Questions about hypothyroidism (currently being diagnosed)

[hellfreeze]

After a while of experiencing hypothyroidism symptoms (fatigue, lethargic, hair loss, some weight fluctuations) I went to my MD and had my thyroid tested. He only tested my TSH and it came back at 4.9. Additionally, he tested me for anemia and my cholesterol levels and they came back normal. My BP is also good, should that account for anything with hypothyroidism.

I reviewed the results with a doctor who's a friend, in hopes of receiving an unbiased opinion. He was a bit surprised that my MD didn't test my free T3, free T4, and anti TPO levels. His reasoning is that it's better to know the cause of my hypothyroidism before starting medication (from what I read treatment would be about the same regardless of the cause).

Anyways, I requested the additional tests from my MD and was told that the additional tests don't really matter.

Is it pointless for me to have the additional tests done before starting medication? Will being on medication (levothyroxine) impact my test results later and make it harder to find the cause? I feel that I insulted my MD a bit by requesting the additional tests, however, that was not my intention. Hypothyroidism is pretty serious and I feel that the more knowledge I have about my body the better.

Also, is there a preferred time of day to have the blood tests done? My TSH levels were previously tested at 8 A.M..

Can someone shed some light on this for me? This is all so new to me. I do not have an endocrinologist as of yet.

 

[Brutus04]

I can say that the medication will put some wind back in yer sails as I will be taking synthroid for the rest of my life. My thyroid was not producing jack. It will take a while for you to get to the right dosage. There are several reasons why the tyroid may under-produce. Stick with your MD; go get a second opinion if you like; your friend does not need to know...its all part of the education process. Unless you are fasting for some reason I don't think there is an optimal time for testing. You will be tested numerous times before its all over. All the best...

R/ Brutus

 

[superccs]

That tsh test its tge most informative. A score above 1-2 means your body is asking for more thyroid hormone than its getting. Its a lot, more helpful than yhe other tests. Best off luck.

 

[applepearwine]

I have hypothyroidism and yeah the medication I take really does make me feel better. It helped me with the blues and other things. I went for years without getting treated, now that I am, it is like night and day difference. I actually feel like I want to live and socialize and have fun. I don't know much about all the tests, but the medication really helps.

Perry