Test results and Ultra sound

[PGphmtt75]

hello, i just got my test results and it looks like my blodd work was in range.  Thyroglobulin antibodies were <20 and normal range said is <20.  Thyroid peroxidase antibodies were 11 and normal range said is <35.  My T4 free is 1.0 normal is 0.8-1.8 and my TSH was 2.98, range said is 0.4 - 4.5.  i've had TSH tests before that were upper 4's and low 5's before so i was a little suprised nothing showed up on this one.  i'm a little disappointed because i thought my tests would show more.

my ultra sound said that i have several tiny bilateral hypoechoic lesions and cysts.  does anybody have those or know about those?

thanks

[TamraW]

There still is a chance it could be Hashi, as Hashi causes cysts and your hypo symptoms. Although, if you are on Synthroid, that is a very good step to easing your suffering. Two weeks is just not enough time to start feeling better. It will take several months of tests and adjustments (possibly raising your Synthroid and/or adding Cytomel) to get you in better shape. You might feel better with an FT4 around 1.6 and FT3 levels in the upper ranges, too. I would ask for FT3 tests next visit.


:) Tamra

[PGphmtt75]

actually my endo did put me on synthroid and i've been on them for about 2 weeks now.  my past test have shown my TSH go up as high as 5.9.  i was a little suprised my results didn't show more because i haven't been feeling that great lately, and worse this past week.  the test was taken at the end of Sept. when i wasn't feeling that bad, but wasn't that great either.  this was my first visit to an endo, i have several blood tests going back to 2004 showing a changing TSH, none lower than 2.8.  i have an appointment with the endo again at the end of Dec. and another blood work for that appointment.  for now i guess i just have to wait and see if the synthroid helps and if that's why i'm feeling yucky.  

So you think it might be Hashimoto's with my ultra sound showing the cysts?

[TamraW]

A small number of people with Hashimoto's do not have positive antibodies. I don't know if you have Hashi or not, BUT doctors can still determine Hashi with an ultrasound showing goiter/cysts and TSH, FT3, FT4 bloodwork.

Or maybe you are having hypo symptoms for another reason. Were you ever exposed to radiation? Do you avoid salt (iodine)?

YOU TSH LAB RANGE IS OUTDATED!!!

To put it in perspective. My TSH was 2.74 last spring. I felt awful. My FT4 was 1.3. Doctors said everything was in range. Nothing to worry.

Only after I requested to be retested, plus antibodies did we discover my FT4 had dropped to 0.8 and my Thyroid peroxidase antibodies were elevated (221).

Also, your FT4 is on the low end. Most people with hypo symptoms don't have relief until FT4 is in the mid to uppper ranges. I still don't feel up to par and my last FT4 was 1.2.

Why no FT3 test?

I have a new endo. When I told him my TSH was 2.74 last spring, he wondered why my old endos didn't treat me with thyroid hormone. He said 2.74 is hypo. He has petitioned for lower TSH standards. Even now, some labs use 2.5 and 3.0 as the cutoff.

Your endo is using an outdated system and not testing FT3. I'm shaking my head here.  

If your endo doesn't want to treat you with some thyroid hormone, I suggest finding a new doctor.

I have four tiny bilateral hypoechoic cysts/nodules. These are caused by my Hashimoto's. I wouldn't worry about them if they are tiny. Just get a repeat ultrasound every year.

You might want to get a repeat on the antibody tests next year, too. In the meantime, I highly suggest you get on some thyroid hormone so you can feel better.

:) Tamra