TSH level was low

[KylieRMs_momma]

Just got my test results back yesterday and everything was fine other then my TSH level witch was 0.15. My doctor is sending me to an ENT specialist since I'm having problems with my throat and stuff still but I don't know whats gonna happen with my TSH levels now? I don't think ENT specialize in thyroid problems.Anyone ever have this happen? if so what did you do?

[Barb135]

As I mentioned to begin with, TSH is affected by a lot of different things and can vary as much as 75% over the course, of a day.  It's simply impossible to tell what's going on, based only on a TSH test, especially, since you have the tonsil thing going on, as well..

Once you've seen the ENT and get your tonsil issue worked out, then you can revisit the thyroid issue and see where it's at.  Next time you have thyroid tests, be sure to get the Free T3 and Free T4 tests, so we can better see what your circumstances are.

[KylieRMs_momma]

And I'm not sure if its possible but if I had something serious wrong with the tonsils wouldn't that mess up my blood work, like say I had really bad infection (i doubt that's what it is though). I just want to figure it out, its very annoying. Especially with the throat pain and swelling in my neck.

[KylieRMs_momma]

I just find it weird that my TSH level is extremely low, and obviously something is wrong there but I have no idea what. Otherwise it wouldnt have came back so low, But I was reading giving birth and all these other issues can cause low TSH levels but I didnt lose that much blood but was anemic after I gave birth so maybe that is why its still low? I defiantly would like to be retested because its scary not knowing if I have an issue or not.

[Barb135]

Typically, a very low TSH would indicate hyperthyroidism, but since you don't have the actual thyroid hormone levels, I can't say that.  If a thyroid ultrasound showed that your thyroid is normal, with no swelling or inflammation, it's very unlikely that your thyroid is causing your problems.  But you still need to get the Free T3 and Free T4 tests to be sure.  Some people do gain weight when hyper.  Since TSH can fluctuate so much over the course of a day, you'll want to get that retested, as well.

Once the ENT has figured out what's wrong with your tonsils, and that's corrected, you could revisit the thyroid issue and get complete testing done, including antibody tests to determine if you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (probably not, since your thyroid is not swollen or inflamed), or if you have Graves Disease (doubtful, for the same reason).

[KylieRMs_momma]

I am actually gaining weight not losing weight. I gained 51 pounds when I was pregnant and then lost about 25 and just recently gained it all back. Maybe my new doctor will make me get more blood work if he suspects something is wrong. But since my TSH level is low what does that indicate? I'm very confused by it all and worried that my throat might be causing all the issues, I have extreme swelling in my neck but had a thyroid ultrasound and it was perfectly normal. But I can feel lumps in my neck and I think its my lymph nodes swelling from my throat. I have them under my jaw, above my collarbone and on the sides of my neck, and all of them are swollen and very sensitive and tender when I touch them. Today I also found white spots on my tongue and the roof of my mouth is white, and now i have extra growths in the back of my mouth by my tonsils. I hope my ENT figures out whats wrong tomorrow because whatever it is, its causing problems in a bunch of areas.

[Barb135]

Unfortunately, your doctor didn't order the 2 most important tests, which are Free T3 and Free T4.  Both total T4 and T3 uptake are considered obsolete and of little value.

It looks like you might have 2 problems - one with thyroid and the other with tonsils, but I'd want to see a Free T3 and a Free T4 before saying that you definitely have a thyroid condition.  A thyroid condition, typically, won't cause a "sore throat", such as what we get when we have a cold, flu, etc.  A swollen thyroid will cause a fullness in your neck and will, often, feel like something is stuck in your throat, or you're choking.

Tonsil issues won't cause low TSH. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and it's sole purpose is to stimulate the thyroid to make more hormones.  It can fluctuate by as much as 75% over the course of a day.

Having a baby won't "cause" thyroid conditions, but there are some conditions that start postpartum.

Swollen neck, shortness of breath and palpitations can all be thyroid-related symptoms, however, thyroid conditions will not cause your tonsils to swell.  Thyroid is in the front of your neck (not "in" your throat), tonsils live in the back of your throat.  They are totally unrelated to each other.

Are you having other hyperthyroid symptoms, such as rapid weight loss, diarrhea, etc?

There's no reason to believe that whatever is going on is "serious"... tonsils can be removed quite easily and most thyroid conditions can be controlled with medication.

[KylieRMs_momma]

I had a T4 free which was 3.00 and the reference range was 1.4-3.8, TSH which was 0.15 and they said it was low on my sheet and the range was 0.40-4.50, T4 total 10.2 with the range being 4.5-12.0, T3 uptake was 29.4, in the range of 22.0-35.0, Thyroglobulin Antibodies < 20, Thyroid Peroxidase <10, and TSI which was 32 and the range < 140. I was never diagnosed with a thyroid disorder in my life, so I am not on medications, I do have tonsil problems as I wrote in my post that might be the cause for the low TSH but I doubt it. My PCP is the one who did my blood work, but she thinks I might need further testing on my throat but she didnt say anything else about my thyroid and made me leave thinking it wasnt a big deal. But I talked to my aunt the day after I had it done and shes on medicine for her TSH level being low and I told her my level and she said it was lower then hers. I also have to mention that I had a baby almost 6 months ago but wouldnt I have been having symptoms earlier if thats what it was caused from? My symptoms include dizziness, swollen neck, swollen tonsils, shortness of breath, palpitations, etc. Oh yeah I was put on two different doses of antibitoics for more then two weeks and I took all of them and they didnt take down the swelling or the pain and symptoms, so I dont think its an infection but I do think its something serious because I'm going on week six of a sore throat and it has not gone away once.

[Barb135]

Do you have a thyroid condition, already?  Are you on any thyroid hormone replacement?  If so, which one, what dosage and for how long have you been on it.

Please post results of any other thyroid related tests that were done and be sure to include reference ranges, which vary lab to lab and have to come from your own report.

While an ENT doesn't "specialize" in thyroid conditions, s/he can tell you whether your thyroid is causing your throat problems. It was actually my ENT who diagnosed me with Hashimoto's, after my pcp refused to do adequate blood work and ultra sound.

[Red_Star]

Were any other tests done other than the TSH?  Are you having any hyperthyroid symptoms?

[KylieRMs_momma]

Anyone?

[KylieRMs_momma]

Also the testing range was 0.40-4.45