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Hashimoto's Disease
My doctor just called today to tell me the results of my TSH, T3 and T44) tests all came back normal. I went to her for the following reasons (also want to add that I'm a 50 yr. old female):
1) I have a small lump on the left side of my thyroid.
2) I have tested positive twice in the past for having an auto-immune disease that has yet to be discovered.
3) My sister was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's.
4) I have many of the symptoms of hypothyroid ~ a) no energy (can nap any time of the day even after a full night's sleep); b) the last half of my eyebrows is missing and I have to draw them in; c) no libido; d) I'm freezing cold when my husband puts the A/C below 78; and in the past half had heart palpatations enough that I was told once I'd had a small heart attack even though further testing could not confirm such.
When the doc's nurse called and gave me the results, I asked why they didn't do a full thyroid panel as they said they were going to do. She said they did do a full panel. Now, I know from research they did not. There was not test done for antibodies for one. She said they all test that if the above 3 come back abnormal. So, as far as my doc's concerned I'm fine. That does not sit well with me. Why would I have a lump on my thyroid for no reason? I'm considering just scheduling an appointment with an endocrinologist, but wondering if it's going to be as fruitless a dealing with my primary doc.
Just wondering if anyone else can relate to what's been going on with me? TIA for any wisdom you can provide.
1) I have a small lump on the left side of my thyroid.
2) I have tested positive twice in the past for having an auto-immune disease that has yet to be discovered.
3) My sister was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's.
4) I have many of the symptoms of hypothyroid ~ a) no energy (can nap any time of the day even after a full night's sleep); b) the last half of my eyebrows is missing and I have to draw them in; c) no libido; d) I'm freezing cold when my husband puts the A/C below 78; and in the past half had heart palpatations enough that I was told once I'd had a small heart attack even though further testing could not confirm such.
When the doc's nurse called and gave me the results, I asked why they didn't do a full thyroid panel as they said they were going to do. She said they did do a full panel. Now, I know from research they did not. There was not test done for antibodies for one. She said they all test that if the above 3 come back abnormal. So, as far as my doc's concerned I'm fine. That does not sit well with me. Why would I have a lump on my thyroid for no reason? I'm considering just scheduling an appointment with an endocrinologist, but wondering if it's going to be as fruitless a dealing with my primary doc.
Just wondering if anyone else can relate to what's been going on with me? TIA for any wisdom you can provide.
COMMUNITY LEADER
TSH is a pituitary hormone and can vary for multiple reasons at any time of day or night. I always have my labs first thing in the morning, and my TSH is consistently < 0.01.
TSH should never be used, alone, to determine thyroid status or treat a thyroid condition.
TSH should never be used, alone, to determine thyroid status or treat a thyroid condition.
Definitely always get copies of your bloodwork. :)
Do you remember what time of day you had your blood taken? TSH varies cyclically throughout the day, and is highest in the morning and lowest in the afternoon. At first, my endo told me it didn't matter what time I had it measured, but I quickly learned that it was ALWAYS high when I had it done in the morning before 9 or 10am, but within the "normal" range by the afternoon. Eventually, my endo admitted that I should have it measured in the morning if possible to be most accurate. Just a tip.
Eventually, medication helped lower my elevated TSH levels, but I made it a point to get my bloodwork done around the same time each visit to minimize variance in the results.
Do you remember what time of day you had your blood taken? TSH varies cyclically throughout the day, and is highest in the morning and lowest in the afternoon. At first, my endo told me it didn't matter what time I had it measured, but I quickly learned that it was ALWAYS high when I had it done in the morning before 9 or 10am, but within the "normal" range by the afternoon. Eventually, my endo admitted that I should have it measured in the morning if possible to be most accurate. Just a tip.
Eventually, medication helped lower my elevated TSH levels, but I made it a point to get my bloodwork done around the same time each visit to minimize variance in the results.
I will have to tomorrow. They didn't give me the actual numbers over the phone, so I asked to have them faxed to my office. I will post them here tomorrow as soon as they're received. Thanks.
Just because your thyroid test results fall within the ranges does not mean that all is okay for you. The ranges are far too broad. If you will post your test results and reference ranges, members can assess the adequacy of your testing and treatment.
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