Aa
Thyroid problems
about 8mths ago, I found 2 bold patches on my scalp, totally freaked me out, so I went to see my doctor and he said it was nothing to worry about, my hair will eventually grow back, at the time I was very stressed, so he said it could be the cause of it, I did mention that my family has a history of thyroid problems, so he suggested a blood test, when my results came back my thyroid levels were high 14.8..!! so they said i shouldn't worry it's probably caused by stress!! any way i went back after 3mths for another test and this time the levels were 8.6, and ive gained about 7pounds in weight!! is this normal? shopuld I be worried?
TSH is a pituitary hormone that signals to the thyroid glands to produce more/less of thyroid hormone. TSH is affected by many variables, including the time of day when blood is drawn so it is inadequate as a diagnostic by which to determine medication. At best it is an indicator, to be considered along with more important indicators, which are symptoms and levels of the actual, biologically active thyroid hormones, free T3 and free T4.
All that said, when TSH is as far above the currently recommended reference range of .3 - 3.0, then it is most likely an indicator of hypothyroidism. Especially when considered along with your hypo symptoms.
There is no need to be overly concerned. You do need to go back and get tested for the thyroid hormones mentioned above, FT3 and FT4, along with TSH testing and also TPO ab and TG ab, for thyroid antibodies. Some doctors don't want to test for FT3, on the assumption that by knowing FT4, they can tell where FT3 would likely be as well. This is not always the case if your body does not convert T4 to T3 very well. So insist that both the "Frees" are tested.
For most effective treatment you are probably going to need to find an Endo that specializes in thyroid problems. Not all Endos do. Many spend most of their time with diabetes patients. In addition, before making an appointment with an Endo, I suggest that you call and ask to speak to one of the nurses, to ask a few questions. The first question should be whether the doctor is willing to continually test and adjust your FT3 and FT4 levels with whatever meds are required to alleviate your symptoms, without being constrained by the resultant TSH levels. The second question should be whether the doctor prescribes T3 meds as well as T4 meds. If the answer to these questions is yes, then you may have the kind of doctor you need.
If you have trouble locating a good thyroid doctor, you might have some luck with posting a new message asking members to send you a PM if they have a recommendation for a good thyroid doctor in your area.
All that said, when TSH is as far above the currently recommended reference range of .3 - 3.0, then it is most likely an indicator of hypothyroidism. Especially when considered along with your hypo symptoms.
There is no need to be overly concerned. You do need to go back and get tested for the thyroid hormones mentioned above, FT3 and FT4, along with TSH testing and also TPO ab and TG ab, for thyroid antibodies. Some doctors don't want to test for FT3, on the assumption that by knowing FT4, they can tell where FT3 would likely be as well. This is not always the case if your body does not convert T4 to T3 very well. So insist that both the "Frees" are tested.
For most effective treatment you are probably going to need to find an Endo that specializes in thyroid problems. Not all Endos do. Many spend most of their time with diabetes patients. In addition, before making an appointment with an Endo, I suggest that you call and ask to speak to one of the nurses, to ask a few questions. The first question should be whether the doctor is willing to continually test and adjust your FT3 and FT4 levels with whatever meds are required to alleviate your symptoms, without being constrained by the resultant TSH levels. The second question should be whether the doctor prescribes T3 meds as well as T4 meds. If the answer to these questions is yes, then you may have the kind of doctor you need.
If you have trouble locating a good thyroid doctor, you might have some luck with posting a new message asking members to send you a PM if they have a recommendation for a good thyroid doctor in your area.
It sound like it could be alopecia areata. My son has had it at times. His hairl comes
back and at first it is grey in color and then darkens. I and a cousin both have thyroid
problems and our sons have had alopecia. I'm not sure if there is a connection between
the two or not. They can give you a topical steriod but our dermatologist seemed to
think it would grow just as fast without it.
back and at first it is grey in color and then darkens. I and a cousin both have thyroid
problems and our sons have had alopecia. I'm not sure if there is a connection between
the two or not. They can give you a topical steriod but our dermatologist seemed to
think it would grow just as fast without it.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community
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.
