Hypothyroidism Support Group
Hypothyroidism is the disease state caused by insufficient production of thyrohormone by the thyroid gland. There are several distinct causes for chronic hypothyroidism, the most common being Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hypothyroidism following radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. Advanced hypothyroidism may cause severe complications, the most serious one of which is...
I recently read a posting on the MG site that said "With thyroid disease, an episode of hypothyroidism may trigger a flare-up of MG weakness" so I have a question for the forum.
On 5/22/2012 I had my thyroid tested. TSH was 4.52. (Range 0.27-4.20) And my T4 Free was 1.21 (Range 0.81-1.70) and my T3 Free was 1.21 with a Range of 2.57-4.43.
One month later (6/18/12 my TSH has gone down a lot to 1.92
with my T4 Free was at 1.20 and my T3 Free at 2.56. (See Ranges above)
I had suspected Hashimoto's but they did an antibody test for THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODY and my result was 13 with Standard being
On 5/22/2012 I had my thyroid tested. TSH was 4.52. (Range 0.27-4.20) And my T4 Free was 1.21 (Range 0.81-1.70) and my T3 Free was 1.21 with a Range of 2.57-4.43.
One month later (6/18/12 my TSH has gone down a lot to 1.92
with my T4 Free was at 1.20 and my T3 Free at 2.56. (See Ranges above)
I had suspected Hashimoto's but they did an antibody test for THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODY and my result was 13 with Standard being
The Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody test is actually a marker of thyroid inflammation.
Did you get a TGab (thyroglobulin antibody) test?
Another antibody less commonly seen in Hashi's that can cause hypothyroidism is TBII (thyrotropin binding inhibiting immunoglobulin).
You probably noted that your FreeT4 level is pretty much the same between the two labs. This level is a measurement of the amount of T4 storage hormone that is available for your body's use.
The fact that your FreeT3 level increased can be a sign that your body is trying to compensate for a too-low FreeT4 level and is converting as much T4 as possible into T3, the active hormone (available amounts are measured by the FreeT3 level).
TSH fluctuates in the body's attempts to maintain stable thyroid hormone levels. If you had your 6/18 bloodwork done later in the day and the 5/22 bloodwork done in the morning, that alone could account for the different TSH results.
If my memory serves me correctly, you've been taking Synthroid or similar - correct?
I obviously commented on your labs and, if you clarify what you may or may not be doing re Synthroid, I might have more information about your labs because our bodies do certain things after starting meds/dose adjustments.
It doesn't seem like you were able to post your question (I suspect you tried typing a special symbol along with your text about "standard being... The forum has a bug that cuts off posts at times like this).
Of course, I hope to be able to answer whatever question you had :)
My heart rate was very low and had to wear a Holter Monitor for 24 hrs. (heart rate dropped down into mid 40's during the night and usually stayed in the mid 50's during the day but ocassionally getting up near 60.) In the past week I've noticed that my heart rate has come up a few points with blood pressure being good. I am feeling better to which I attribute that I'm less anxious than I was when my MG first re-appeared on April 15 after being in remission for a long time.
Just trying to do my own due diligence since you must be your own health advocate. The neuro poo pooed my original TSH levels at 4.52 which prompted me to seek out an endoc dr. The ENdo seems to think everything is OK and it's difficult to fight "the healthcare system".
With regard to time that blood was drawn, the May 22nd results were taken at 7:00 a.m. after fasting and the June 18 were taken at 10 a.m. and not fasting?
Fasting (or not) does not affect thyroid lab results so, it seems that your TSH was probably doing the usual fluctuations that TSH can do.
Now that you've confirmed you're not on meds, I can understand your TSH decreasing from May to June because your FreeT3 level increased.
Your TSH is still higher than the type of TSH level a healthy person would have which is 1.0 - 1.5 and your FreeT4 level is just below mid-range when healthy people have FreeT4 levels closer to the higher end of the range.
If you are having symptoms of hypothroidism, you might want to pursue treatment.
Unfortunately, many endos don't recognize hypothyroidism if it slaps them in the face.
Even though you wouldn't necessarily need to take Armour (desiccated thyroid), doctors who prescribe Armour tend to be more thyroid-savvy. That's why I often suggest to people on here that they get contact info from pharmacists for doctors who prescribe Armour.
In fact, if the May result is accurate, you can see that it's below-range.
Your June result shows it at the bottom end of the range when most people feel best with a level above mid-range.
So, even though it "improved", it wouldn't be adequate for virtually anyone - sorry.
It's mind-boggling to me that the endo missed diagnosis with those May labs even though I've heard similar time and time again.
Thyroid care is surely lacking..... on a global basis.