Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Low TSH Level?
Question: Hi
What would cause tsh,t3andt4 all to be low?
What would cause tsh,t3andt4 all to be low?
Brief Answer:
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
If you were not on synthroid and the t3, this picture would be concerning for a condition called 'Secondary hypothyroidism'. It implies a possible problem with the hypothalamus/pituitary signal to the thyroid and requires a thorough evaluation by an endocrinologist in person.
However, you are on synthroid and t3 and even then it is worthwhile ruling out the above possibility.
What happens with taking t3 is that it can suppress the TSH while the t4 may look normal or even low, even if synthroid is being taken. However the t3 should not be low in this instance.
But the problem with taking t3 with synthroid is that it creates a confusing picture like this. T3 is not recommended by thyroid experts, not just fir this reason but primarily because it is not necessary and can be harmful.
When I see someone like this I stop t3 and order a blood test for prolactin as a starting point, in addition to a comprehensive examination to look for potential pituitary problems
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
If you were not on synthroid and the t3, this picture would be concerning for a condition called 'Secondary hypothyroidism'. It implies a possible problem with the hypothalamus/pituitary signal to the thyroid and requires a thorough evaluation by an endocrinologist in person.
However, you are on synthroid and t3 and even then it is worthwhile ruling out the above possibility.
What happens with taking t3 is that it can suppress the TSH while the t4 may look normal or even low, even if synthroid is being taken. However the t3 should not be low in this instance.
But the problem with taking t3 with synthroid is that it creates a confusing picture like this. T3 is not recommended by thyroid experts, not just fir this reason but primarily because it is not necessary and can be harmful.
When I see someone like this I stop t3 and order a blood test for prolactin as a starting point, in addition to a comprehensive examination to look for potential pituitary problems
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you again for you or reply,
Considering possibly causes, what would the treatments be?
Considering possibly causes, what would the treatments be?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
There can be various conditions that can affect the pituitary like structural problems that occupy space in the small pituitary area and cause pressure effects on the TSH producing cells
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
There can be various conditions that can affect the pituitary like structural problems that occupy space in the small pituitary area and cause pressure effects on the TSH producing cells
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Would you mind telling me what the adverse effects of taking t3 med would be? I seemed to feel better when I first started on it. Not now.
Brief Answer:
Second follow up
Detailed Answer:
It can cause weaker bones and heart problems. So it is best to take levo thyroxine which is T4. The body converts as much of T4 to T3 as it needs. It is best to let the body decide how much T3 it needs rather than supplementing it from outside
Second follow up
Detailed Answer:
It can cause weaker bones and heart problems. So it is best to take levo thyroxine which is T4. The body converts as much of T4 to T3 as it needs. It is best to let the body decide how much T3 it needs rather than supplementing it from outside
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much for your help Dr.
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
