Connect
Does anyone understand TSH levels after a COMPLETE THYROIDECTOMY?
I had a COMPLETE thyroidectomy 40 years ago (two different surgeries) after having non-cancerous granulomatous growths on my thyroid glands. I am left with two parathyroid lobes and NO thyroid. Now, facing a blood cancer, my labs are being tested frequently. Lab tests show that the Levothyroxine I take is within normal ranges, but my TSH is usually .015 . I am told that this is suppressive and troublesome. My feelings are that the TSH (thryoid stimulating hormone) has NO thyroid to stimulate, so the lab test won't be accurate. Can anyone shed light on this situation. My doctor is concerned that I am taking too much Levothyroxine, but I get HYPER symptoms (freezing cold) on any lower dose. THANKS! Trying to keep on going.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group.
Connect
These things are difficult to understand, that’s for sure! My husband had a thyroid cancer 18 years ago. He also had a complete thyroidectomy (2 surgeries). So he has no thyroid either. He takes Levothyroxine. To this day he has TSH lab tests and his Dr. adjusts the Levothyroxine dose accordingly. Sometimes it has required quite a bit of fine tuning to prevent symptoms of Hyper or Hypo thyroidism.
I have a history of hyperthyroidism/ Graves’ disease and the symptoms include being always hot, tons of energy, never hungry, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, it is bad for bones, nails and hair. At one time I was medicated for it. Now it is normal. But my Dr. continually monitors.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI meant to say "freezing cold" when not taking enough Levothyroxine, a HYPOTHYROID condition (my mistake).
@cehunt57 Thank you. I meant to say that when I don't take enough Levothyroxine, I get hypothyroidism-and cold.
Yes, I feel like I'm up and down on the medications. Glad you don't have to be medicated for it any longer.
I didn't have thyroid cancer like your husband, so there is no need to supress my TSH, but it's still very low.
Just juggling.
I don't know your blood cancer situation, but if this has caused you to lose weight, you can see a fluctuation in your TSH and your medication would need an adjustment. I myself had RAI 21 years ago for Graves Disease. The medication dose I take fluctuates every so often. Your TSH is low , but because you don't have a thyroid you should have a complete thyroid function test to see if your medication is converting your T3 correctly. I would ask your endocrinologist about this.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@pickleball77 Thanks for your reply. Everything’s good except that low TSH. My blood cancer medication (Hydroxyurea) for JAK2 ET has made everything a bit harder to dose as many symptoms are the same. Thanks again. I have one Dr for blood cancer and one for Levothyroxine—wish they could get together for me!