Can Someone Please Explain?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-16-2004
Can Someone Please Explain?
3
Wed, 07-21-2004 - 10:21am
Hi everyone...coming out of lurkdom here...

I was diagnosed w/ hyperthyroidism at age 12 (about 12 yrs. ago), and had radioactive iodine treatment to completely kill off my thyroid, thus becoming hypOthyroid.

Anyway...lately I've been sooooo sluggish and gaining lots of weight even with diet and exercise, so they did my draws again for the first time in a year or so, and called me today to say I needed to come in, that my TSH was 27. So, does that mean I have too much thyroid or not enough? Hyper or Hypo? Could that mean that is the reason for my fatigue and weight gain? If they straighten it out,will the weight come off?

As you can see...I'm not very informed about my own illness...Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

Eryn
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Wed, 07-21-2004 - 11:09am
Hi Eryn - It means that you're hypo. The higher the TSH level, the LESS thyroid hormone you're body is making. Or receiving, in your case. It mean that your pituitary gland is make more Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in an effort to get your thyroid - which it doesn't know is not there - to produce more thyroid hormone. It is most likely the reason why you're fatigued and gaining weight. A blood test should be done every 6 months to stay on the safe side. Although now that you'll have your medication adjusted, you'll probably be asked to go back for a follow up in 4 to 6 weeks. You will be able to lose the weight but you have to still diet and exercise to get there. The medication alone won't do it. But it will give you the best shot you have at losing it if you work at it. Glad to see you out of lurkdom!! And welcome! Cathy :)
Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Wed, 07-21-2004 - 9:28pm

Hi Eryn,


The TSH of 27 is fairly high so I'm not surprised you're having hypo symptoms.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-20-2003
Thu, 07-22-2004 - 11:46am
Yep those symptoms are all hypo symptoms and as the others said your levels are pretty high!

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