[QZZznne]

#1058849

Diagnosed in Oct. but had no symptoms. By the end of November/December I was a mess. Had all the regular tests and was put on 5mg of Methamozole. (spelling) I felt better fast. Actually didn’t realize how bad I felt until I felt better!!
Just had my first appointment back after a month and my endo said that my levels went from 2.1 to 1.9. She would like to increase my dosage to one 5mg am and another 5mg. in the pm. It has only been one month?
What is a normal level. I am not really great at absorbing all this medical stuff along with all the different levels. She said it was my Tfree.

Suzzanne

[Bobbi]

#1170386

Hi, Suzanne and welcome.

The only way to know what is a “normal” level of thyroid is to get a copy of your blood test report and look at it. Different labs will have slightly different ranges of normal because they may use slightly different analyzing techniques. When you look at the test, there will be a number for where your test fell, and then there will be — typically – some sort of indicator whether it is “in range” or “out of range” (and if out of range, whether it is high or low).

There are a few bits of terminology that you need to learn that will help you to understand more of what your doctor is saying. Here are some of them:

T4 (and “free T4) – refer to a thyroid hormone molecule with four atoms of iodine in it.

T3 (and “free” T3) – refer to a thyroid hormone molecule with three atoms of iodine in it.

The “free” reference indicates whether the test was looking for molecules that were “free” to enter into cell metabolic activities. It is not always necessary to look for free hormone.

TSH refers to Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. This is a hormone that comes from the pituitary gland, which acts as a “thermostat” on our thyroid cells’ hormone production. If the pituitary detects too high a level of thyroid hormone, it will lower its production of TSH. If it detects too little thyroid hormone, it will raise its production of TSH. It helps to think of a seesaw with thyroid hormones on one end, and the TSH on the other. As one end goes too low, the other raises up higher. So, typically when we are first diagnosed, out thyroid levels are high, and our TSH levels are very low, sometimes undetectably low.

The other term you might see on this board is ATD, which is shorthand for “antithyroid drug.” Methimazole and PTU are antithyroid drugs in the U.S. When we take them, they produce a chemical block to the production of thyroid hormone. We have to take just the right dose of an ATD to block enough thyroid hormone to keep us from being hyperthyroid, but not so much as to make us hypothyroid. So, when we are first diagnosed, there likely will be frequent adjustments of the drug necessary.

I hope this helps.

[LadyGrey]

#1170387

Good Morning!
Bobbi that was a wonderful explanation of the basics! I was treated for Graves in ’85 and the info back then was not as patient friendly. Thank you for making it much more understandable for all of us going forward. Take care:) Priscilla

[LadyGrey]

#1170388

Welcome Suzzanne!
You came to the right place! Everyone needs a support group when dealing with health issues. Things may not be fixed right away, but have patience. Take one day at a time and try not to stress. Sometimes health issues are “hurry up and wait”. Organs take time to adjust to meds. If you could, print what Bobbi wrote and keep it handy. It will help a lot. Hang in there, we are right beside you, all of us trying to understand and deal with similar situations. Hugs and prayers, Priscilla:)

[QZZznne]

#1170389

Bobby – That really was a great explanation and I am so thankful for it. I am going to dig out my hard copy of my blood test and read it carefully!

Thank you so much,
Suzzanne

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