Men and Hypothyroidism

[Boristhespider]

Is it terribly uncommon for a man to be hypo? I am a male who had a TSH of 16.96. I went and had more blood work done monday and still have not received a call from my doctor. I am just nervous and feel bad. I was just talking with guys at work and they never heard of men having thyroid problems, and then I check on line and it is rare. I was just wondering if anyone here knows of any men who have thyroid problems?
And if my 16.96 TSH is something to be concerned about.
THANKS!

[giga612]

Rofl         (Rolling On Floor Laughing)
I think it is time we get the boxing gloves out and let these 2 slog it out.

[kl42]

nope not that rare

[gimel]

Well, since you are a medical student it is a good time for you to learn that T4 does not work in all cases.  Many hypo patients being medicated with T4 only find that their body does not adequately convert the T4 to T3 and they end up still being hypo because their Free T3 level is too low in the range.  I was like that for over 25 years while taking 200 mcg of Synthroid daily.

In spite of the dosage, I still had lingering hypo symptoms until learning about the importance of free T3, and the scientific data showing that Free T3 correlates best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH does not correlate. Got my Free T3 level tested and confirmed low in the range and my meds were revised to a desiccated type med with both T4 and T3.  Now after some tweaking, my Free T3 is 3.9 (range is 2.3 - 4.2), my Free T4 is .84 ( range of .60 - 1.50), and I feel best ever.  

Lest you think this is an isolated case, it is absolutely not.  In addition there are biological reasons why T4 is frequently not adequately converted to T3.  There are also valid reasons why the reference ranges for Free T3 and Free T4 are too broad.  Similarly, TSH is totally inadequate as the sole diagnostic for medicating a hypo patient.  

Forum members here don't just rely on anecdotal information.  We have much scientific study data that we have all gleaned from endless searching for answers to our hypo problems.  You would be welcome to share in that data with us, if you are open minded.  If, however, you are totally convinced of the usual dogma from medical schools and thus have the "Immaculate TSH Belief" and only plan to use "Reference range Endocrinology, then don't waste our time.

[tgrilias]

whoever reported me please tell me the reason especially if he is also a medical student or a doctor..

[tgrilias]

Guys hello. I am male , 29 years medical student and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto Disease. It is annoying to know that your own body attacks your thyroid gland but fortunately if one finds his T4 dosage he will have a normal life. Even better when the thyroid is eventually fully destroyed by your own body then you will finally settle in a stable dosage of T4 and your visits to your endocrinologist will almost fully diminished..Hashimoto is not a pleasent situation BUT thanx God it is not HIV it is not cancer. Since I got T4 , I lost the extra gain I had gained, and my blood tests were better than the average male of my age. Do not loose hope.Medication T4 is cheap and i think a visit to an endocrinologist every 6 month is not a big deal..My love to all off you..

[gimel]

Please make sure you get the other tests as well.  When you have test results if you will posts results and reference ranges members will be glad to help interpret and advise further.  

Best to you.