Thyroid Questions-

Sadie06 · 02-17-2008, 04:14 PM

I have had some serious joint pain, night sweats, hair falling out, dry skin and fatigue lately. I got tested for Rheumatoid Arthritis-it came back negative and they said my thyroid levels were "borderline" hypothyroid. They say they won't treat me as it's "borderline" and I have to be retested in 4 weeks. Any of the symptoms above sound familiar?

Navi · 02-17-2008, 05:01 PM

Those sound like classic symptoms to me. I'm also in the process of trying to get hypothyroidism dx'ed, and I also fall in the "borderline" range AFAIK. My TSH almost a year ago was 3.24 and for about 8 months I've been feeling similar to you (night sweats, hair thinning, fatigue, etc.).

Somewhat Damaged · 02-17-2008, 06:03 PM

Get a second opinion. You should be treated for your symptoms as a person, not as a lab result.

When I started treatment for hypothyroidism, my tsh was only 2.28. The range for my lab is .4 to 5.0, but many people get symptoms far before they get to 5.0! I've been taking Armour for about 9 months now, and within the first month or my depression was nearly gone (had been ongoing for 7 years). My hair stopped falling out in clumps and is much thicker now, and I have eyebrows again. I still struggle with some symptoms, but they are likely due to other health issues I'm trying to get diagnosed.

Anyway, you may have to see several doctors before you find one that will treat you but it's worth the time and effort. Obviously, you are having symptoms of hypothyroidism, which your labs indicate, and you need treatment. It's absurd that the doctor wants to let you suffer until your labs increase a couple points so he can feel justified in treating you.

I didn't see where you listed your levels, but there is also a lot of dissent in the medical community as to what qualifies as 'out of range' for thyroid patients. I think there is information about this in the stickies on the top of this forum... You might be out of range judging by more current standards.

Sadie06 · 02-17-2008, 06:34 PM

I can't recall the actual number but I know it was 5. something

Somewhat Damaged · 02-17-2008, 07:03 PM

Check out this link:

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/testsfor...a/newrange.htm

Quote:

According to the AACE, doctors have typically been basing their diagnoses on the "normal" range for the TSH test. The typical normal levels at most laboratories has fallen in the 0.5 to 5.0 range.

The new guidelines narrow the range for acceptable thyroid function, and the AACE is now encouraging doctors to consider thyroid treatment for patients who test the target TSH level of 0.3 to 3.04, a far narrower range. AACE believes the new range will result in proper diagnosis for millions of Americans who suffer from a mild thyroid disorder, but have gone untreated until now

mommavia · 02-17-2008, 07:24 PM

Your symptoms are very common among hypo patients and 5.anything = hypothyroid! the doctor you saw, is s/he a GP or endocrinologist? I recommend finding an endo who specializes in thyroid disease/dysfunction. they will be up to date on the most recent values and treatments.

Good luck,
Cynthia

jennilane · 02-22-2008, 03:14 PM

I have joint pain too. My feet hurt and my hands fall asleep when I am sleeping. My level is 4. I also got tested for RA but to my surprise it was also negative. My mom has it real bad and she said she never tested positive. I have been on Levo for almost a month and I have lost no weight, my pain is still here and I am still tired. I go in to check my level again in a week or two. So we'll see...

Trinity1974 · 02-22-2008, 06:45 PM

I have joint pain to the point that it feels like my joints are on fire. I've been tested for all the things they have to rule out and they are certain it's either Fibromyalgia or my thyroid :/

laneygirlid · 03-03-2008, 01:01 AM

Here's another link that is more recent and the article at the bottom says the upper limit of normal range will be 2.5 and so anything above 3 is not normal. I agree that you need to find a doctor that knows/practices with this information.

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/testsfor...a/labs2003.htm

canadianmutation · 03-04-2008, 03:29 PM

They won't treat my borderline (3.98) unless I am ttc... now they won't let me ttc until I hit 2.5 XD-- Oh the joys of medicine.

jennilane · 03-07-2008, 12:00 AM

Candi, what is 2.5 XD?

canadianmutation · 03-07-2008, 08:19 PM

thats the lvl 2.5 and kinda a doh smilely...

Paola · 03-09-2008, 07:15 PM

What's the difference between hypothyroid and hyperthyroid and is it possible to have both ??
My sTSH is 4.03, the value is between 0.35 - 5.00mU/L.

jennilane · 03-09-2008, 10:31 PM

Candi~ lol thats funny.
I would get a different doc. I am not yet ttc and they treated my level of 4 and I feel a lot better.

Poala~ Hypo is underactive and Hyper is overactive. You can't have both I don't think... unless you are fluctuating or something strange like that. your level is high so i would assume you have hypothyroid. The higher the number the slower your thyroid, I know it's kinda backwards huh.

Paola · 03-10-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jennilane

Poala~ Hypo is underactive and Hyper is overactive. You can't have both I don't think... unless you are fluctuating or something strange like that. your level is high so i would assume you have hypothyroid. The higher the number the slower your thyroid, I know it's kinda backwards huh.

Maybe I could benefit from Armor Thyroid too, except my doctor insists nothing is wrong with me........but I'm searching for another because clearly the doctor I have is a doorknob.