Thyroid

Options
rach41413
rach41413 Posts: 82 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I'm not sure that MFP is the best place to post this, but I don't know where else! Ha. I recently had a physical with blood work, and my TSH came back 3.0. I know that's not a cause for huge concern, but hypothyroidism runs in my family and I believe my mom has goiter. Also, I looked back at my lab results from 2008, and then my TSH was .848, so a pretty big change.

I have also read that there is a push to change the "normal" levels of TSH to .3-3.0...if that's true I'd be at the top end of the spectrum.

Does anyone have a lot of knowledge about thyroid issues? Should I be concerned, or just wait til next year's physical? Are there any natural supplements that help? Thanks!

Replies

  • Justwaitlonger
    Justwaitlonger Posts: 20
    Options
    This doesn't really respond to your question, I just wonder what the numbers are.
    I actually have hypothyroidism, and am taking medication for it. But I was never told any numbers or anything. :/
  • JustPeachy044
    JustPeachy044 Posts: 770 Member
    Options
    always been hypothyroid, don't know if there is anything you can do to prevent from becoming hypo! just please keep an eye on it...especially if you find yourself excessively sleepy, cranky, cold fingers/toes, and weight gain...get retested 'cuz you are probably low.

    don't know if it makes a difference for you since you are not officially hypothyroid, but i have to limit cabbage and soy products as they can interfere with my thyroid meds.
  • rach41413
    rach41413 Posts: 82 Member
    Options
    This doesn't really respond to your question, I just wonder what the numbers are.
    I actually have hypothyroidism, and am taking medication for it. But I was never told any numbers or anything. :/

    Higher numbers mean hypothyroidism, lower numbers mean hyperthyroidism. That's about the extent of my knowledge! Ha. The "healthy" ranges that I've seen in my google-research have been so varied that I don't know what to think.
  • hannahchipmunk
    hannahchipmunk Posts: 50
    Options
    I know this doesn't directly answer your question, but even though my thyroid is fine, blood work has shown that I produce more thyroid receptors than necessary. So, I take thyroid medication and it has really helped my energy level. Have you asked your doctor about the possibility of thyroid meds?
  • rach41413
    rach41413 Posts: 82 Member
    Options
    @srsteier, I will definitely keep an eye on it! I don't think I have many symptoms at this point, but I do want to be proactive about it if I will end up with hypothyroidism...I don't want to let any symptoms get out of hand!

    @hannahchipmun, I didn't mention anything at my physical because I didn't have the results yet (obviously, haha). What was your TSH level? Did you feel really tired and sluggish before going on the meds? I would rather avoid drugs if I can, but I also don't want to feel crappy!
  • vlawhn
    vlawhn Posts: 2
    Options
    I had to post on this message because this is such a difficult topic. First I recommend that you see an Endicrinologist for the best advice but I will give you my two cents. Hypothyroid normals are extremely broad and most phyisicians will not treat for Hypothyroidism with out exceeding the normal limit on a lab report. However Endicrinologist will generally treat if the TSH is greater than 2.0. With this being said they will also evaluate other tests such as a FT4 for circulating thyroxine. For you the disadvantage of not seeking further treatment is that weight loss will be very difficult until your TSH is regulated. I too have had hypothyroidism in my family but I was not treated correctly for many years because I was "Normal" on the lab report. On my first visit to the Endicrinologist he felt my throat and determined that I need a sonogram. The results of the sonogram indicated another lab test, Thyroglobulin Antibody test. This with the phyical examination led the doctor to diagnose my hypothyroidism as Hashimoto's Disease. I spoke with one physician that I worked closely with and trust and he said that it was no big deal and that is actually quite common so I am not too concerned with the diagnosis. Of all the specialists out there a good Endicrinologist is worth the expense and the time. So that is my two cents, I hope it helps.
  • bluechip777
    bluechip777 Posts: 160 Member
    Options
    Lots of info here http://www.facebook.com/thyroidsexy, you can post your test results with your given ranges as designated in the lab work. You have to do a lot more digging than a TSH test, including T3 etc, but generally people feel better w/ a TSH below 1
  • nursenessa1
    nursenessa1 Posts: 182 Member
    Options
    :angry: Getting medical advice from a bunch of heehaws on mfp is redonkulous. Go to the doctor.

    :flowerforyou: TSH of 3 is very nice and normal.
  • rach41413
    rach41413 Posts: 82 Member
    Options
    Thanks, vlawhn and bluechip777! Very helpful. Are T3 and T4 tests also blood tests? I really don't want to see another doctor, since in the past 5 months I have been to a neurologist, ophthalmologist, and neuro-ophthalmologist AND had a spinal tap, blood patch, two MRIs, and many visual field tests to get diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri...but at least I have met my deductible for the year! Ha. I just might have to go to an endocrinologist. Bleh.
  • rach41413
    rach41413 Posts: 82 Member
    Options
    :angry: Getting medical advice from a bunch of heehaws on mfp is redonkulous. Go to the doctor.

    :flowerforyou: TSH of 3 is very nice and normal.

    Haha, that is why I was unsure, but I figured that some personal experience would be nice to hear.
  • lessoff
    lessoff Posts: 19
    Options
    i see an endocrinologist for my thyroid issues (hashimotos) but we aim for my TSH level to be as close to 1 as possible. the only reason that i was put on medicine was because i came up positive for thyroid antibodies (and i had an ultrasound done of my thyroid and it is bumpy-which means that my body is attacking it). ive been on medicine for my thyroid since i was 27 and i feel so much better and normal. maybe you can ask for the antibody test?
    as for natural ways to help this problem, i really dont know. try to avoid soy, it has something in it that helps goiters grow. i read the jillian michaels book (i want to say it was called master my metabolism but im not sure now-i let my cousin borrow it years ago and never saw it back) anyway she has a huge issue with her thyroid and tells you a bunch of things ive never heard before.
    after reading that book i went to my endocrinologist appointment and asked questions (my fav veggie is brussels sprouts which is another one that causes goiter growth) and i was told to limit them to 3 times a week.
  • Momjogger
    Momjogger Posts: 750 Member
    Options
    I cannot recommend Centrum Silver plus 50 for women enough. If you are worried about thyroid and goiter, the vitamin has iodine in it. It also has extra vitamin D, calcium, iron, and B 12. Not having enough of these vitamins can cause fatigue and they are now finding that getting enough D helps women to lose weight. It helped me. I would just keep getting yearly check ups, talk to your doctor about your concerns, and try a good multi-vitamin.
  • bluechip777
    bluechip777 Posts: 160 Member
    Options
    Go to a doc who knows something about these specific issues. I went to plenty of docs and they are great at telling you that you are normal because they are in no way qualified to treat hypothyroidism. They only know two words; TSH & synthroid. It's a load of crap and to anyone w/ a laundry list of symptoms don't waste your time with general practitioners!!! It's okay to ask around about something that you are not familiar with----i'm sure someone that pushes meds all day would rather you not ask.
  • icesk8ermom
    icesk8ermom Posts: 82 Member
    Options
    I had to post on this message because this is such a difficult topic. First I recommend that you see an Endicrinologist for the best advice but I will give you my two cents. Hypothyroid normals are extremely broad and most phyisicians will not treat for Hypothyroidism with out exceeding the normal limit on a lab report. However Endicrinologist will generally treat if the TSH is greater than 2.0. With this being said they will also evaluate other tests such as a FT4 for circulating thyroxine. For you the disadvantage of not seeking further treatment is that weight loss will be very difficult until your TSH is regulated. I too have had hypothyroidism in my family but I was not treated correctly for many years because I was "Normal" on the lab report. On my first visit to the Endicrinologist he felt my throat and determined that I need a sonogram. The results of the sonogram indicated another lab test, Thyroglobulin Antibody test. This with the phyical examination led the doctor to diagnose my hypothyroidism as Hashimoto's Disease. I spoke with one physician that I worked closely with and trust and he said that it was no big deal and that is actually quite common so I am not too concerned with the diagnosis. Of all the specialists out there a good Endicrinologist is worth the expense and the time. So that is my two cents, I hope it helps.

    I went undiagnosed for 7 years, had a regular thyroid panel done several times and came back normal. I went to urgent care for some pain meds ( I had a broken disk and was in bad shape) , the doctor stopped me mid sentence and said me to explain my thyroid, it appeared enlarged to him but my thyroid panel was always normal......long story short, I was sent for an ultra sound and indeed my thyroid was enlarged. He then ordered a basic thyroid panel along with T3 & T4 which checked for antibodies. Indeed I was positive for the antibody and had Hashimotos Disease. I had to have my thyroid removed because it was to advanced and couldn't be treated with meds to shrink it. What happens with Hashimotos is it creates antibodies causing the thyroid to attack itself making it enlarged. The only way to discover it is via the T3 & T4 tests. It is hereditary need to need to clarify exactally what your mom has and see if any other family....aunts, uncles, grandma, grandpa have this also and communicate that with your physician because it could make a difference in which tests are ordered. Don't wait...don't let this go too long talk to your family and let your physician know!!

    Check out this website there are many people there that know so much more about thyroid issues and will help you read your labs and understand symptoms etc.....

    http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

    Good luck.....don't sit on this do something having to have your thyroid remove stinks. Your thyroid controls more than you ever can understand.
  • bluechip777
    bluechip777 Posts: 160 Member
    Options
    Great info on that site---it's where I first started getting questions & answers!
  • rach41413
    rach41413 Posts: 82 Member
    Options
    Wow, thanks everyone for all the info and encouragement!

Categories