Re: Low TSH does NOT always mean hyper

[Guest guest]

A low TSH alone, is NOT an indication of hyper. Especially once you are on medication. Remember, TSH is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. The signal from the Pituitary to the thyroid for the amount of hormone that it should produce.

Once on meds, the low TSH is the indicator that the body is getting sufficient amounts of hormone that there is no signal from the pituitary to the thyroid to increase production.... From that point you need the Free T4 and the Free T3 levels to determine if there is too much hormone. If both those levels are high AND you are showing symptoms of hyper.. then the dose is too much.

See, for some folks the proper levels of thyroid hormone levels 'in normal range' for others, they need the T3 slightly above 'normal range'... it's a very individual thing.. that's why I think it's a wise idea to keep track of your basals and your symptoms (or lack there of) to determine how you are doing.. using the lab numbers as a guideline... and fine tuning by how your body is reacting...

IMHO, of course.

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 21:46:08 -0400 "melissa" writes:

I'm confused. I thought that with a TSH of .18 that you were very hyper? Sowhy would you take more meds.

[Guest guest]

A low TSH alone, is NOT an indication of hyper. Especially once you are on medication. Remember, TSH is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. The signal from the Pituitary to the thyroid for the amount of hormone that it should produce.

Once on meds, the low TSH is the indicator that the body is getting sufficient amounts of hormone that there is no signal from the pituitary to the thyroid to increase production.... From that point you need the Free T4 and the Free T3 levels to determine if there is too much hormone. If both those levels are high AND you are showing symptoms of hyper.. then the dose is too much.

See, for some folks the proper levels of thyroid hormone levels 'in normal range' for others, they need the T3 slightly above 'normal range'... it's a very individual thing.. that's why I think it's a wise idea to keep track of your basals and your symptoms (or lack there of) to determine how you are doing.. using the lab numbers as a guideline... and fine tuning by how your body is reacting...

IMHO, of course.

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 21:46:08 -0400 "melissa" writes:

I'm confused. I thought that with a TSH of .18 that you were very hyper? Sowhy would you take more meds.

[Guest guest]

A low TSH alone, is NOT an indication of hyper. Especially once you are on medication. Remember, TSH is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. The signal from the Pituitary to the thyroid for the amount of hormone that it should produce.

Once on meds, the low TSH is the indicator that the body is getting sufficient amounts of hormone that there is no signal from the pituitary to the thyroid to increase production.... From that point you need the Free T4 and the Free T3 levels to determine if there is too much hormone. If both those levels are high AND you are showing symptoms of hyper.. then the dose is too much.

See, for some folks the proper levels of thyroid hormone levels 'in normal range' for others, they need the T3 slightly above 'normal range'... it's a very individual thing.. that's why I think it's a wise idea to keep track of your basals and your symptoms (or lack there of) to determine how you are doing.. using the lab numbers as a guideline... and fine tuning by how your body is reacting...

IMHO, of course.

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 21:46:08 -0400 "melissa" writes:

I'm confused. I thought that with a TSH of .18 that you were very hyper? Sowhy would you take more meds.

[Guest guest]

Oh that is a great idea about keeping track of my symptoms! And I

think I will go gather up all the info and make a list of the

typical symptoms. I am NOT going to follow my surgeon's advice to

just have the TSH checked in a year and do nothing else!!!

Fortunately my insurance is the type that I can go to any doctor I

choose.

Sue

> A low TSH alone, is NOT an indication of hyper. Especially once

you are

> on medication. Remember, TSH is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.

The

> signal from the Pituitary to the thyroid for the amount of hormone

that

> it should produce.

>

> Once on meds, the low TSH is the indicator that the body is getting

> sufficient amounts of hormone that there is no signal from the

pituitary

> to the thyroid to increase production.... From that point you need

the

> Free T4 and the Free T3 levels to determine if there is too much

hormone.

> If both those levels are high AND you are showing symptoms of

hyper..

> then the dose is too much.

>

> See, for some folks the proper levels of thyroid hormone levels 'in

> normal range' for others, they need the T3 slightly above 'normal

> range'... it's a very individual thing.. that's why I think it's a

wise

> idea to keep track of your basals and your symptoms (or lack there

of) to

> determine how you are doing.. using the lab numbers as a

guideline... and

> fine tuning by how your body is reacting...

>

> IMHO, of course.

>

> Topper ()

>

> On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 21:46:08 -0400 " melissa "

> <jerseygirl0329@a...> writes:

> I'm confused. I thought that with a TSH of .18 that you were very

hyper?

> So

> why would you take more meds.

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks! Now a lightbulb went on in my brain. lol

Brookline Lab Rescue web site: http://www.dogsaver.org/brookline"Dreams are the touchstones of our character." Henry Thoreau

Re: Low TSH does NOT always mean hyper

A low TSH alone, is NOT an indication of hyper. Especially once you are on medication. Remember, TSH is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. The signal from the Pituitary to the thyroid for the amount of hormone that it should produce.

Once on meds, the low TSH is the indicator that the body is getting sufficient amounts of hormone that there is no signal from the pituitary to the thyroid to increase production.... From that point you need the Free T4 and the Free T3 levels to determine if there is too much hormone. If both those levels are high AND you are showing symptoms of hyper.. then the dose is too much.

See, for some folks the proper levels of thyroid hormone levels 'in normal range' for others, they need the T3 slightly above 'normal range'... it's a very individual thing.. that's why I think it's a wise idea to keep track of your basals and your symptoms (or lack there of) to determine how you are doing.. using the lab numbers as a guideline... and fine tuning by how your body is reacting...

IMHO, of course.

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 21:46:08 -0400 "melissa" writes:

I'm confused. I thought that with a TSH of .18 that you were very hyper? Sowhy would you take more meds.

[Guest guest]

Thanks! Now a lightbulb went on in my brain. lol

Brookline Lab Rescue web site: http://www.dogsaver.org/brookline"Dreams are the touchstones of our character." Henry Thoreau

Re: Low TSH does NOT always mean hyper

A low TSH alone, is NOT an indication of hyper. Especially once you are on medication. Remember, TSH is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. The signal from the Pituitary to the thyroid for the amount of hormone that it should produce.

Once on meds, the low TSH is the indicator that the body is getting sufficient amounts of hormone that there is no signal from the pituitary to the thyroid to increase production.... From that point you need the Free T4 and the Free T3 levels to determine if there is too much hormone. If both those levels are high AND you are showing symptoms of hyper.. then the dose is too much.

See, for some folks the proper levels of thyroid hormone levels 'in normal range' for others, they need the T3 slightly above 'normal range'... it's a very individual thing.. that's why I think it's a wise idea to keep track of your basals and your symptoms (or lack there of) to determine how you are doing.. using the lab numbers as a guideline... and fine tuning by how your body is reacting...

IMHO, of course.

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 21:46:08 -0400 "melissa" writes:

I'm confused. I thought that with a TSH of .18 that you were very hyper? Sowhy would you take more meds.

[Guest guest]

Personally, I'd go a minimum of every three months... my doc had me coming in every two weeks after my RAI... watching to see if I had any remaining function in my gland. At the six month mark, with no sign of thyroid function, I was started on meds.

I strongly believe that it's important to be sure of what you are dealing with - type of disease/dysfunction/remaining function and then be consistent and proactive with treatment from that point onward.. A sit and wait attitude leaves you vulnerable to so many problems. From number of symptoms that you actually experience to the amount of damage that your body, and mind, endure.

Oh, geez, I just have such a passion to save others from that... the frustration and pain and fatigue and harassment that so many of us have endured cause of all of this.... If I could have just one wish from the magical genie.. it would not be for unlimited wealth for myself... not even for the clinic that I fantasize about building.. it would be for everyone in the world from today for forever to have a healthy thyroid gland.

Topper ()

On Fri, 27 Aug 2004 16:56:50 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Oh that is a great idea about keeping track of my symptoms! And I think I will go gather up all the info and make a list of the typical symptoms. I am NOT going to follow my surgeon's advice to just have the TSH checked in a year and do nothing else!!! Fortunately my insurance is the type that I can go to any doctor I choose.Sue

[Guest guest]

Personally, I'd go a minimum of every three months... my doc had me coming in every two weeks after my RAI... watching to see if I had any remaining function in my gland. At the six month mark, with no sign of thyroid function, I was started on meds.

I strongly believe that it's important to be sure of what you are dealing with - type of disease/dysfunction/remaining function and then be consistent and proactive with treatment from that point onward.. A sit and wait attitude leaves you vulnerable to so many problems. From number of symptoms that you actually experience to the amount of damage that your body, and mind, endure.

Oh, geez, I just have such a passion to save others from that... the frustration and pain and fatigue and harassment that so many of us have endured cause of all of this.... If I could have just one wish from the magical genie.. it would not be for unlimited wealth for myself... not even for the clinic that I fantasize about building.. it would be for everyone in the world from today for forever to have a healthy thyroid gland.

Topper ()

On Fri, 27 Aug 2004 16:56:50 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Oh that is a great idea about keeping track of my symptoms! And I think I will go gather up all the info and make a list of the typical symptoms. I am NOT going to follow my surgeon's advice to just have the TSH checked in a year and do nothing else!!! Fortunately my insurance is the type that I can go to any doctor I choose.Sue

[Guest guest]

It does make more sense if you understand the 'whys' of things....

I think, anyway...

Topper ()

On Fri, 27 Aug 2004 14:08:18 -0400 "melissa" writes:

Thanks! Now a lightbulb went on in my brain. lol

Brookline Lab Rescue web site: http://www.dogsaver.org/brookline"Dreams are the touchstones of our character." Henry Thoreau

[Guest guest]

It does make more sense if you understand the 'whys' of things....

I think, anyway...

Topper ()

On Fri, 27 Aug 2004 14:08:18 -0400 "melissa" writes:

Thanks! Now a lightbulb went on in my brain. lol

Brookline Lab Rescue web site: http://www.dogsaver.org/brookline"Dreams are the touchstones of our character." Henry Thoreau

[Guest guest]

Well I still have not been back to my primary care physician... I

have had wonderful medical care so far and am thankful! And my

surgeon wasn't making light of my concerns... just suggesting I

discuss them with my primary care physician.

I do want to ask questions and do what is necessary... but I also

don't want to get sidetracked and focus on this more than necessary.

I am one of the fortunate ones whose problems are not as severe as

many of you.

Sue

> Personally, I'd go a minimum of every three months... my doc had me

> coming in every two weeks after my RAI... watching to see if I had

any

> remaining function in my gland. At the six month mark, with no

sign of

> thyroid function, I was started on meds.

>

> I strongly believe that it's important to be sure of what you are

dealing

> with - type of disease/dysfunction/remaining function and then be

> consistent and proactive with treatment from that point onward.. A

sit

> and wait attitude leaves you vulnerable to so many problems. From

number

> of symptoms that you actually experience to the amount of damage

that

> your body, and mind, endure.

>

> Oh, geez, I just have such a passion to save others from that...

the

> frustration and pain and fatigue and harassment that so many of us

have

> endured cause of all of this.... If I could have just one wish

from the

> magical genie.. it would not be for unlimited wealth for myself...

not

> even for the clinic that I fantasize about building.. it would be

for

> everyone in the world from today for forever to have a healthy

thyroid

> gland.

>

> Topper ()

>

> On Fri, 27 Aug 2004 16:56:50 -0000 " Sue " <dance4joy7@h...> writes:

> Oh that is a great idea about keeping track of my symptoms! And I

> think I will go gather up all the info and make a list of the

> typical symptoms. I am NOT going to follow my surgeon's advice to

> just have the TSH checked in a year and do nothing else!!!

> Fortunately my insurance is the type that I can go to any doctor I

> choose.

>

> Sue

[Guest guest]

Well I still have not been back to my primary care physician... I

have had wonderful medical care so far and am thankful! And my

surgeon wasn't making light of my concerns... just suggesting I

discuss them with my primary care physician.

I do want to ask questions and do what is necessary... but I also

don't want to get sidetracked and focus on this more than necessary.

I am one of the fortunate ones whose problems are not as severe as

many of you.

Sue

> Personally, I'd go a minimum of every three months... my doc had me

> coming in every two weeks after my RAI... watching to see if I had

any

> remaining function in my gland. At the six month mark, with no

sign of

> thyroid function, I was started on meds.

>

> I strongly believe that it's important to be sure of what you are

dealing

> with - type of disease/dysfunction/remaining function and then be

> consistent and proactive with treatment from that point onward.. A

sit

> and wait attitude leaves you vulnerable to so many problems. From

number

> of symptoms that you actually experience to the amount of damage

that

> your body, and mind, endure.

>

> Oh, geez, I just have such a passion to save others from that...

the

> frustration and pain and fatigue and harassment that so many of us

have

> endured cause of all of this.... If I could have just one wish

from the

> magical genie.. it would not be for unlimited wealth for myself...

not

> even for the clinic that I fantasize about building.. it would be

for

> everyone in the world from today for forever to have a healthy

thyroid

> gland.

>

> Topper ()

>

> On Fri, 27 Aug 2004 16:56:50 -0000 " Sue " <dance4joy7@h...> writes:

> Oh that is a great idea about keeping track of my symptoms! And I

> think I will go gather up all the info and make a list of the

> typical symptoms. I am NOT going to follow my surgeon's advice to

> just have the TSH checked in a year and do nothing else!!!

> Fortunately my insurance is the type that I can go to any doctor I

> choose.

>

> Sue

[Guest guest]

You don't have to be compulsive about it... but dont' let things sneak by you, either, Okay?

Topper ()

On Sat, 28 Aug 2004 00:31:45 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Well I still have not been back to my primary care physician... I have had wonderful medical care so far and am thankful! And my surgeon wasn't making light of my concerns... just suggesting I discuss them with my primary care physician.I do want to ask questions and do what is necessary... but I also don't want to get sidetracked and focus on this more than necessary. I am one of the fortunate ones whose problems are not as severe as many of you.Sue

[Guest guest]

You don't have to be compulsive about it... but dont' let things sneak by you, either, Okay?

Topper ()

On Sat, 28 Aug 2004 00:31:45 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Well I still have not been back to my primary care physician... I have had wonderful medical care so far and am thankful! And my surgeon wasn't making light of my concerns... just suggesting I discuss them with my primary care physician.I do want to ask questions and do what is necessary... but I also don't want to get sidetracked and focus on this more than necessary. I am one of the fortunate ones whose problems are not as severe as many of you.Sue

[Guest guest]

You don't have to be compulsive about it... but dont' let things sneak by you, either, Okay?

Topper ()

On Sat, 28 Aug 2004 00:31:45 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Well I still have not been back to my primary care physician... I have had wonderful medical care so far and am thankful! And my surgeon wasn't making light of my concerns... just suggesting I discuss them with my primary care physician.I do want to ask questions and do what is necessary... but I also don't want to get sidetracked and focus on this more than necessary. I am one of the fortunate ones whose problems are not as severe as many of you.Sue

[Guest guest]

Exactly, topper! I like the sound of that! And LOL I don't think

there is a chance on earth I will get compulsive about it because I

go back to work on Monday and am normally VERY involved and a busy

person. But yes, I do intend to follow through and not let things

go!!!

Sue

> You don't have to be compulsive about it... but dont' let things

sneak by

> you, either, Okay?

>

> Topper ()

>

> On Sat, 28 Aug 2004 00:31:45 -0000 " Sue " <dance4joy7@h...> writes:

> Well I still have not been back to my primary care physician... I

> have had wonderful medical care so far and am thankful! And my

> surgeon wasn't making light of my concerns... just suggesting I

> discuss them with my primary care physician.

>

> I do want to ask questions and do what is necessary... but I also

> don't want to get sidetracked and focus on this more than

necessary.

> I am one of the fortunate ones whose problems are not as severe as

> many of you.

>

> Sue

[Guest guest]

Exactly, topper! I like the sound of that! And LOL I don't think

there is a chance on earth I will get compulsive about it because I

go back to work on Monday and am normally VERY involved and a busy

person. But yes, I do intend to follow through and not let things

go!!!

Sue

> You don't have to be compulsive about it... but dont' let things

sneak by

> you, either, Okay?

>

> Topper ()

>

> On Sat, 28 Aug 2004 00:31:45 -0000 " Sue " <dance4joy7@h...> writes:

> Well I still have not been back to my primary care physician... I

> have had wonderful medical care so far and am thankful! And my

> surgeon wasn't making light of my concerns... just suggesting I

> discuss them with my primary care physician.

>

> I do want to ask questions and do what is necessary... but I also

> don't want to get sidetracked and focus on this more than

necessary.

> I am one of the fortunate ones whose problems are not as severe as

> many of you.

>

> Sue

[Guest guest]

Exactly, topper! I like the sound of that! And LOL I don't think

there is a chance on earth I will get compulsive about it because I

go back to work on Monday and am normally VERY involved and a busy

person. But yes, I do intend to follow through and not let things

go!!!

Sue

> You don't have to be compulsive about it... but dont' let things

sneak by

> you, either, Okay?

>

> Topper ()

>

> On Sat, 28 Aug 2004 00:31:45 -0000 " Sue " <dance4joy7@h...> writes:

> Well I still have not been back to my primary care physician... I

> have had wonderful medical care so far and am thankful! And my

> surgeon wasn't making light of my concerns... just suggesting I

> discuss them with my primary care physician.

>

> I do want to ask questions and do what is necessary... but I also

> don't want to get sidetracked and focus on this more than

necessary.

> I am one of the fortunate ones whose problems are not as severe as

> many of you.

>

> Sue

[Guest guest]

Cool!

Topper ()

On Sat, 28 Aug 2004 04:09:30 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Exactly, topper! I like the sound of that! And LOL I don't think there is a chance on earth I will get compulsive about it because I go back to work on Monday and am normally VERY involved and a busy person. But yes, I do intend to follow through and not let things go!!! Sue

[Guest guest]

Cool!

Topper ()

On Sat, 28 Aug 2004 04:09:30 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Exactly, topper! I like the sound of that! And LOL I don't think there is a chance on earth I will get compulsive about it because I go back to work on Monday and am normally VERY involved and a busy person. But yes, I do intend to follow through and not let things go!!! Sue

[Guest guest]

Cool!

Topper ()

On Sat, 28 Aug 2004 04:09:30 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Exactly, topper! I like the sound of that! And LOL I don't think there is a chance on earth I will get compulsive about it because I go back to work on Monday and am normally VERY involved and a busy person. But yes, I do intend to follow through and not let things go!!! Sue