Question:

I am still waiting to see the Dr.  This was found in routine Health Profile….I have to wait until next week to get the Dr’s verdict.  Is this a number high enough for meds?  I do have most of the symptoms…plus mother and 2 sisters take synthroid. Doe

Response:

Different labs have different ranges for what is considered normal (you would need to check as to what your lab’s range is), but your TSH is above the normal range by any of the ranges I’ve seen (most of the labs in my area use a range of .35 to 5.5 as being considered normal), and your family history certainly suggests that you are a likely candidate for hypothyroidism (as it tends to be hereditary). One thing to be aware of:  Many, many people don’t feel well unless their TSH is below 2.0, despite what labs consider to be "normal".  Some doctors understand this (fortunately mine is one of them — I tend be feel best under 1.0) and will use medication to get your numbers on the low end of the normal range (and go by how you feel, rather than just by the numbers).   Other doctors feel anything within what the lab considers to be the normal range (or even slightly above) is fine.  Hopefully your doc falls into the former category. Check out alt.support.thyroid and http://thyroid.about.com for more information. Hope you get on meds and start feeling better soon! I am still waiting to see the Dr.  This was found in routine Health Profile….I have to wait until next week to get the Dr’s verdict.  Is this a number high enough for meds?  I do have most of the symptoms…plus mother and 2 sisters take synthroid. Doe

– KC (to reply by e-mail, please take out the dog)

Response:

Thanks so much, KC.  I think the voice of experience is the most valuable.  I know quite some time ago I saw a lot of posts here on thyroid, but I never had any problem and didn’t really absorb any of the info.  I see the doctor next Thursday …so will see what he thinks, but this does give me some direction. Thanks again,  Doe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Different labs have different ranges for what is considered normal (you would need to check as to what your lab’s range is), but your TSH is above the normal range by any of the ranges I’ve seen (most of the labs in my area use a range of .35 to 5.5 as being considered normal), and your family history certainly suggests that you are a likely candidate for hypothyroidism (as it tends to be hereditary). One thing to be aware of:  Many, many people don’t feel well unless their TSH is below 2.0, despite what labs consider to be "normal".  Some doctors understand this (fortunately mine is one of them — I tend be feel best under 1.0) and will use medication to get your numbers on the low end of the normal range (and go by how you feel, rather than just by the numbers). Other doctors feel anything within what the lab considers to be the normal range (or even slightly above) is fine.  Hopefully your doc falls into the former category. Check out alt.support.thyroid and http://thyroid.about.com for more information. Hope you get on meds and start feeling better soon! I am still waiting to see the Dr.  This was found in routine Health Profile….I have to wait until next week to get the Dr’s verdict.  Is this a number high enough for meds?  I do have most of the symptoms…plus mother and 2 sisters take synthroid. Doe — KC (to reply by e-mail, please take out the dog)

Response:

Hi, Piper! Actually, I don’t *feel* under the weather.  I guess my TSH numbers are a little elevated which means my thyroid probably is not quite putting out what it should.  I hope to find out by Thursday. Best, Doe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Doe, I missed the original post, but I can extrapolate from the other posts. Sorry to hear you’re under the weather. I haven’t been posting, just lurking a bit, but maybe I can find some time now and then. Piper 176/170/132 I am still waiting to see the Dr.  This was found in routine Health Profile….I have to wait until next week to get the Dr’s verdict.  Is this a number high enough for meds?  I do have most of the symptoms…plus mother and 2 sisters take synthroid. Doe

Response:

Hi, Doe, I missed the original post, but I can extrapolate from the other posts. Sorry to hear you’re under the weather. I haven’t been posting, just lurking a bit, but maybe I can find some time now and then. Piper 176/170/132 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am still waiting to see the Dr.  This was found in routine Health Profile….I have to wait until next week to get the Dr’s verdict.  Is this a number high enough for meds?  I do have most of the symptoms…plus mother and 2 sisters take synthroid. Doe

Response:

Question:

Hows your thyroid?? Kate    Send in the clowns I will not drag you along; I will not leave you alone; I will stand by you and have my hand there for you to hold when you need it.

Response:

Dr Susan!  You’re back!  I was starting to worry about you LOL!!! -g- Kitty

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Okay, I made my appointment with my PCP for a thyroid check. Now that I think about it, there’s been alot of symptoms that might  be related. If I give you my symptoms, could you as a group of wonderful caring experienced armchair physicians give a guess as to what could be going on? Or if just tell me if this sounds even MORE like Thyroid?? Thanks.. Cold everything inability to lose weight skipped periods. (haven’t had one since February) fatigue NO sex drive (I know,,, bummer, huh) soooo… whadda ya think, group??? Pick me apart!!! Uv(waiting for the executive decision)

Response:

sounds like hypothyroid to me — but then again what do I know <G … I was hyper and now I am hypo (preferred hyper personally, ate anything I wanted, lost weight, never slept, looked great in a bikini, managed to convince my first hubby to divorce me LOL ) … the tests are pretty straightforward and other than being stuck with a needle for blood pretty boring <G … Ellen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Okay, I made my appointment with my PCP for a thyroid check. Now that I think about it, there’s been alot of symptoms that might  be related. If I give you my symptoms, could you as a group of wonderful caring experienced armchair physicians give a guess as to what could be going on? Or if just tell me if this sounds even MORE like Thyroid?? Thanks.. Cold everything inability to lose weight skipped periods. (haven’t had one since February) fatigue NO sex drive (I know,,, bummer, huh) soooo… whadda ya think, group??? Pick me apart!!! Uv(waiting for the executive decision)

Response:

Symptoms of hypothyroidism: Generalized tiredness and lethargy Muscle weakness, cramps Slow heart rate Dry and flaky skin Hair loss Deep and husky voice Weight gain, edema Cold intolerance From one who no longer has a thyroid gland!  Pat

Response:

Whether the thyroid can resume function depends on what went wrong with it in the first place.  For some women, the thyroid slows or stops production as the result of pregnancy.  After a time it  may start again… this is what happened to me, the only problem is that it’s been over 20 years and I’m still waiting.  So yes, in come cases, hypothyroidism can go away.  In many of those cases, though, it also comes back.  That having been said, what’s "normal" in the textbooks may not be normal for you.  You may test in the normal range, but still not produce enough for your needs. Hypothyroidism does have a genetic component, so your family history does indicate that you should keep an eye on it. Katrina (who has a thyroid, but it doesn’t work very well) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Symptoms of hypothyroidism: Generalized tiredness and lethargy Muscle weakness, cramps Slow heart rate Dry and flaky skin Hair loss Deep and husky voice Weight gain, edema Cold intolerance From one who no longer has a thyroid gland!  Pat Does anybody know if hypothyroidism can go away?  I have ALL of the above symptoms, and have been on thyroid medication in the past.  It runs in my family, and one sibling was born without a thyroid gland.  In the past three years I have been retested four times, and each time the tests come out normal.  Yet my GP insists that once you have low thyroid it never goes away.  Completely confusing to say the least. Janet.

– History: special people, in special places, at special times. Anthropology: everyone else the rest of the time. KW:1997

Response:

thanks Pat – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Symptoms of hypothyroidism: Generalized tiredness and lethargy Muscle weakness, cramps Slow heart rate Dry and flaky skin Hair loss Deep and husky voice Weight gain, edema Cold intolerance From one who no longer has a thyroid gland!  Pat

Response:

For the last month or so I have been cold. Not your usual hands-n-feet cold, but cold to the core of me.

1. Get your thyroid – TSH checked.  Hypothyroidism commonly causes cold intolerance and patients with RA (as well as SLE) have an increased incidence of auotimmune thyroid disease (Hasimoto’s) which can be associated with hypothyroidism. 2. Get a hematocrit/hemoglobin.  Anemia can also do it. Regards, Dr Susan The auhs is still operative but will not be later this year, I am told. I can’t seem to get warm! Even my large muscles – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – can’t generate enough heat (thighs, buttox ((emphasis on ox))) .     I have lower than normal blood pressure but no one has ever said I have "low" blood pressure. The only comment I get is "Are you sure you’re alive" and "I think you’ve died" .. Other than that, no one in my little medical community has raised a red flag, or raised my blood pressure. Any clues? I’m on 25mg of MTX injected, and Folic Acid. I am carrying 160 lbs on a 5′5" frame, so I KNOW there is enough insulation! Uv(wearing her parka to bed)

Response:

For the last month or so I have been cold. Not your usual hands-n-feet cold, but cold to the core of me. I can’t seem to get warm! Even my large muscles can’t generate enough heat (thighs, buttox ((emphasis on ox))) .     I have lower than normal blood pressure but no one has ever said I have "low" blood pressure. The only comment I get is "Are you sure you’re alive" and "I think you’ve died" .. Other than that, no one in my little medical community has raised a red flag, or raised my blood pressure. Any clues? I’m on 25mg of MTX injected, and Folic Acid. I am carrying 160 lbs on a 5′5" frame, so I KNOW there is enough insulation! Uv(wearing her parka to bed)

Response:

Symptoms of hypothyroidism: Generalized tiredness and lethargy Muscle weakness, cramps Slow heart rate Dry and flaky skin Hair loss Deep and husky voice Weight gain, edema Cold intolerance From one who no longer has a thyroid gland!  Pat

Does anybody know if hypothyroidism can go away?  I have ALL of the above symptoms, and have been on thyroid medication in the past.  It runs in my family, and one sibling was born without a thyroid gland.  In the past three years I have been retested four times, and each time the tests come out normal.  Yet my GP insists that once you have low thyroid it never goes away.  Completely confusing to say the least. Janet.

Response:

You might have your thyroid checked.  I am hypo-thyroid (low thyroid) which is a result of an auto-immune disorder… it is a companion to my RA.  I was always freezing cold (brrrrrrr), but the synthroid has helped immensely.  Other symptoms include: dry skin, constipation, weight gain, and fatigue. They can check it out when you do your next blood test. — Mary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For the last month or so I have been cold. Not your usual hands-n-feet cold, but cold to the core of me. I can’t seem to get warm! Even my large muscles can’t generate enough heat (thighs, buttox ((emphasis on ox))) .     I have lower than normal blood pressure but no one has ever said I have "low" blood pressure. The only comment I get is "Are you sure you’re alive" and "I think you’ve died" .. Other than that, no one in my little medical community has raised a red flag, or raised my blood pressure. Any clues? I’m on 25mg of MTX injected, and Folic Acid. I am carrying 160 lbs on a 5′5" frame, so I KNOW there is enough insulation! Uv(wearing her parka to

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Hi Uv, Have you had your thyroid checked lately?  My daughter is hypothyroid and she is always cold when everyone else is warm. Here’s a nice hot chocolate, snuggle in front of the fireplace and keep us posted. ~~~Faye~~~

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Question:

Does anyone know what I should do concerning this, a lot of people could get hurt by bad tests.  My old doctor if he got a low reading would always ask to re-test. This one does not even question the findings. Is it possible to get lab tests elsewhere? How do you protect others from bad test who believe everything that is told them.

Ask your doc for an Rx for the blood test.  Call a couple of local labs to get price quotes, then take your pick.  All that’s required is the Rx (& your checkbook or credit card).  If your doc charges you a higher-than-average amount for the test through his/her office, you’ll save money by going to another lab. But remember, EVERY lab has statistical variations in its results for any given test.  So the lab you pick may be no better (or worse) than the one your doc uses. dkc David Cohler, South Pasadena, CA Media Access Consultancy http://members.tripod.com/~dcohler/

Response:

Does anyone know what I should do concerning this, a lot of people could get hurt by bad tests.  My old doctor if he got a low reading would always ask to re-test. This one does not even question the findings. Is it possible to get lab tests elsewhere? How do you protect others from bad test who believe everything that is told them. Vi Limric

Definitely!  in fact, the same lab can get conflicting results on the same sample, on the same day!  and yes, you can demand a test at a different lab, but your insurance may not cover it.  but if the numbers the lab gives you don’t match your own experience/records, it’s only wise to resolve the conflict rather than acting on bad information.

Response:

Hi Viola — Does anyone know what I should do concerning this, a lot of people could get hurt by bad tests.  My old doctor if he got a low reading would always ask to re-test. This one does not even question the findings. Is it possible to get lab tests elsewhere? How do you protect others from bad test who believe everything that is told them.

Just ask your doctor for a *prescription* for blood work needed. Than take it to your local lab.  I do this all the time.  My doctor’s in-house lab opens at 8:30AM, and he wants fasting BGs done. If I show up at 8:30AM at his lab, I can seldom get in before 9AM. I take his prescription to the lab in the same building.  They open at 8AM, so I can get my blood drawn an hr sooner.  <g John Huff, Dayton OH ( type 1, dx @ 18 months, now 61 )

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Just had my doctor call me and tell me my lab tests came up 3.2 which would mean I am a walking hypo.  He wanted me to cut back on insulin and I told him no way, I was feeling great.  I also had a thyroid tsh test done at the same time and he stated it came back .35 which would make me hypo here also. Last test showed 2.3 which is mid-range. To make a long story short, I then averaged out my daily meter readings (4 to 6 a day) then averaged them by the number of days between visits which was 6 wks. and then divided the final figure by 18.2. I got 6.04, I would have accepted a 5.??.  He has changed from private practice where why reading were always great. to a group and ever since he moved my readings have been getting lower and lower. I worked too hard to keep myself at this level and do not wish to mess it up by taking their tests as valid.  I would like to have my tests elsewhere. Does anyone know what I should do concerning this, a lot of people could get hurt by bad tests.  My old doctor if he got a low reading would always ask to re-test. This one does not even question the findings. Is it possible to get lab tests elsewhere? How do you protect others from bad test who believe everything that is told them. Vi Limric

YES! I have also suspect that labs can be wrong.. When I saw a 1.5 point difference between two Hba1C tests, over a 7 day period, I KNEW something was amiss. It started when I got back an Hba1C with numbers that didn’t resemble the average on my meter, or my recorded numbers.  I demanded a second test, which came back with at least some correlation. Now I’m debating whether to pay the tab at an indepent lab.  My clinic has recently started sub-contracting out their lab work.

Response:

Just had my doctor call me and tell me my lab tests came up 3.2 which would mean I am a walking hypo.  He wanted me to cut back on insulin and I told him no way, I was feeling great.  I also had a thyroid tsh test done at the same time and he stated it came back .35 which would make me hypo here also. Last test showed 2.3 which is mid-range. To make a long story short, I then averaged out my daily meter readings (4 to 6 a day) then averaged them by the number of days between visits which was 6 wks. and then divided the final figure by 18.2. I got 6.04, I would have accepted a 5.??.  He has changed from private practice where why reading were always great. to a group and ever since he moved my readings have been getting lower and lower. I worked too hard to keep myself at this level and do not wish to mess it up by taking their tests as valid.  I would like to have my tests elsewhere. Does anyone know what I should do concerning this, a lot of people could get hurt by bad tests.  My old doctor if he got a low reading would always ask to re-test. This one does not even question the findings. Is it possible to get lab tests elsewhere? How do you protect others from bad test who believe everything that is told them. Vi Limric

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Question:

Hi, this is my first visit here so forgive me if this is not the place to ask for help. I am 32, had a hysterectomy last Dec. (left one ovary). I have high blood pressure that is "controlled" with 120 mg. of Calan SR daily. However, it swings from 118/70 to 138/90 constantly. I am very symptomatic of a problem..my last thyroid TSH tests have been .39, .30, .20, .30. My prolactin level is 27. I take 1 mg of estradiol daily for symptoms of increased hair growth, skin problems and moodiness (although my estrogen hasn’t been reevaluated since this regimen started and it tested ok before; they just put me on it to see if it helped the symptoms). I have a severe hair loss problem (head), I’m cold all the time, I have heart palpitations, swelling of hands and feet, tend toward severe mood swings and easily slip into a mild depression, and the texture of my skin and hair has changed (for the worse). I have seen three doctors and none of them will take the time to listen to me. I am concerned because I have an incredibly strong history of heart disease, diabetes in my family, and I have had hypertension (unexplained) for two years. What is happening? Is there anything I can take to control these problems naturally? Does anyone have advice? I will seek the opinion of an endocrinologist next, but chances are I still won’t be listened to, so I need to know what I can do to help myself. Note: I have lost 30 lbs. through reduced fat intake and aerobic exercise. I feel great other than my symptoms. I have 30 more lbs. to lose to be at my ideal weight…. I’ve had two children, had preeclampsia with the first, and preterm labor with the second (bedrest for 3 months). The hyst was due to problems with my right ovary (two previous surgeries for cysts) and severe endometriosis and a prolapsed uterus/cystocele. Sorry this is so long, thanks for any advice. Donna

Response:

You said– <<my last thyroid TSH tests have been .39, .30, .20, .30. Isn’t that too low?  You definitely need more thyroid hormone testing– at least Total T4, Free T4, Total T3 by RIA or Free T3.  You could be hyperthyroid, or you could have "central" hypothyroidism, which could be diagnosed by further testing (TRH stimulation test).

Response:

Question:

I can’t answer all your questions but when I finally went to an RE for treatment an HSG was the first thing he did after blood tests & hormone levels. Apparently if you have only 1 good tube (which I did) they put you on a higher level of Clomid and no good tubes means there’s no point in Clomid. Anyway I got pregnant the month after my HSG and I’ve since read that this is common. It kind of cleans out your tubes I guess. Good Luck Beth

Response:

Hi everyone! My question is… Is an HSG necessary?  (I suspect we’d want to rule out blockage that would prevent an egg from getting through, or cause an ectopic pregnancy?)  Or is this too invasive, too early?

HSG is not too invasive.  It was really easy for me.  The reasoning your doctor is probaly using is that he doesn’t want to give you fertility meds if the sperm has no chance of meeting with the egg. Should my doctor test my estrogen?  I understand Clomid won’t work if it’s too low.

Estrogen levels change all the time.  Clomid should make your estrogen levels increase by fooling your body into thinking you don’t have enough estrogen.  I have never heard that Clomid will not work on people whose estrogen levels are too low before they start taking Clomid. Would you suggest waiting until I have a "natural" period to start a Clomid cycle?  I’m too impatient to wait indefinitely.  Can I start it in the middle of a cycle of uncertain length?

If you don’t want to wait for a natural period, have your doctor give you provera to induce a period. good luck, Kathy C

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone! I have so-far undiagnosed ovulatory problems.  I was wondering if those of you who have been through this already would mind commenting on my situation: My Ob/Gyn says that I look like a good candidate for Clomid.  My periods are very irregular (anywhere from 60-90 days?)  I have a lot of pain and had laparoscopy for suspected endometriosis 5 yrs.ago, but they didn’t really find anything… only cut some nerves behind the uterus (and at that time my DH and I weren’t trying.)  My doctor just tested my prolactin and thyroid (TSH) and both were "normal."  He said that before putting me on Clomid, he would do a SA on my DH and "x-ray my tubes."  From the reading I’ve been doing, I assume he means a HSG. My question is… Is an HSG necessary?  (I suspect we’d want to rule out blockage that would prevent an egg from getting through, or cause an ectopic pregnancy?)  Or is this too invasive, too early? Should my doctor test my estrogen?  I understand Clomid won’t work if it’s too low. Would you suggest waiting until I have a "natural" period to start a Clomid cycle?  I’m too impatient to wait indefinitely.  Can I start it in the middle of a cycle of uncertain length? Any advice/experiences would be appreciated  I’ve been reading dozens of books, but the information is overwhelming, and all slightly different. – Eevi

I have irregular cycles as well.  I did the HSG (very uncomfortable) and everything was clear.  My RE put me on Clomid 50mg with IUI for two cycles.  I’m not positive I was even ovulating.  He never did an estadial. For my 3rd IUI we got more serious.  100mg of clomid days 5-9, 2 sonograms and a shot of HCG on day 15 to force ovulation.  I had 4 good folicles. I can happily report that I am pregnant, and it looks like multiples according to the HCG levels.   Good luck, it’s all worth it! Cathy

Response:

Hi everyone! I have so-far undiagnosed ovulatory problems.  I was wondering if those of you who have been through this already would mind commenting on my situation: My Ob/Gyn says that I look like a good candidate for Clomid.  My periods are very irregular (anywhere from 60-90 days?)  I have a lot of pain and had laparoscopy for suspected endometriosis 5 yrs.ago, but they didn’t really find anything… only cut some nerves behind the uterus (and at that time my DH and I weren’t trying.)  My doctor just tested my prolactin and thyroid (TSH) and both were "normal."  He said that before putting me on Clomid, he would do a SA on my DH and "x-ray my tubes."  From the reading I’ve been doing, I assume he means a HSG. My question is… Is an HSG necessary?  (I suspect we’d want to rule out blockage that would prevent an egg from getting through, or cause an ectopic pregnancy?)  Or is this too invasive, too early? Should my doctor test my estrogen?  I understand Clomid won’t work if it’s too low. Would you suggest waiting until I have a "natural" period to start a Clomid cycle?  I’m too impatient to wait indefinitely.  Can I start it in the middle of a cycle of uncertain length? Any advice/experiences would be appreciated  I’ve been reading dozens of books, but the information is overwhelming, and all slightly different. – Eevi

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Question:

I just found out that my TSH level is 1.17 above the normal range (normal range is 5.5 or lower and mine is 6.67).  My T3 and T4 numbers are in the normal range and I have no symptoms of hypothyroid. My doctor wants to put me on thyroid hormone because of the TSH level. A relative (an uncle), who is a doctor said I shouldn’t go on it. I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on my situation.  I tend not to want to go on thyroid if my TSH is only slightly above the normal range.  I have gone for a second blood test, but don’t have the results yet. Thanks. Howard in Michigan

Response:

You are correct in not wanting to rush to taking thyroid medication before having a repeat determination of your TSH level.  There is another consideration when having laboratory tests interpreted.  The so-called "normal range" for lab tests is arbitrarily calculated based on the levels that a population of apparently healthy people would exhibit 95% of the time.  That  means that if 100 people have a certain test performed, 5 would have an abnormal result, by definition. So you can be perfectly healthy and have an abnormal test result.  That also means that if having a profile or battery of 20 tests, statistically one of them will be abnormal every time. So don’t over-interpret the results of laboratory tests.  They are not usually diagnostic; they are only part of the evaluation process.

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