Labs---They Say They Are Normal

[LauraDiaz]

Can someone help me..............I had lab work done 2 months ago---TSH 1.11, 3 weeks later TSH-2.30, today TSH 3.81. I have Hashimoto's. Was hyperactive after first pregnancy. I am now postpartum (8 months). I feel horrible and am wondering are these really normal. Some use the 0.3-3.0 range.  My Dr. says now treatment is needed despite me saying I am feeling the worst I ever had. What should I do?

[GravesLady]

That is why it is important to get tested on a regular bases, like between every 3 to  6 months, when antibodies are present. That way the hypo side should not get out of hand when it does show up in thyroid levels.

[MS Hashi]

It looks like you are going hypo to me. I was unwell in Jan 2004 with a TSH of 4.1 and the Drs did nothing. Come July 2005 I could barely walk TSH is now 53.
2 years on and I'm still battling to get my health back. The Drs do not know everything, they don't diagnose quick enough and many undertreat patients. Do your research and help yourself, otherwise it can be very debilitating.
Best of luck to you,
Jaynie

[GravesLady]

No, the other range is a target range for already diagnosed by thyroid levels and treated patients, newly or otherwise. It is not suggested as a diagnose level. AACE 2006 amended version and  2004 US Government Guidelines.

Antibodies are not enough for diagnose alone. Levels are the prevailing diagnose for thyroid/autoimmune.  Antibodies are just to confirm what levels already relate.
A lot of women in the normal populations without thyroid conditions have antibodies.  As well as, other health conditions and other autoimmune conditions.  Graves and Hashi can have the same antibodies. So to distinguish between thyroid conditions and other health issues/conditions, levels predominate over antibodies.

However, if you have antibodies it is suggested that you get tested with TSH, FT-4 and FT-3, on a regular bases because your levels might show autoimmune thyroid in the future.

If doctor says 3.81 is good for you, then it is a good level. He knows you health issue better than anyone else.  And its jut not what the TSH relates, but also what the FTs along with it relate.


Good Luck.

[LauraDiaz]

Thank you........I will be getting no treatment. After my first pregnancy 3 years ago........they tested for Hashs (antibodies test)........they showed that I have a high level but my levels are at the above. So, 3.81 is a good range right even though the other range is suggested? Is the other range for newly diagnosed?

[GravesLady]

I am confused, the doctor wants to give treatment or he doesn't want to give you treatment?  What signified  you Hashi?

The above mentioned range is just a target range within your Labs reference range, for already diagnosed and treated patients.

It has been proven through trials that being treated with a TSH under 10 does not benefited patient or symptoms.  per AACE 2006 amended version and 2004 US Government.

Thyroid issues with postpartum in most cases, will correct themselves, which looks like your levels are doing.  

You might ask doctor to check into other health issue that share some of thyroid symptoms.

Doctor know best!