This has been a struggle for the past 5 months. My TSH indicated hypothyroidism (5.84) in April. I was prescribed .15 mcg synthroid until June, when the TSH came back at .12. The synthroid was dropped to .10 mcg and the last TSH read .84

Today, I spoke with a guy who takes synthroid and Armour, which includes T3. Thyroid function is a very complicated process, and my RO doesn't even deal with it; he leaves it to his NP, who doesn't seem to know much beyond TSH results.

Is it possible to have within normal TSH readings yet not have enough T4 or T3? And should another medication like Armour (or the synthetic) be considered? And what tests in addition to the TSH are necessary to determine what the course of treatment should be?

I suggest you see an endochronogist. My wife had her thyroid "killed" about 24 years ago, and has been on synthroid ever since. She still goes to the doctor once a year to make small adjustments.

I am currently seeing an endochronolist because my TSH has been somewhat like a yo-yo these last several months.

Best wishes,

Chris

If your TSH keeps bouncing around you should definitely see an endocrinologist. I haven't done this yet, but my thyroid meds have been adjusted twice since I went on them 10 months ago, and if the TSH is still off on the next test, I'm going to!

Nelie

Hi Riley

My Mom struggled with bouncing TSH levels for the 50+ years after her thyroid cancer removal surgery. It can be controlled, you just need to get with your doc and probably an endo.

Kevin

I saw my ENT yesterday for the regular optical tube through the nose checkup and asked. She said testing T3 and T4 is just a waste of money. Thyroid med dosages are governed solely by the TSH levels.

So now I know.

Your signature does not indicate you had radiation. Do you have a TSH from before you had cancer treatment? Normal TSH levels are between .40 and 5.40 according to my lab tests. I'm not even certain that having a 5.84 should have put you on meds since these TSH tests vary drastically. Iget one every three months. Do you have any symptoms of low or over active thyroid? A site that I used years ago is www.endocrineweb.com. It was very informative. You should try to keep TSH at the same level as it was before treatment assuming it was not outline before. .12 and .84 sound very low to me, ('I'm not a doctor), my normal is 2.8. Maybe you don't need the meds at all.

Take care,
Eileen

[quote]Your signature does not indicate you had radiation.[/quote]Read it again. "Finished radiation 5/24/06". A high TSH indicates hypothyroidism. Your 2.8 is well within normal range.

Sorry. Must have stopped reading before I got to the radiation part.

My 2.8 is while I am on synthroid 100. I was put on synthroid when I had a TSH reading of 32. Even on the meds I can bounce between 1.8 and 5.8, although it normally stays in the 2.8 range. If I go too low, I drop down to synthroid .88 or alternate between the .88 and 100.

My main point was, they should have done thyroid test BEFORE you had radiation so you should know what your TSH level should be. Your meds should try to keep you at that level, but most drs just care if you are within range.

Eileen

Eileen,
I think the TSH readings are inverse, ie, if you have a low reading, (under about .32) you're getting
TOO MUCH synthroid. A high reading, (over 5.00 or so) indicates hypothyroidism and you need more synthroid.

NO, my TSH readings are not inverse. Try reading that 32 again. There is NO decimal point in it. That is a high reading. Being slightly over the 5.5 is not really a reason to go on meds unless the problem persists. If you are trying to gain weight, you don't want to be in the low range.

Do you know what your normal was BEFORE radiation. You are on such a low dose I doubt you even need it. Get tested every three months for a while and see what the results are.

Eileen