Aa
thyroid meds
hello everyone. i was told i have hypothyroidism about 6 weeks ago. i had been feeling rotten for about year and a half. was first informed that i was anaemic and i have been on iron tablets since last october .my gp then informed me by telephone that my tsh was 9.8 and that 'there was something present in my blood which meant this was always going to happen '.. i have been on a 25mcg dose of thyroxine 6 weeks and had my bloods redone for first time today. should know on monday what result is.does anyone know how high this tsh is and also what my gp meant by the 'something else in my blood '. thank you very much for any help.
A TSH of 9.8 is obviously over the reference range, but not all that high compared to many we see here on the Forum. I hope that you were tested for more than TSH, but if not, I would not be surprised. Many doctors have the "Immaculate TSH Belief' and only use TSH to diagnose and medicate a thyroid patient. This is just wrong because TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by so many variables that it is inadequate as a sole diagnostic for thyroid problems. At best it is an indicator to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms, and also levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, free T3 and free T4 (not the same as total T3 and total T4).
FT3 is actually the most important test, since FT3 largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions. Studies have shown that FT3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while FT4 and TSH did not correlate. A good thyroid doctor will test and adjust FT3 and FT4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. Symptom relief should be all important, not test results. Many of our members have reported that symptom relief for them required that FT3 was adjusted into the upper part of its range and FT4 adjusted to at least midpoint of its range.
If it is not too late, I suggest that you try to see if they can run tests for free T3 and free T4 from your blood draw today.
As far as "something else in your blood", the only thing that comes to mind is the possibility of thyroid antibodies, which can indicate Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is the most common reason for hypothyroidism. Tests for that would be TPO ab and TG ab.
FT3 is actually the most important test, since FT3 largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions. Studies have shown that FT3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while FT4 and TSH did not correlate. A good thyroid doctor will test and adjust FT3 and FT4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. Symptom relief should be all important, not test results. Many of our members have reported that symptom relief for them required that FT3 was adjusted into the upper part of its range and FT4 adjusted to at least midpoint of its range.
If it is not too late, I suggest that you try to see if they can run tests for free T3 and free T4 from your blood draw today.
As far as "something else in your blood", the only thing that comes to mind is the possibility of thyroid antibodies, which can indicate Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is the most common reason for hypothyroidism. Tests for that would be TPO ab and TG ab.
Wanted to add that in view of your low iron, it is all the more important to get tested for free T3. This is because low iron can inhibit the conversion of T4 to T3. Many doctors will argue that if they know FT4 level, then they can adequately estimate FT3. This is frequently not true, especially when there is poor T4 to T3 conversion going on. In view of the importance of FT3, why not just test and be sure? So if the doctor resists testing for FT4 and fT3, then you should insist on it and don't take no for an answer.
As Gimel writes accurately, the total TSH is not that high, but really is a worthless indicator of most thyroid issues, if not all. In addition, most total thyroid panels done on equipment manufactured prior to 2009 are not to be trusted in any case.
Your small dosage my be too low, but we do need to see Free T-3 and Free T-4 to get any info from the blood tests. You should also ask your doc for a sonogram/ultrasound order to have the gland examined. You get a double benefit for this, they will look at your corrated artery to examine for plaque build up and can tell you if you are above normal for heart disease risk.
The anemia issue can be partially caused by hypothyrodism, and is common in post partum women. I would try to include lean red meat in my diet, along with legumes which can naturally add to your iron.
As to your doctor's comments, I honestly have to say that every day I read, or hear, about the most idiotic comments made by physician's to their patients. I would suggest you contact this physician to get the exact details as to what he is referring to, and that you ask him/her to speak very detailed to you from now on, not like you are a 5 year old. Also, on your next visit, have a written list of questions you have - and don't leave until you get the answers!
Best in Health.
Your small dosage my be too low, but we do need to see Free T-3 and Free T-4 to get any info from the blood tests. You should also ask your doc for a sonogram/ultrasound order to have the gland examined. You get a double benefit for this, they will look at your corrated artery to examine for plaque build up and can tell you if you are above normal for heart disease risk.
The anemia issue can be partially caused by hypothyrodism, and is common in post partum women. I would try to include lean red meat in my diet, along with legumes which can naturally add to your iron.
As to your doctor's comments, I honestly have to say that every day I read, or hear, about the most idiotic comments made by physician's to their patients. I would suggest you contact this physician to get the exact details as to what he is referring to, and that you ask him/her to speak very detailed to you from now on, not like you are a 5 year old. Also, on your next visit, have a written list of questions you have - and don't leave until you get the answers!
Best in Health.
can not believe that someone would actually take the time to post an answer. thanks.you are so right about being treated like a 5 year old. this same gp told me to go online to a self help website for insomnia after i visited him 5 times in 8 months to complain that i wasn sleeping ( 11 nights without a single hour ). will wait patiently to see what monday brings and this time will demand a face to face appointment.
thanks for such indepth answer. i have so much to learn thats for sure. knowledge is most definitately power.
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