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Suggest Treatment For TSH Level Of 14.2
Question: My husbands annual blood tests have arrived and he is showing a TSH of 14.2. He has all the usual symptoms of Hypothyroidism apart from dry skin. He is 69 and we are farmers, so he has to be active. I will make an appointment to see our doctor. Should I ask for any other tests? His cholesterol levels are in the normal range.
Thank you
XXXX
Thank you
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Hello
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
Most symptoms of hypothyroidism are non specefic. This means that, these symptoms can occur with non thyroidal diseases as well. TSH is a dynamic hormone which fluctuates for various reasons ( Eg: recovery from a recent infection etc). Many drugs can also cause this TSH variation.
Hence i would strongly recommend to re test the TSH along with Free T4 ( FT4) and an Anti TPO. The last test ( anti TPO) is a one time test and if that is strongly positive, he may require long term ( perhaps life long ) treatment. The best time to test would be in the morning.
Does he have a thyroid swelling ? If there is one, your doctor may request for an ultrasound scan as well.
Regards
Binu
Hello
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
Most symptoms of hypothyroidism are non specefic. This means that, these symptoms can occur with non thyroidal diseases as well. TSH is a dynamic hormone which fluctuates for various reasons ( Eg: recovery from a recent infection etc). Many drugs can also cause this TSH variation.
Hence i would strongly recommend to re test the TSH along with Free T4 ( FT4) and an Anti TPO. The last test ( anti TPO) is a one time test and if that is strongly positive, he may require long term ( perhaps life long ) treatment. The best time to test would be in the morning.
Does he have a thyroid swelling ? If there is one, your doctor may request for an ultrasound scan as well.
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you
He is on no medication and has not suffered an infection for as long as I can remember.
Oh also no Thyroid swelling
XXXX
He is on no medication and has not suffered an infection for as long as I can remember.
Oh also no Thyroid swelling
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Tests
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the reply.
In that case, a Free T4 and Anti TPO would be appropriate as next step.
Anti TPO is an antibody test and will be positive in hashimoto's hypothyroidism ( auto immune hypothyroidism).
Few doctors also request for an Anti TG ( anti thyroglobulin) test. However, this doesnt add much value to the diagnosis or treatment.
Tests
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the reply.
In that case, a Free T4 and Anti TPO would be appropriate as next step.
Anti TPO is an antibody test and will be positive in hashimoto's hypothyroidism ( auto immune hypothyroidism).
Few doctors also request for an Anti TG ( anti thyroglobulin) test. However, this doesnt add much value to the diagnosis or treatment.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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