Question about my thyroid.

I happen to look at my labs and compare my thyroid test from 2011 to the present.  I noticed that my number is steadily dropping.  I am not in the hypothyroid zone yet.  I am actually in a comfortable center zone.  But if you look at my numbers as a whole I started out at a higher number (4.3) and over the last 5 years I have been dropping a little on every test.  I am now at 2.1...which is far from hypo.  At this rate, if I keep dropping, I will be hypo by the time I am in my 50's (I am 45).  Is it normal to drop as you age or lose weight?  is this something I should keep on my radar and talk to my doctor about?   

The reason I even looked is because I was over at my inlaw's house and as a topic it was mentioned how I am always cold.  Even in the dead of Summer I am under a heating blanket or wearing a jacket.  I was told this is quite extreme.  I said it is due to my weight loss.  I just never got accustom to the loss of insulation.  I never re-regulated...I guess you want to say.  There was a family friend there that is a BSN and she thinks I should have my thyroid checked.

Later last night when I got home I realized when I checked my labs I had my thyroid checked every year.  But it has been dropping.  I don't know if that is the cause of my body warmth issue?  The only issue my doctor had with my labs this time around was with my vitamin D levels.  He put me on extra high dose for 6 months and I was fine.  But doctors they only notice the labs in front of them.  I don't think they notice gradual drops and if this is cause for concern.  What do you think?   

It's a rule for those of us that have had weight loss surgery that "any" drop in our blood work is a red flag.  Even if it's still in the "normal" range.  If you see a drop you need to address it at that time.  If your PCP (primary) won't do anything then get in touch with your surgeon and he/she will advise you how to proceed.

I remind my PCP during every draw to compare with my last labs and she has been great about doing so.  That being said I still check also.  Keep us posted on how you are doing

Just my unscientific answer: I don't think age has anything to do with changing thyroid levels. When I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism I steadily went up in dosage. Later I had to decrease then raise and decrease in a somewhat cyclic manner. I have no idea why I was needing to change my dosage. I get it adjusted as a result of test results.  My dose has been as high as 200 mcg to my present 88 mcg. This is over a thirty year time frame.

Also for what it's worth, my doctor who changed  it the last time also recommended a change in my Vitamin D. It's all related and I did understand his explanation, yet there is no way I can explain it to others. You might want to see an endocrinologist for your testing. My PCP is great, yet when it comes to my thyroid, he referred me to a specialist. In addition to thyroid specific tests, you might need a full metabolic profile as well as vitamin D, etc. You're right to keep track of results yourself. If you present a table of results over a period of time in an easy to read format, your doctor will see the trends.

Actually Thyroid test read the opposite of most tests- a higher number means you are hypothyroid. There are several tests they can do- make sure they do all of them including T3.

So if I understand you correctly, you are saying I am trending towards hyperthyroidism.  I never knew that. 

Yes, a high TSH number indicates Hypothyroid, Low Hyperthyroid.... That is usually the most common test.

There are lots of opinions about proper thyroid ranges out there.  I have hashimoto's thyroiditis - and have been hypothyroid most of my adult life.  At a TSH level of 4.3, my labs were in range, but I felt awful.  When I'm taking my thyroid medication, I feel much better when my TSH is below 2, and I feel great when its between .5 and 1.0, but its hard for me to get it there and keep it there.

If you are worried, find a GP or an Endo who knows about thyroid to talk to.  If I were you, I'd be happier with my TSH now than before.

Tara

Hey Joliet buddy!

Cold is a sign of hypothyroidism, but so is fatigue, depression, hair issues, skin issues, etc.  It can also be vitamin levels as well as other disorders.  I have hashimoto's thyroiditis, myself.  You could always ask them to check for antibodies, too.  Variations are normal.  It really depends.  You can have normal thyroid readings, but if you have thyroid antibodies present, it's function may still be impaired.  It could also be a parathyroid or pituitary issue.  If you can see an ear-nose-throat doctor that specializes in thyroids, or an endo, it might be a good idea if you are concerned.

I do see a ENT because I have inner ear issues due to severe allergies.  I also go to a allergist regularly for allergy shots.  

So I don't understand what that would have to do with the thyroid?  I am a bit confused.  Could all these issues be related and my doctors aren't realizing it...

Thyroids are more complex than T4/T3 and TSH levels.  Sometimes you can be symptomatic even with normal levels.  You also have something called parathyroid hormone which can sometimes be off, too.  If you have Hashimoto's or another thyroid disorder, you may still have antibodies which are affecting you regardless of the T3/T4 tests.  Even though I have a thyroid disease, because it is autoimmune other body parts are affected, so when it flares up I will have temperature issues, but also joint pain, all from the Hashimoto's.  My allergies also increase when I have autoimmune issues, too.

ENTs generally know more about thyroids than regular doctors, and some treat thyroid disorders primarily.  For example, I see one for my Hashimoto's.  Another option would be an endocrinologist, though my ENT has done very well by me.