Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I recently had lab tests done at Quest Diagnostics which showed abnormal thyroid hormone levels (TSH of 29 and free T4 of 0.6) as well as high cholesterol (203), even though I have no symptoms of hypothyroidism. I'm concerned that these results could be inaccurate. What are the chances of getting an incorrect lab result from Quest? My doctor wants to start Levothyroxine right away at 112 mcg which seems like a high dose given my lack of symptoms. I'm meeting with my doctor again this week - should I request a retest of the thyroid and cholesterol levels before starting medication? Will insurance cover a retest or will I have to pay out of pocket? Also, do I need to fast for the retests? Finally, is it sufficient for just my primary care doctor to review these results or should I consult an endocrinologist? I welcome any recommendations on how to best proceed given these unexpected lab test results.
My thyroid and cholesterol tests are also out of whack, will retest next week. Non fasting.
I'm asking for a T3 and T4 tests as well because somebody suggested it would show more info. Great reason...
If tests are still weird, will see endocrinologist.
I've been on thyroid meds for years, but this is a huge change, possibly due to infections that I have since dealt with.
No need to fast for thyroid, you should fast for cholesterol. Unlikely to be wrong. Very common problem. Medicine has no side effects and cheap. Been hypo 40+ years. No need for endo. They usually pick a starting dose based on your weight IME and then will retest in several weeks to see how it is working. They should be checking the 3 major hormones though T3, T4, TSH. I go once a year for a tune up and med refill because I am very stable.
Some of what you read online about thyroid is complete and utter nonsense IMO though I realize we are all different.
No need to fast for thyroid, you should fast for cholesterol. Unlikely to be wrong. Very common problem. Medicine has no side effects and cheap. Been hypo 40+ years. No need for endo. They usually pick a starting dose based on your weight IME and then will retest in several weeks to see how it is working. They should be checking the 3 major hormones though T3, T4, TSH. I go once a year for a tune up and med refill because I am very stable.
Some of what you read online about thyroid is complete and utter nonsense IMO though I realize we are all different.
Yeah, I get 90-day thyroid refills at Walmart for $10, even less when my insurance pays part. Less than $40 a year!
A lot of thyroid symptoms aren't that obvious. Like fatigue, hair loss, weight gain. They all have possible other causes, and slow to occur, so they are easily missed. I've been hypothyroid for 40+ years and the tests are rarely wrong. The dosage is weight dependent primarily, but they retest after 6 weeks of taking the new dose and then see if they need to tweak it. Everybody's body is different, so it might take a few attempts before finding the dose that works for you. Once your correct dose is established, it's usually very easy to manage. I've only seen the endocrinologist a few times in 40 years. Unless you aren't responding to the meds as expected, it's not really a necessity to see a specialist. Most Endos focus primarily on diabetes because thyroid is so basic and pretty straightforward that it rarely needs their attention.
I have extreme symptoms but my blood work is almost normal. It took me years to figure out that I have hashimotos. Apparently, thyroids are complicated and often don't make any sense. Some people's levels are completely out of whack and they have zero symptoms and sometimes, just like me, my levels are almost normal but without medication I am a balding wreck that just sleeps and shivers from being cold. My levels are now amazing with just 60mg of Armour but I am still always shivering, sweating, cold, etc.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
