When to medicate?

[momshel]

My daugther (18 years old) has been having symptoms of a thyroid disorder since last May.  She gained 15 pounds (in 2 months), lost alot of hair, concentration and fatigue frequent.  I had her thyroid checked because I have hypothyroidism.  The tested showed normal ranges.  In August I discovered that I had Hashimoto and Tumid Lupus.  I had her doctors test her for antibodies and they also did an ultrasound on her thyroid.  The ultrasound found a nodule one side and a cluster of them on the other. (They said they would just keep a watch on them.)  Her labs in August showed:  ALT high- 36                                                   normal 5-32
             TSH     2.26                                                             0.50-4.30
Thyroglobulin AB   high- 49.3                                                20.0
Thyroid peroxidase AB  high 1000.0                                        35.0
The doctor felt that she did not need treated because her TSH was still normal but he would watch her.

Her labs at the end of January showed her TSH  was at 3.52      normal 0.50-4.20.
Shouldn't they treat her now how long does she need to wait?  They said back in August that she does have Hashimoto but we can't stop its progression.  But can't they start treating her symptoms.  I did get her appointment at Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday because I think more should be done for her.  I don't know what else to do.

[momshel]

Thanks for the comment! Actually in August the doctor did test T4 and T3.  Her T4 was 0.9 and T3 was 302 at that time.  The doctor said before this last test that the results they were interested in were TSH.  I don't know what to think it took me three years to be treated and I don't want that to happen with my daugther.  I did not even know that I had Hashimoto until I was test for lupus in August.  And I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 6 years ago.  Hopefully, this new doctor on Tuesday will start treatment.  (He specializes in thyroid disorders.)

[laura1967]

My endo told me that anyone with Hashimoto's should have their TSH supressed to between a .50-1.0 in order for the body to heal and function properly. One big thing is that her dr didn't test her Free T4 or Free T3.....you need these other tests done in order to get a complete picture of what is going on with the thyroid levels. TSH shows pituitary function....The other tests will actually show the hormone levels in her body.
My suggestion is to call around and find an endo who specializes in thyroid and not diabetes. Personally I think they should have started her on low dose treatment to keep her body from getting sicker and keep that tsh supressed. It took me 2 yrs before I found a new endo who actually specialized in thyroid and educated me on these proper levels. Now I am still trying to recover from the setback of being undertreated.