Thyroid blood test normal? Maybe not...

1223345

Do you eat soy? It can also mess with your thyroid as well as raw cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.

I knew soy could impact things....but didn't realize that cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower could problematic.

Kale is another big one. These are what they call goitrogens. My spelling may be wrong. It wouldn't hurt to do some research here. I used to eat a good bit of raw cabbage (cole slaw) when I had hyperthyroidism for this reason. I had multiple cysts on my thyroid which did heal on their own over time.

cindypalm1

I am having this same problem and it is so maddening when everything comes back normal but yet you know that it is not.

jenniferitzep

The range for normal TSH most doctors use is way too broad. I believe the most used upper cut off is 5 but when I was seeing a specialist for my miscarriages she wanted it to be 2 at the most. What was yours?

I had a miscarriage last year and they checked my thyroid for "unrelated" issues Does the thyroid effect it?
I am just wondering because I have strong family history of bad thyroids Overactive, under active, even some that goes in cycles of over then under active. My test was Normal but wasn't giving any info on it I thought I was a positive \ negative kind of test. I know I'm not who you were asking question to but more info would be great. thanks

gparks

I have also been going through the same problem for years. My doctor says he concerned about my hypothyroid, however when I get it checked the test always come back normal. Also was sent for biopsy and still normal. It appears that I have to work extra hard to lose weight even when on the same diet or weight loss program as some one else. The good thing is with MFP, I am getting support that encourages me to work harder. Always looking for supportive friends so feel free to add me!

1223345

The range for normal TSH most doctors use is way too broad. I believe the most used upper cut off is 5 but when I was seeing a specialist for my miscarriages she wanted it to be 2 at the most. What was yours?

I had a miscarriage last year and they checked my thyroid for "unrelated" issues Does the thyroid effect it?
I am just wondering because I have strong family history of bad thyroids Overactive, under active, even some that goes in cycles of over then under active. My test was Normal but wasn't giving any info on it I thought I was a positive \ negative kind of test. I know I'm not who you were asking question to but more info would be great. thanks

It was during my second pregnancy that my hyperthyroidism was discovered. It developed after my first pregnancy, or as my endocrinologists said, because of my first pregnancy. He and my O.B. were surprised that I was pregnant, and that I did not miscarry. If you have hyperthyroidism, it can cause a miscarriage. It can also cause plenty of other complications during pregnancy. I had so many extra check ups at both the O.B. and endocrinologist. I think you should get a copy of those tests, if you have not already, and do some digging on your own. And I would also get as much info from an endocrinologist as possible. I found that both my primary care and my O.B. were giving me false info.

servilia

The range for normal TSH most doctors use is way too broad. I believe the most used upper cut off is 5 but when I was seeing a specialist for my miscarriages she wanted it to be 2 at the most. What was yours?

I had a miscarriage last year and they checked my thyroid for "unrelated" issues Does the thyroid effect it?
I am just wondering because I have strong family history of bad thyroids Overactive, under active, even some that goes in cycles of over then under active. My test was Normal but wasn't giving any info on it I thought I was a positive \ negative kind of test. I know I'm not who you were asking question to but more info would be great. thanks

Yes both hypo and hyperthyroidism could cause miscarriage. If the baby goes on to be born it could also cause other complications with development. My reproductive endocrinology wanted to make sure my TSH stayed under 3, preferably under 2. I would ask for your numbers and make sure they also test your T3 and T4. I'm sorry about your loss.
Ps in most cases it's impossible to say what exactly caused a miscarriage as there are so many possibilities. I had several of them and went for a battery of tests to find out why. I swear the requisition had about 20 items checked. Sugar levels, genetics, progesterone, thyroid etc etc. good luck.

mamosh81

I had "sub-clinical" hyperthyroidism after a period of clinical hyperthyroidism. If it is your primary care dr telling you it's normal you may want to question it. You may fall into a gray area that the primary care dr is not willing to acknowledge.

that is whats puzzeling me my gyn who did all the bloodwork because she suspected i have pcos, witch came out positive and i have insulin resistent pcos, and she also tested my thyroid just to be sure and the tests said something is wrong with it so she told me to go to a primary care doctor to get it checked. So i went to a primary care doctor in the same house and he also agreed that my thyroid is not functioning right but said there is nothing that can be done at the moment that i need to wait till i have to come back for the bloodtest for pcos metformin dose increasement in 4 months and if it has dropped more i can get medication and he also made very clear that it will drop more and there is nothing i can do about it.
So why cant i get treatment now? why do i have to wait 4-8 months (his words) till i can get it treated and its a very good private clinic and he actually said he is specialiced in thyroid problems

TOPSmarca

WOW!!! Some of the things I am reading on here that are considered a "normal" level are really stunning!!!! My ENT has told me that GPs and such use old out dated guidelines and that she likes to keep women's TSH levels between 1 and 2, she never prescribes levothyroxine because the doses are not as even and she finds that often women need more than a supplement of T4 (the commonly supplemented thyroid hormone) but also need small doses of T3... and let me tell you, I have felt better since I have been under her care!!! Also, I am a FertilityCare practitioner and our studies have show that even mild thyroid dysfunction can cause some sub-fertility and infertility, as well as miscarriages. It stuns me that the thyroid is STILL not one of the FIRST things checked in these situations!!!:explode:
Rant over!!! LOL!!!

1223345

I have also been going through the same problem for years. My doctor says he concerned about my hypothyroid, however when I get it checked the test always come back normal. Also was sent for biopsy and still normal. It appears that I have to work extra hard to lose weight even when on the same diet or weight loss program as some one else. The good thing is with MFP, I am getting support that encourages me to work harder. Always looking for supportive friends so feel free to add me!

There are other things that cause the body to try and hang on to fat. A vitamin D deficiency, candida over growth, wheat consumption, gluten intolerance, insulin resistance. Maybe try tweaking your diet here and there. See is you can find the trigger. It has taken me months to peel back the layers to my problem.

JoMarie76

When I did that research, it said that the blood test only tests for part of the thyroid process (T4 I think). Once it was explained that if the problem was with the T3 part of the process, that levothyroxin wouldn't help but hormones would, I realized that all my problems started happening when I got off my birth control pills. I wonder if I'm not getting enough hormones? I don't know, parts of the explanation were confusing and parts made sense and were very enlightening. I am moving to a different state in a few months, so I was going to wait until I moved so I only have to deal with one doctor through the whole process. Is it smart to wait, or could I be a ticking time bomb? :frown:

TOPSmarca

The T3 prescription is called Cytomel. and it is simply T3. as for waiting till you move, it just depends on what you are willing to live with. If this is something that is not debilitating, you may choose to wait. I would say that it is basically your call.

trudijoy

Not to scare you, but my cousin recently passed away from an enlarged heart that we believe was linked to hypothyroidism. There is no reason why you can't get a second opinion. I know it's preferable and comfortable to always see the same doctor... but sometimes they are wrong.

Go see someone else.

such things are usually undiagnosed or untreated hypo. Its a possibility, but not that common if the medication is right

Willowana

I was tested for thyroid problems a million times before...no trouble. All of my hormones have been tested as well. Everything was perfect. Until my thyroid was tested late last year, and yep! Thyroid problem.

Doc put me on Synthroid, and my hair began falling out in clumps in the shower one morning...NOT the usual amount. I mean I could literally run my fingers through and inbetween my fingers were clumps of hair. I had to clear the drain twice.

I stopped taking the meds immediately with no regard to what my doctor thought about it. He said we would test again in the near future. In the meantime, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and that's when I began taking my health seriously in November. Sometime in mid-January, I joined MFP and started trying to lose weight. It took a lot of effort, but the weight started coming off slowly.....and as time went on, my weight loss built momentum.

I saw my doctor on Good Friday. He nearly fell out of his chair when he saw my progress. 35 lbs. down in less than 3 months. The fat chick on a host of weight gaining medication for Fibro, who stopped taking the thyroid pills months ago. It boggled his mind. Needless to say, he drew a slew of blood that day. He's running all my tests again.

Maybe it will show a deficiency again, maybe it won't. Hypothyroidism can come and go as it pleases. Some people go between periods of hyper and hypo. It's a tricky diagnosis. For me personally (not a recommendation to anyone here), I don't want the drugs unless it continues to show consistently that it's underperforming. Because I know, that the moment my thyroid starts functioning properly, the Synthroid will then be too much, and my hair will start falling out again.

To hell. with. that. I'm on so many meds and supplements now for the Fibro (feel free to check out the laundry list, because I add them to my open food diary)... the very last thing I want is another pill. Hypothyroidism has been linked to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I am keeping a close eye on both and doing what I can to keep them within range. I intend to keep going as long as I can before I have to take synthetic hormones.

OP, the choice is yours to make on whether you stick it out, or keep checking every month in hopes of catching it in its underactive phase. You can ask your doctor for the bloodwork sheet, hold onto it, and when you feel like you are having an increased episode of symptoms....THEN go get the blood drawn. Maybe timing it with your symptoms will help you catch it. Hope everything works out for you. It's a sucky thing to deal with.

spaghetti93

I've been seeing an endocrinologist for the past year after having weird symptoms related with thyroid issues. and every blood test i've gotten back is in the "normal range". not just hypothyroidism, but all of the tests. It's an odd feeling wanting there to be something wrong with myself just so there is a solution to the problems I've been having. i can definitely relate to any frustration you feel.

jenniferitzep

The range for normal TSH most doctors use is way too broad. I believe the most used upper cut off is 5 but when I was seeing a specialist for my miscarriages she wanted it to be 2 at the most. What was yours?

I had a miscarriage last year and they checked my thyroid for "unrelated" issues Does the thyroid effect it?
I am just wondering because I have strong family history of bad thyroids Overactive, under active, even some that goes in cycles of over then under active. My test was Normal but wasn't giving any info on it I thought I was a positive \ negative kind of test. I know I'm not who you were asking question to but more info would be great. thanks

Yes both hypo and hyperthyroidism could cause miscarriage. If the baby goes on to be born it could also cause other complications with development. My reproductive endocrinology wanted to make sure my TSH stayed under 3, preferably under 2. I would ask for your numbers and make sure they also test your T3 and T4. I'm sorry about your loss.
Ps in most cases it's impossible to say what exactly caused a miscarriage as there are so many possibilities. I had several of them and went for a battery of tests to find out why. I swear the requisition had about 20 items checked. Sugar levels, genetics, progesterone, thyroid etc etc. good luck.

None of the doctors I seen ob/gyn ,primary care, or ER doctor told me anything I had to ask the receptionist to even find out the. Pregnancy hormone levels. Thank you for the info I will definitely be calling them tomorrow to request my results . This was my 3 or 4 pregnancy my first two were preemies (1st@ 27weeks. 2 sd@ 34 weeks) and one suspected miscarriage but I couldn't confirm it

trudijoy

Do you eat soy? It can also mess with your thyroid as well as raw cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.

I knew soy could impact things....but didn't realize that cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower could problematic.

'CAN' being the operative word. I'm hypo, soy doesn't affect me in the slightest. In Japan my thyroid was the healthiest it has ever been and everything has soy in it there.

trudijoy

WOW!!! Some of the things I am reading on here that are considered a "normal" level are really stunning!!!! My ENT has told me that GPs and such use old out dated guidelines and that she likes to keep women's TSH levels between 1 and 2, she never prescribes levothyroxine because the doses are not as even and she finds that often women need more than a supplement of T4 (the commonly supplemented thyroid hormone) but also need small doses of T3... and let me tell you, I have felt better since I have been under her care!!! Also, I am a FertilityCare practitioner and our studies have show that even mild thyroid dysfunction can cause some sub-fertility and infertility, as well as miscarriages. It stuns me that the thyroid is STILL not one of the FIRST things checked in these situations!!!:explode:
Rant over!!! LOL!!!

if she doesn't prescribe levothyroxine what does she prescribe?

servilia

The range for normal TSH most doctors use is way too broad. I believe the most used upper cut off is 5 but when I was seeing a specialist for my miscarriages she wanted it to be 2 at the most. What was yours?

I had a miscarriage last year and they checked my thyroid for "unrelated" issues Does the thyroid effect it?
I am just wondering because I have strong family history of bad thyroids Overactive, under active, even some that goes in cycles of over then under active. My test was Normal but wasn't giving any info on it I thought I was a positive \ negative kind of test. I know I'm not who you were asking question to but more info would be great. thanks

Yes both hypo and hyperthyroidism could cause miscarriage. If the baby goes on to be born it could also cause other complications with development. My reproductive endocrinology wanted to make sure my TSH stayed under 3, preferably under 2. I would ask for your numbers and make sure they also test your T3 and T4. I'm sorry about your loss.
Ps in most cases it's impossible to say what exactly caused a miscarriage as there are so many possibilities. I had several of them and went for a battery of tests to find out why. I swear the requisition had about 20 items checked. Sugar levels, genetics, progesterone, thyroid etc etc. good luck.

None of the doctors I seen ob/gyn ,primary care, or ER doctor told me anything I had to ask the receptionist to even find out the. Pregnancy hormone levels. Thank you for the info I will definitely be calling them tomorrow to request my results . This was my 3 or 4 pregnancy my first two were preemies (1st@ 27weeks. 2 sd@ 34 weeks) and one suspected miscarriage but I couldn't confirm it

Keep in mind they don't do testing after one miscarriage. You usually have to have three in a row. Single miscarriages are usually chalked up to a randomly faulty chromosome.

kitty_764

I have to take the time to read everyones post but until then - AAAAAAAARGHHHH How frustrating!!!!! I feel your pain. My TSH was 1.41 last year and as of today it's 3.98. My doc wants me to come back in a month to retest.

I started dieting in January and wanted to lose 20lbs by June. I haven't lost a F'N thing! I should have lost around 15 pounds by now AAAAAAAAARGHHHH!! My hair has been falling out, my brain is just not like it used to be, dry skin, among other things.

I am my profile pic Good luck OP and everyone else that is having issues.

vegannewbie12

bump

TOPSmarca

if she doesn't prescribe levothyroxine what does she prescribe?

She prescribes Synthroid only and no generics.

TOPSmarca

I have to take the time to read everyones post but until then - AAAAAAAARGHHHH How frustrating!!!!! I feel your pain. My TSH was 1.41 last year and as of today it's 3.98. My doc wants me to come back in a month to retest.

I started dieting in January and wanted to lose 20lbs by June. I haven't lost a F'N thing! I should have lost around 15 pounds by now AAAAAAAAARGHHHH!! My hair has been falling out, my brain is just not like it used to be, dry skin, among other things.

I am my profile pic Good luck OP and everyone else that is having issues.

Get an appt with an endocrinologist and get yourself a second opinion!!!

magpie0

I'm not overweight but I too have a lot of the symptoms of an underactive thyroid. I've had my blood checked since I was young to test for it but the results were always negative. I have normal iron levels and my symptoms started around puberty. I'm on an assortment of medications for depression now because that seems to be the only likely solution.

arcaneshadowcat

Just as a note, I was recently tested for hypothyroidism for not getting results my TSH was 21.4, when a few years ago it was at 4.5 which was well within normal. I've been having increasing problems with the symptoms though for the better part of a decade now. Apparently mine just needed to start slow and over the past couple years decide to go for the gold and sprint the last bit to crazy high levels.

My mother has Hashimoto's syndrome or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, apparently her version has the levels low enough that they masquerade as normal and then occasionally spike. They have different sets of tests to run specifically for it. You may have your doctor check if you are on the scale for Hashimoto's syndrome. It is a long shot, but a potential. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hashimotos-disease/DS00567/DSECTION=symptoms

Qskim

Byron Richards..."Mastering Leptin"... Mentions PCOS, thyroid problems (often undiagnosed when tested). He's a top american specialist in nutrition specifically addressing thyroid and leptin issues. Years of studies used. Leptin is a relatively new discovery that is yet to filter down to doctors/nutritionists. If you google his name you will get his website. It is supplement heavy but I did it without them (personally don't have either PCOS or thyroid problems but suspect I was insulin resistant). The site, when you dig around has terrific explanations. Body is overheated basically...need good nutrition and gentle exercise to "cool" the system and regulate hormone function. His book is a must read.

servilia

if she doesn't prescribe levothyroxine what does she prescribe?

She prescribes Synthroid only and no generics.

Synthroid is a brand name for levothyroxine.

UsedToBeHusky

Not to scare you, but my cousin recently passed away from an enlarged heart that we believe was linked to hypothyroidism. There is no reason why you can't get a second opinion. I know it's preferable and comfortable to always see the same doctor... but sometimes they are wrong.

Go see someone else.

such things are usually undiagnosed or untreated hypo. Its a possibility, but not that common if the medication is right

She had other issues. Hypothyroidism was kind of low on the priority scale for the most part. It was primarily genetically inherited so its upsetting to me that this slipped past her doctors. And worries me for my other family members who have it.

RetiredAndLovingIt

bump to read later

Hi_Im_Jess

My thyroid levels were "normal" or "not too bad" for years so my doctor just kept letting it go.. it wasnt until things spiraled out of control that my GYN finally decided it was time to start synthroid. I have every symptom on the checklist but my doctor would go by lab results. It might be time for a new physician if they arent helping you. Definitely get a second opinion.. I'm now on synthroid 100mcg and still not feeling 100%. Nobody knows your body like you do, if you feel that something is wrong dont stop pushing.

TOPSmarca

if she doesn't prescribe levothyroxine what does she prescribe?

She prescribes Synthroid only and no generics.

Synthroid is a brand name for levothyroxine.

Thanks for catching that!!! I misspoke:blushing: , I was on Levoxyl, another brand name... and THAT is what my ENT will no longer prescribe!!! She has had much greater success with Synthroid.