Aa
when to start treatment
My thyroid antibodies are quite high (700 for the peroxidase) but so far my TSH is supposed to be in the normal range (4.5) so I'm not getting any treatment. Should I be? I feel pretty awful; depressed, brittle hair and nails, constipation, lack of menstration....do I have to wait until my TSH is over 10 like my doctor says before I get any thyroid supplement? I don't think I can. I cry all the time I'm so depressed I can bearly function.
That is so great that you were able to perservere and find an endo who will treat you properly!
It is amazing that we as patients are often better informed than the docs. I will be seeing a new super-de-dooper endo tomorrow as well!! My TSH is barely under a 2 and this new doctor actually works WITH his patients.
It is also wonderful that you got in so quickly!
Good luck and start feeling better soon.
It is amazing that we as patients are often better informed than the docs. I will be seeing a new super-de-dooper endo tomorrow as well!! My TSH is barely under a 2 and this new doctor actually works WITH his patients.
It is also wonderful that you got in so quickly!
Good luck and start feeling better soon.
Thanks, kitty.
I did a lot of calling around talking to nurses at different Endo offices and finally found one about an hour drive from here that likes to keep their thyroid patients in the 1 to 2 range for TSH!! I'm seeing him today. He graciously fit me in on ones days notice after I FAXed him my labs. Hopefully, I will start medication today. I feel better just knowing I'm finally going to get some treatment.
I find it amazing that most doctors don't know the new TSH range put out by the AACE in 2002. I guess the upper limit of normal is now 3.0. The lab in my town still lists it as 6.0. I'm definitely going to have a talk with them.
I did a lot of calling around talking to nurses at different Endo offices and finally found one about an hour drive from here that likes to keep their thyroid patients in the 1 to 2 range for TSH!! I'm seeing him today. He graciously fit me in on ones days notice after I FAXed him my labs. Hopefully, I will start medication today. I feel better just knowing I'm finally going to get some treatment.
I find it amazing that most doctors don't know the new TSH range put out by the AACE in 2002. I guess the upper limit of normal is now 3.0. The lab in my town still lists it as 6.0. I'm definitely going to have a talk with them.
See an endocrinologist.
My levels were similar to yours for years. My TSH finally went just above range (6) and I my PCP said he wouldn't treat until over a 10. I had symptoms as well- physical and emotional.
I went to an endo and was highly positive for anti-TPO. I began Synthroid 25 mcg, then 50. I am now looking at increasing the dose again next week. Recommended TSH is between 1 and 2 when taking meds.
My endo said they now know that people with a TSH in the upper end of "normal", are actually hypo, especially with positive antibodies.
Please try to get to an endo or a better informed PCP.
Also, do you have free t4 or free t3 levels as well? If not, request them.
Wishing you luck,
Kitty
My levels were similar to yours for years. My TSH finally went just above range (6) and I my PCP said he wouldn't treat until over a 10. I had symptoms as well- physical and emotional.
I went to an endo and was highly positive for anti-TPO. I began Synthroid 25 mcg, then 50. I am now looking at increasing the dose again next week. Recommended TSH is between 1 and 2 when taking meds.
My endo said they now know that people with a TSH in the upper end of "normal", are actually hypo, especially with positive antibodies.
Please try to get to an endo or a better informed PCP.
Also, do you have free t4 or free t3 levels as well? If not, request them.
Wishing you luck,
Kitty
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
