Possible Hypo with Questions
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| Sat, 02-05-2005 - 10:03am |
Hi Everyone! I just have a couple of questions for those with hypothyroidism. I have a family history of thyroid problems (mom has my mom has hypo and they think it's Hashimoto's and her dad had hyperthyroidism) and I've been totally worn out for quite some time, and got some initial bloodwork done this week. My doctor seems to be willing to explore this further (they just tested for TSH levels) and I would like to have my T3, T4, etc... tested. My TSH level was 3.73 (with a normal range of .2 - 4.2). My mom says her endo likes to keep her right around 2 b/c that's where she feels the best in terms of energy, even though when she was diagnosed her TSH was like 9.7 something.
I guess my question is did anyone start treatment for hypo even when they're in the "normal range"? I know that some doctors are very hesitant to do anything unless you're way out of the normal, but considering the family history and I just haven't been feeling well even though I'm eating balanced meals and getting the right amount of sleep. They did a complete blood work on me and everything else was fine.
I guess if you have any tips or pointers on any specific tests I should ask for, and dealing with doctors. Thanks in advance!!


Hi Laura and welcome!! Great photo of you and your husband and "babies"! Your tsh level is actually .73 above the normal range now set by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. The new upper limit for diagnosis is 3.0, but most labs and doctors haven't caught up yet!! It might take more than a year before they do. So you can definitely be treated for hypo. Plus with your family history, any doctor worth going to would have to pay attention to that as well as your tsh level. It sounds like you have a good doctor since he's willing to treat you even though he thinks you're still in the normal range. Getting treated now will help you avoid any of the more aggravating and debilitating symptoms of hypo!! Here's the link on the new range so you can print it for your doctor: http://thyroid.about.com/cs/testsforthyroid/a/labs2003.htm
Hope this helps! Cathy :)