lab results

[beckyd0813]

I recently saw my PCP because I was feeling nauseous and thought I might be pregnant again ( am 5 months postpartum), he checked some of my lab results and they were all normal except for my T4 was slightly low at 5.8 on a range of 6.1-12.2, my TSH was .93 which is on the lower side of normal. He wants to start me on synthroid and I am not symptomatic. I am worried that because my TSH is borderline low that I could become hyperthyroid if I start taking synthroid. Any comments would help.

[GravesLady]

With both levels being low might indicated other issues, one of thyroid and other
non-thyroid as follows:

Adrenal fatigue.  Adrenal fatigue has symptoms closely that of thyroid symptoms and drenals will interfere with thyroid levels.  Therefore adrenals should be corrected first before thyroid. Hypoadrenalism (underactive adrenal gland), steroid replacement must be started before thyroid replacement is begun.

Also the low levels could relate to non-thyroid problems such as allergies, hormonal imbalance, yeast, etc.  Any illness or other health conditions can interfere with thyroid levels so it is important that they be corrected first.  

One last issue that could be going, If F/T- 3 level were low as well and how it relates to the other two test levels,  might suggest secondary hypothyroidism due to failure of the pituitary gland.  Treatment is to replace the deficient thyroid hormone with Levothyroxine/synthroid medication. The lowest effective dose that leads to normal thyroid function is used, and, life-long therapy may be necessary. Medication must be continued even when symptoms disappear.
After replacement therapy has begun, report any symptoms of increased thyroid activity (hyperthyroidism), such as restlessness, rapid weight loss, and sweating.

With early treatment, return to the normal state is usual. However, relapses will occur if the medication is not continued. Myxedema coma can result in death.

Good luck!

[Dusty60]

That is why close blood montoring is done.  I have been hypothyroid for 10 years and on synthyroid .112.  Every year my doctor ran the TSH and for some reason in Nov and Dec I had 2 TIA's.  TSH had been checked in April of 2007.  I was only told I was in the normal range.  When the hospital ER checked my TSH I was in the below normal range at .236.  When this was pointed out to my primary care she said she was not concerned.  After the second TIA in Dec I was admitted to ICU and was treated by a different doctor.  He immediately lowered the synthroid to.88.  One month later here I am at 3.97.  My pcp did not want to test me at  this time and I insisted.  I also insisted on knowing what my numbers are.  I will be retested again in 3 months.  There has to be a happy medium here someplace, just need to find it.  

The moral of this is this......I did not know how bad I was feeling until I started to feel better.  I had no symptoms when it was discovered 10 years ago that I was hypo, so I don't think everyone can go on symptoms however the blood tests don't lie.  Just food for thought.  Wishing you well and keep a close watch on the TSH.