Meds for Removing Thyroid Lobe-Help!

[Anita61]

Dear Dr.
I have been told that meds are required only if the entire thyroid is removed.  Then I was told meds can also be required if 1 lobe is removed.  Can  you tell me if medication is needed when 1/2 of the thyroid is removed, if so what type of medication?  My thyroid is functioning, I do not have hypo or hyper thyroidism, however I have a nodule on one side of the thyroid, measuring 3.8cm.  What can I expect with 1/2 of the thyroid removed.

[Anita61]

Thank you for responding.   After I sent the post I realzed it was on the incorrect section and I did not know how to retract.  But I have had a CT Scan (contrast dye); Sonography, Nuclear Thyroid Scan with Uptake and a FNA which came back inconclusive.  At this point - I figure I should have the the lobe removed, and  researching info each day, but was not sure if I would need to be on meds.  My TSH= 2.86.  Thanks so much for identifying the possible hormone meds.

[goolarra]

We are not doctors.  This is the members' form, and we are fellow patients.

It depends on the person.  For some, the one lobe is sufficient to produce enough thyroid hormone, and they don't need to take meds.  For others, the single lobe cannot keep up, and they then have to take thyroid hormones to compensate.  The major thryoid replacement hormones are under the generic names "levothyroxine", "triiodithyronine" and "dessicated porcine thyroid".

What tests have you had on your nodule?