Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

TSH Low

I went to the thyroid doctor yesterday because of a low TSH, after questioning me she says because of your age will remove the thyroid. This is before she even wrote all the test I was to have done. I told her no way would I remove my thyroid if it turns out to be hyperthyroidism. She said she could give  me medication for hyperthyroidism by because of liver damage from Hep C she would be able to give medication for hyperthyroidism. Does anyone else but me think that this was rather a strange conversation ?
14 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
It's necessary to have the proper tests in order to find out exactly what your problem is.

Since you seem not to trust this doctor I might suggest that you get a second opinion.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Barb, thanks for your input...I cancelled the uptake with the radiation test...Don't understand why she is making me go through all the tests. Do you think it is always a necessary test in a diagnosis for thyroid with someone in my situation , which to me doesn't look so bad...Just curious as to your opinion...Thanks in advance...
Helpful - 0
649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
Your doctor may diagnose you with Graves Disease, since you have positive TSI, but I think the percentage is usually higher than 27% and your FT4 doesn't indicate hyper.

You will need to research whatever anti-thyroid med she might want to give you to make sure it won't react with whatever med you might be taking now, in relation to Hep C.  However, as I noted, your FT4 does not indicate hyper, so I'm not sure why she would even want to give you anti-thyroid med as that would make you go hypo, which you aren't far from, now.

Insist on an FT3 test, since FT3 is the hormone that's actually used by the individual cells.  Almost looks like you might have central hypothyroidism, rather than hyperthyroidism, in spite of the positive TSI.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
THYROID STIM IMMUNOGLOBULIN 0 - 139 % 27
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
THYROGLOBULIN AB 0.0 - 0.9 IU/mL <1.0
Low positive Thyroglobulin antibodies are seen in a portion of the
asymptomatic populations.
Antithyroglobulin antibodies measured by Beckman Coulter Methodology.

I found this edited in this morning in my online chart.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It was a T3 Total
Thyroid Peoxidase Antibodies
Thyrrobloblin Antibodies

I didn't see a Thyroid Stimulation Immunoglobulin test.

The Sonogram found a nodule that needs an Update scan, that will tell if I need a biopsy, so my doctor said.  My doctor keeps referring to hyperthyroidism. I'll know more next week. I'm a little afraid that she is making more of this than it is.
Helpful - 0
649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
Was that Thyroglobulin or Thyroglobulin Antibodies?  If she didn't order the Thyroglobulin Antibodies, she needs to do, as well as the Thyroid Stimulating Antibodies.

Thyroid Peroxidase is hardly ever run as a test, either; it's almost always Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies.  Thyroid Peroxidase is used in the production thyroid hormones.  Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb) are used to diagnose Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin is needed to diagnose Graves Disease.

You should make sure that all of these tests, along with Free T3 are done, as well.  Your Free T4 does not indicate that you are hyper, though your TSH.  T3 uptake is another way of calculating Free T4.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks Barb
Helpful - 0
649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
Since it's easier to have all your information in the same thread, I'm copying your labs here, so members don't have to look from thread to thread to find everything.  

TSH .026 (0.45 - 4.50)

T4 free 1.25 (.82- 1.77)

T4 7.2 ( 4.5 -  12.0)

T3 uptake 175 ( 71--180)

Tyroid Peroxidase <6 ( 0-3.4)

Thyroglobulin <1.0 ( 0.0-0.9)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for the information. My liver has actually reversed the damage after being successfully treated for hep C. How much, I'm not sure, as I need to get an MRI, but all my liver level are very good. I think her suggestion for thyroid removal is extreme too. Especially that this seems to be her first level of treatment. I'll wait to see exactly where I stand, than if medication is needed, I'll consult my liver specialist...I found after hep c treatment, that if I didn't educate myself through support groups, the doctor I treated with would have over treated the hep C....
Helpful - 0
1756321 tn?1547095325
"In very rare instances, both drugs can cause liver damage. In the most severe of cases, this can result in death. Regular follow-up visits with your doctor will greatly reduce the risk of this severe complication." - Endocrine Web - Antithyroid Medications for Hyperthyroidism.

Removing the thyroid gland over a very rare side effect sounds extreme.  My cat had severe liver damage after suffering for a year from an undiagnosed infection.  She had many symptoms including very swelled abdomen (ascites). Long story short, I ordered NAC (n-acetyl cysteine) and gave it to her daily. 18 months later her ascites went away and her other symptoms improved. Amazing stuff!

***

Excerpt from Patrick Holford - Protecting your liver from alcohol and recovering from Hepatitis C...

"GLUTATHIONE

This is the body’s most powerful detoxifying antioxidant, which helps the body repair damage from alcohol and other drugs. People with reasonably good diets (who are not abusing alcohol) have an adequate supply of glutathione, which is constantly being used up and replenished. Alcoholics, on the other hand, invariably suffer from glutathione depletion. Liver disease and dysfunction are strongly associated with long-term glutathione deficiency. People with chronic hepatitis C also tend to have lower glutathione levels and, as a consequence, they are at greater risk of developing liver cirrhosis and cancer of the liver.

Glutathione is made in the body from three amino acids (specifically, cysteine, glutamate and glycine) and supplementing with these amino acids, including glutamate’s precursor amino acid, glutamine, helps to increase your glutathione levels. Glutathione itself can be supplemented, but it is not absorbed efficiently orally, so we recommend supplementing with other glutathione-producing nutrients such as NAC (n-acetyl cysteine), SAM, L-glutamine, glycine (as found in TMG), and plants such as milk thistle and turmeric that help to promote glutathione levels (read on for specific indications for supplementing these nutrients and herbs)."
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, I am scheduling a sonogram of the thyroid, a bone density, and a uptake test. I just had blood work done yesterday  my TSH is .016. That's why I thought the conversation was a little unusual, we are just starting with tests. Why would a doctor mention we will probably have to remove your thyroid, before all the test were in. I will post all my result at a later date. As far as symptoms, I don't think I'm having any, maybe heart palpation but that could be from stress. My primary care was concerned because the TSH has been dropping the last two blood tests. Thanks for responding.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Please post your latest thyroid related test results and their reference ranges shown on the lab report.  Also tell us about any symptoms you are having.  Last, for now, what thyroid med are you taking and what daily dosage?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sorry that's because she can't give me medication for hyperthyroidism..
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community

Top Thyroid Answerers
649848 tn?1534633700
FL
Avatar universal
MI
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.