low tsh

[slst]

My tsh is .01 and my Dr. says he is going to send me to the hospital for an ultrasound of the thyroid. That was a week ago and I still have no appointment. I thought it was the pituitary gland that makes the tsh. I am quite ignorant about the thyroid but I know something is wrong because I feel shakey, can't hardly do my house work and I feel my brain is only half working. I am exhausted in a few minutes. Can anyone help me understand what is going on? The Dr. seems in no rush to do anything but I don't know how I can go on this way. Is this not something serious?  Thanks for any help....

[Barb135]

Is TSH the only thing that has been tested?  What about Free T3 and Free T4?  

You're right that TSH is a pituitary hormone.  It's purpose is to stimulate the thyroid to produce the thyroid hormones, T4 and T3.  Typically, when there are plenty of thyroid hormones, TSH remains low, because the thyroid does not need further stimulation.  If TSH goes too low, as in your case, this is an indication that the thyroid is producing too much of thyroid hormones.  This is called hyperthyroidism and "can" be a very serious situation.  

You should call your doctor back and tell her/him how you are feeling.  You need treatment as soon as possible.  

If you are currently taking a replacement thyroid hormone for hypothyroidism, you will need to reduce your dosage.  If you are not taking a replacement thyroid hormone, you may need anti-thyroid medication to stop your thyroid from over producing.