TSH help please....

I asked my PCP to test my thyroid again since I was having my 6 month labs done last night. 

I told her that my calories have been under 800 a day and I've exercised 14-18 hours a week for the last three months, so I'm concerned about how slowly I've been losing weight.

Here's my recent history.  Please tell me what you think.  Kaiser is very conservative on treating thyroid problems.

Range on my test is:   .2 - 5.5

1/23/2009 - 4.00
5/17/2010 - 3.96 - retested two weeks later
5/21/2010 - 2.45
8/18/2010 - 4.46

I wrote my PCP this morning and asked if it's time to start treating me.  What would you ask for/do etc?

Lee,
I don't have any advice to give, I have never dealt with Thyroid problems, just wanted to say good luck. If you feel that there is a problem, push until they do something about it or find a Dr that will!

 Thanks Shannon!

Lee...Don't get me started on Thyroid!!!!

I am having issues with mine (malabsorbtion)

And just for your own knowlege.....in 2001 the AACE (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist)changed the "normal labe" ranges to 0.3-3.1 and labs have not caught up at all. So don't let your PCP tell you that your labs are normal! All your tests but one is out of normal range.

I feel best at a TSH of 1 or 2....I go above 3 and I fall apart. I would ask to have my meds upped, Find YOUR good numbers you feel best at and tell your PCP this is where I want to be. Not all PCP's will agree with you but find one that does if they don't. Mine listens and has always raised mine when I asked. But after surgery it will not stay where I want it. It is now 7.08 and I was referred to a ENDO and have an appt 9/24.

But in my book your labs are too low.

 Hi Melissa,

My doctor prescribed meds for me to start tomorrow morning.  I'll see how I feel.  I was glad that she immediately said yes to starting the meds.  I'll get checked in 2 months to see how my levels change.

It isn't necessarily the malabsortion that the issue, but for some reason we all seem to need to have our dosages adjusted 1 or 2 times in the first year or 2. Yes, I agree with you totally about the new ranges and PCP's dont' use them. Your level of 7.08 is way too high. I am so glad you are seeing an Endocrinologist. Have you had your Total T3 level tested? I found out post op that my level was low and needed to go on Cytomel. This really helped me alot - it gave me more energy and increased my metabolism.

How are you taking your synthroid? In the morning or evening? There is new research out that Synthroid works better if taken on an empty stomach at night. You also can't take it within 2 hours of your iron, calcium or multivitamin.

YES, IT NEEDS TO BE TREATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

after my consult with the surgeon in June, the after visit summary stated that for the best weight loss the TSH needs to less than 3.00. Since mine was a little over, when it was done in April, I asked my PCP to run it again and the results were <3.0 (I had stopped taking it, because it was such a low amount, I didn't think that I needed it). When he retested it, he also ordered a T4 test, which came back normal.

The new standard is lower than the upper limit of 5. Google it, and you will find this out. Kaiser hasn't adopted the new standard yet, but the Bariatric Department in Fremont wants the TSH 3.0 or lower.

 

4.46 is too high for effective weight loss. You may not be totally symptomatic, but the higher TSH will slow your weight loss.

 

 It's amazing to me how even two Kaisers, just a few miles apart have such different standards.

I wonder if starting the meds will make a difference in my weight loss?

How long does it take for the meds to kick in?

They usually re-test in 6-8 weeks, since it takes that long for the thyroid to start working working correctly. I think that you should notice a difference in your weight loss. As much as you work out, I thought that something was wrong. It just didn't make sense that you weren't losing more weight. You may also notice that your energy level picks up and your sense of well being improves.

 Golly but I hope you're right!  It would feel like a miracle to see my hard work pay off in a little faster weight loss.