Doctor wants to wait and see, should I seek second opinion?

[Jlw33]

My tsh test results were 2.65 with a lab range of .35 to 5. My doctor just updated my online chart with "Your TSH is normal even though some of your thyroid antibodies are elevated. We will need to monitor your labs periodically". Should I seek a second opinion or just wait and see how future lab results turn out? I do have quite a few symptoms that point to a thyroid problem such as weight gain, tiredness, depression, hair loss, constant stomach issues, sensitivity to cold.

[gimel]

I just sent you a PM with info.  To access, just click on your name and then from your personal page, click on messages.

[gimel]

With your symptoms you need a good thyroid doctor.  By that I mean one that will treat clinically, for symptoms, by testing and adjusting Free T4 and Free T3 as needed to relieve symptoms, without being influenced by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.  You can get some good insight about this by reading at least the first two pages of the following link, and more if you want to get into the discussion and scientific evidence supporting the suggestions on page 2.  In suggestion 6 are tests that should be done.  You should be tested for Free T4 and Free T3 every time you go in, Reverse T3 and cortisol at least once, you have had the antibodies tests, Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin.  

http://www.thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/TUK_PDFs/diagnosis_and_treatment_of_hypothyroidism_issue_1.pdf

So you could give the doctor a copy of the entire paper and references and ask to be treated clinically as described, or you can try to find a good thyroid doctor elsewhere.  If you decide to look elsewhere, be aware that contrary to what you might think, being an Endo does not guarantee a good thyroid doctor.  If you will tell us your location perhaps we can suggest a doctor that has been recommended by other thyroid patients.

[Jlw33]

Thanks for your help and information. I am in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio.

[gimel]

TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by so many things that at best it is only an indicator, to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms and also levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3.  You have many symptoms that relate to being hypothyroid.  Also, having elevated antibodies indicates Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  Were you tested for Free T4 and Free T3?  

[Jlw33]

No my tsh test was ordered "with reflex free t4" so I'm assuming since my tsh test was normal the free t4 was not ran.