Hypothyroidism????

leslie :-D · Aug 18, 2004

yes it sounds like classic hypothyroid.

5.5 is high normal, not off the charts.

and yes, it is standard to repeat in 6-8 weeks.

if it is hypothyroid, they'll probably start you on synthroid.

much luck to you mandy.

leslie

Mandarella · Aug 18, 2004

Thanks Leslie!

TSH is a determinig factor for Hypo?? Even when other tests are negative?? If my TSH is WNL next time will that be the end of it, I mean to disregard hypo?? And lastly what would slightly elevate a TSH not related to hypothyroidism??

Sorry for the Q's, I just want to get an idea of what I could be looking at. THANKS!

yes it sounds like classic hypothyroid.
5.5 is high normal, not off the charts.
and yes, it is standard to repeat in 6-8 weeks.
if it is hypothyroid, they'll probably start you on synthroid.
much luck to you mandy.
leslie

sandypinktruck · Aug 18, 2004

I have hypothyroidism - Before i started on synthroid, my feet had extremely dry skin with cracks also - plus no matter what i did, i couldnt get my weight down. My TSH was 29.88

Mandarella · Aug 18, 2004

WOW, that's high. Mine was only 5.5 and their normal I believe they said was 4.8ish. My skin is horribly dry also-and my skin on my big toes are cracked, no matter what I put on them!!!

I have hypothyroidism - Before i started on synthroid, my feet had extremely dry skin with cracks also - plus no matter what i did, i couldnt get my weight down. My TSH was 29.88

OBRNinTN · Aug 18, 2004

You know what? My doctor recently diagnosed me w/Hashimotos Thyroiditis, and my last TSH level was 30, and I tested positive for antibodies. Although, I do have alot of the "symptoms"...dry skin,weight gain etc.., I do not have ANY of the others!(fatigue, hair loss)

As a matter of fact, when I was put on Synthroid, I developed horrible symptoms that mimicked hypothyroidism! I was extremely tired, cold, and felt generally horrible. While my TSH levels continue to be high, I have stopped Synthroid, feel fine, and am due now to see an endocrinologist. ( I have been seeing an internist). I would love anyone elses input on this! I find this baffling!

This was discovered during my nursing school physical!

Good luck to the OP...this is one confusing disorder!

leslie :-D · Aug 18, 2004

I have hypothyroidism - Before i started on synthroid, my feet had extremely dry skin with cracks also - plus no matter what i did, i couldnt get my weight down. My TSH was 29.88

has the synthroid worked well for you sandy?

and mandy, just to give you a heads up; you will find that the norms will vary from facility to facility. it depends on the lab that is used. there shouldn't be too much of a variation however.

for tsh, the values i have are 0.5-6 milliIU/L....

so in contrast, sandy's tsh would be considered extremely elevated no matter whose labs you were reading....kwim?

Mandarella · Aug 18, 2004

Wow, see you guys TSH's are really high...that's why I am wondering if this is something else?? I guess I'll just wait it out. Thanks guys!

SproutRN · Aug 18, 2004

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's) not long after my 30th birthday. I was having the same symptoms....tired, some weight gain, cold, etc. I have been taking synthroid for 6 years now and since my initial diagnosis I have increased my dose about every 2 years (which is probably not common). Once I started the synthroid I began to feel much better and lost most of the weight.

The one suggestion I would make is to have your MD keep your levels near the low side of normal (toward the hyperthyroid side). I have found this to improve my overall feeling of well-being.

SproutRN :nurse:

December716 · Aug 18, 2004

My TSH was never that high, only about 6. But I felt AWFUL. I was tired ALL the time and if I even touched my hair, huge clumps would fall out. I hated taking showers, because so much of my hair would get washed down the drain. I'm on a really low does of Levoxyl now and I feel great (I haven't been taking it regularly, though, so I'm starting to feel tired again). My body is very sensitive to hormones, medicines, and changes, so I think that's why I feel like horrible even though my TSH level isn't that high.

OBRNinTN · Aug 18, 2004

Mandy,

I'm wondering the same thing about myself! They've checked my levels almost once a week!

But, I suppose it really is hypothyroidism. Only thing is, I'm not sick!

I truly wonder what is going on?

My doc doesn't know...so she hasn't been really helpful with explaining this to me.

They did find multiple nodules with ultrasound as well.

Who knows?

I told them I would just leave a "blood sample" at the lab so they could just run random tests.

I can't imagine what my insurance company is going to say!

Mandarella · Aug 18, 2004

REALLY!!! I am also VERY senstive to meds and hormones. This makes me feel better. Maybe that's why I am reacting even though my TSH really isn't that off. Hormonal changes knock me for a loop. This makes sense to me. Thanks!

My TSH was never that high, only about 6. But I felt AWFUL. I was tired ALL the time and if I even touched my hair, huge clumps would fall out. I hated taking showers, because so much of my hair would get washed down the drain. I'm on a really low does of Levoxyl now and I feel great (I haven't been taking it regularly, though, so I'm starting to feel tired again). My body is very sensitive to hormones, medicines, and changes, so I think that's why I feel like horrible even though my TSH level isn't that high.