Question to Nurses or Doctors about hypothyroidism...?!


Question: Question to Nurses or Doctors about hypothyroidism....?
I went to my doctor complaining of fatigue and weight gain. My mom and sister have both been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, so I suggested we test me. I got the result on my voicemail that I was normal and I called back to get the actual number...it's 5.31. I've read a lot of articles that say 1.0-5.0 is normal. Shouldn't I be considered to have hypothyroidism.?Health Question & Answer


Answers:
AACE recommended a few years back that the TSH range be 0.3 to 3.0. You very well could have hypothyroidism. Do you have symptoms...If so, and with the TSH above 5 you are most likely hypothyroid. Other testing that can determine this is the free t4 and free t3. Remember for all thyroid testing to test in the morning. Our metabolism is highest while we sleep and this is when TSH is highest. That's why you want to test asap upon walking up. By 2PM, TSH is at its lowest point of the day.

BTW, symptoms of hypothyroidism can include; weight gain, difficulty losing weight, constipation, dry skin, dry thinning hair, ridged fingernails, brain fog, depression, muacle and joint aches, decreased sex drive, sensitivity to light, mood changes, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, high cholesterol.Health Question & Answer

The same thing happened to me. My internist kept saying that I was 'borderline' (5.73) but that it didn't need to be treated 'YET'. I took the liberty of seeing an endocrinologist a month later on my own because my symptoms kept getting worse and in that amount of time my TSH level had worsened to 8.57 and an ultrasound showed that the left lobe was virtually non-functional. The endocrinologist informed me that the new AACE guidelines for normal thyroid levels was between 0.3 and 3.0. He also said that there's no such thing as "borderline" hypothyroidism because hypothyroidism is a progressive disease...it doesn't get better or even stay the same once the levels are off...it's actually a sign that the thyroid gland is failing. If the levels aren't WITHIN the range of the guidelines...they can't be considered 'normal' and should be investigated further.

Since your mom and sister both have it too, I'd bet money that you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is what I have, and it's hereditary. As soon as the endocrine doc found that out, he had me bring in my 14 year old daughter for tests, and sure enough...she had it too and has been on medication since. Go see an endocrine specialist.Health Question & Answer

The treatment level is generally considered to be at 10 and greater. Subclinical hypothyroid levels are treated selectively. At levels of 5-10, doctors may elect to further evaluate and treat if the patient is symptomatic.Health Question & Answer

My dr keeps mine at 2, I think you should go to an endocrinologist, they know best. Most family dr's think as long as it is "within range" it is ok but that is not always true.Health Question & Answer

actually since your number is slightly higher than 5.0, you would be considered to have hyPERthyroidism. Have a complete workup done, including CT scan and MRI of the brain. Bloodwork from not only electrolytes but also infectious diseases. You might be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, in case they wont come up with anything. Have yourself referred to specialists if needed. Good luck. Health Question & Answer



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