What are your Thyroid levels? Are you medicated?

soonermomma03 · 03-17-2005, 03:02 PM

If you wouldn't mind, telling, what are your thyroid levels? Do you take medication?

I just had another test done, and my OB said it was normal, but I have seen the new levels are changed. My result was 3.050, which is technically .01 above.

But, I have a lot of symptoms, and I constantly feel like crap. Would you try to find a Dr. to put you on Meds??

Thanks!

Liesl123 · 03-17-2005, 03:35 PM

My RE told me that optimal TSH level is 1.0. I am now less than that but he said that it was still fine. Good luck finding a doc who treats the whole patient and not just their lab work.

PCOSinDC · 03-17-2005, 06:51 PM

My doctor told me that he likes the levels to be between 1-3. My levels have been anywhere from 2.5-8 before pregnancy, then they returned to normal during pregnancy (I had to get my TSH between 1-2 in order to get pregnant). I don't think a trial of Synthroid or another drug would hurt you, you just risk turning hyperthyroid for a bit. That sucks (I feel much worse when I go hyper than hypo), but it might be worth a try...

Good luck finding a good doc! I'd look for a straight up endocrinologist. Check out thyroid.about.com - tons of info there.

Erica

RachaelM · 03-17-2005, 10:20 PM

I had a wonderful doctor who finally threw the "normals" out of the window and we spent a year testing new med levels until I felt "right". I am slightly above normal but I have NO hyper-active symptoms. I'm sorry I don't know my numbers and could not locate my last test results.

We moved recently so I had to see someone else who wanted to drop my meds down a notch since I was testing so high. I dropped HIM instead and am looking for a new doc for my next visit. I've done enough research to know that those "normal" levels are not normal for everyone.

I would say try it and see how you feel. You'll need to be monitored very regularly.

JessicaE · 03-17-2005, 10:26 PM

I'm not sure what I'd do in that situation, to tell you the truth. It's so close to normal, I might just ask to be tested again in 6 weeks. But I'd definitely suggest seeing an endocrinologist, OBs don't really specialize in thyroid issues and you could probably benefit from some expert advice. Good luck, I hope you are feeling better very soon!

Tinkiecat · 03-17-2005, 10:48 PM

I agree that sometimes the numbers dont really matter... I switched from synthroid to armour several years ago because I was having symptoms of low T3 even with normal levels and felt much better on it (synthroid is only T4, armour is T3 and T4). You need a good endocrinologist.
Good luck!

moonshadow · 03-18-2005, 08:08 AM

did your doctor check t3, t4, and tsh? some only test t4 and tsh. i think i got the t thing right. i'm going back to an endo soon to check my other t. you can get synthetics for both now.

most people can make their own t3 even if they don't make their own t4. some can't. maybe you don't make t3. you can feel run down if you're low in either one.

hannah

(who needs to go call that endo back! thanks for the reminder

)

O2bphishin · 03-19-2005, 11:35 AM

This is what my doctor told me. New guidelines for thyroid treatment guidelines have been established. Any Tsh above 3 is considered hypothyroid and should be treated. Most people feel best when their TSH is about 1. Hyperinsulinemia (insulin resistance) can inhibit the conversion of the inactive thyroid hormone T-4 to it's active form T-3. This can cause functional hypothyroidism which is hard to detect because a blood test could display a normal level of circulating thyroid hormones.
Even though your level is just a bit above the cut-off, I am suprised that your doctor didn't want to treat you. Especially since you are having some overt symptoms. You may want to get a 2nd opinion as a low thyroid can cause multiple problems.
Hope this has helped you!
Jenn

soonermomma03 · 03-20-2005, 11:12 PM

Thanks everyone. The Dr. I have been seeing is actually my OB.

I did used to see an Endo, but she was nuts (a lot of others with PCOS in this area have told me so also). I might try to find a different Dr. if he isn't willing to treat me on this.

Hidden Sorrows · 04-03-2005, 12:53 AM

I just got my results yesterday my TSH level is 4.104 which is high. I am currently not on any meds & am looking for a good doctor but have had no luck as of yet.

O2bphishin · 04-06-2005, 11:50 AM

Sarah-
I was going to add that I see a internalist to treat my hypothyroidism. You don't necessarily have to see an endo. I will say that sometimes OB's don't keep up w/ the current medical research as related to non-pregnant women. Not that your doc is not fab, but she probably doesn't have enough time to read up on the latest med treatment for women who aren't preg.
Jenn

TickledPink · 04-06-2005, 02:34 PM

I was at 3.2 last time I was checked, but the time before I was 6.6 and I am on no meds......