I be taking?

[Barb135]

Have you been tested for thyroid antibodies to make sure you do, in fact, have Graves disease and are not simply in a hyper phase of Hashimoto's?  Both Graves and Hashimoto's are autoimmune.  

While Graves is always connected with hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's is most often connected with hypothyroidism, however it's not uncommon for one to have periods of hyperthyroidism in the beginning stages.  

You should ask for thyroid antibody tests.  Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI) is the definitive test to diagnose Graves Disease.  Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb) are both needed to diagnose Hashimoto's).  

You should also ask for a thyroid ultrasound to check for nodules, since, sometimes, nodules produce hormones on their own, independently of the thyroid.

Hope you're feeling better.

[BridgetPaige27]

Thank you for taking the time to respond.  I have since been to an endocrinologist am taking 20 mg of Methimazole. To clear up the confusion, I posted an incorrect value for my TSH--it should have read <0.03, hence the diagnosis of Grave's.
My free T3 was 8.00.  Good catch.

[Barb135]

We can't tell you what dosage you should be on; that's between you and your doctor.  We can, however, help you work toward the right dosage, but we need more information.

What's the reference range for the Free T4?  Ranges vary from lab to lab and have to come from your own report.  Are you currently on methimazole?  Your TSH is higher than normal, indicating that you are hypo, not hyper.  

On what basis were you diagnosed with Graves Disease?