Can someone clarify for me....
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| Thu, 11-25-2004 - 9:57am |
I know that the "range" for TSH has changed and the high is now 3.0 but my doctor believes (and I've seen this on the net doing some research) that once a person is near 2.0 and has symptoms they should be treated.
It's all so confusing to me!! How can one tell based on their TSH whether they are hyper, hypo or hashimotos??? I've been told that both my daughter and I have Hashimotos because we have numerous symptoms of thyroid including the enlarged and rubbery feeling thyroid gland. But when I hear these TSH numbers, ours are nowhere near them... she was 1.65ish on the last blood work and I was 1.35ish (don't have it in front of me.) We are both repeating the blood work in January so I'll know more then but I'm just curious and especially with regards to Hashimotos.
Any clarification would be appreciated.
Jill

Hey Jill..
I've gotta get an appointment with that doc of yours!!!! :O)
Thats it, I'm trading mine in!
How ya doin girlfriend? Send me an email...
Love, Marley
p.s. I'm off today to fup with the doc..
Too funny! I'm right in the middle of answering your email now!! Good luck with the doctor! If you were nearby - I'd get you in to see mine! He's awesome!
Just make sure that your doctor goes over everything with you step by step and makes sure you clearly understand what he's saying and push the issue if you aren't happy with the response.
Hi Jill - sorry I just saw this post! The difference between the two, a normal TSH and the level that hypothyroidism is diagnosed at is this: when you take a person who has no thyroid condition whatsoever, their TSH level will come out between 1.0 and 2.0. That is why your doctor wants to keep yours at that level and that is very wise. It's also difficult to find a doctor that is willing to do this!
The second case, in *diagnosing* hypothyroidism, most doctors will adhere to what the lab ranges are in testing people who are suspected of having thyroid conditions - most labs still base theirs on the old guidelines, which are 0.3 to 5.5 and as high as 8.0 in some labs. The NEW guidelines have an upper range of 3.0. This means that about 13,000,000 people, mostly women, will fall into the hypothyroid category now. This is a *diagnostic* tool - the range for diagnosis of thyroid blood tests. It doesn't necessarily mean that a person is hypo, only that their TSH level is higher than the normal TSH level in someone who hasn't got a thyroid condition. So other symptoms need to be taken into consideration. Is that too confusing?
To diagnose a hyperthyroid condition, the TSH has to come in below .3 to .6, with other symptoms present. It's important to see that TSH levels come a long a continuum of levels - going from hyper to normal to hypo!
To test whether or not you have Hashimoto's or Graves, you are going to need to have your antithyroid antibodies tested. Make sure you ask for this if your doctor doesn't tell you that is what he is also testing for. You can't tell without it. The test wil show the presence of antithyroid antibodies - different ones for each condition - and then you will know if you have an autoimmune condition that is causing your hyper or hypo thyroidism. You can test positive for graves or hashi's but still not have symptoms of hyper or hypo! Just the presence of antibodies - which means that you will be retested and watched at regular intervals. I hope this helps. I have to run so get back to me if you need more info!! Cathy :)
Hi Cathy,
Thanks so much for your response!
I am wondering if any of you think this could be a thyroid condition or not...
Back in July I had my very first anxiety attack- dont know why- just happened...the anxious feeling lasted a week and then I felt "better"
Well a month ago the same thing happened...except this time the anxiousness hasnt gone away- it comes and goes with varying severity...for the most part I sleep okay at night except I do wake up sweating- like dripping wet- every now and then...i lost my appetite for a good 2-3 weeks- just gone- which isnt like me...
Mr dr tested my thyroid and said the results were great- no thyroid problem...I dont know the exact numbers...
does any one think this could be related to a thryoid condition??
Hi Jill - you can have hashi's and never get full blown hypothyroidism. It's just the presence of the antibodies that signal the autoimmune condition. So I guess the only thing you can do is to keep monitoring it the way you are. At least you know this docotr was good enough to diagnose and treat your diabetes so chances are, he'll do the same with your thyroid. And if you're still under the 2.0 mark, it would be hard for him to justify treating you at this point. There is also some connection between hypothyroidism and diabetes and when I have time tomorrow, I'll try to find some info on it for you.
The thing about why doctors seem so incompetent??????? I could write a book about that! We all could, really. I think there are several reasons. one, because they're trainining is probably not very extensive in diagnosing and treating hypothyroidism. Two, because they're taught to read lab tests and not actually get to know PEOPLE!! three, because this condition effects mostly women and many of us are afraid or reluctant to stick up for ourselves and demand better care. four, because we are women, they dismiss us and write our symptoms off as depression or as being all in our heads. Oh well, I could go on and on but I have to go to bed!! LOL.
I think it sounds like your doctor is doing what is best right now, as frustrating as that might be. And at least you have the full battery of tests coming up in Janaury. be sure to make notes on your symptoms so that you can bring them with you to the follow up appointment. And be sure to get the actual number results from your tests!! Cathy :)