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What Does My Lab Test Report Indicate?
Question: I had blood work drawn last week by my new fertility doctor to test my thyroid gland and it's functionality. I have never had an issue with my thyroid, but now it seems like the RE is not happy with the results and has stated that he wants me on Syn
throid to decreases my TSH level. This is coming from a fertility expert and he said that he would like the levels to be below 2.2. I am extremely concerned about this and I don't want to take medication if I don't have to unnecessarily. the nurse said that I am going to have to take it for the rest of my life. I told her I would have to consider it before agreeing to putting that in my body. She also said that this level should be lower if I am trying to conceive. Any thought on this?
TSH LEVEL= 3.1
FREE TSH Levels = 1.36
throid to decreases my TSH level. This is coming from a fertility expert and he said that he would like the levels to be below 2.2. I am extremely concerned about this and I don't want to take medication if I don't have to unnecessarily. the nurse said that I am going to have to take it for the rest of my life. I told her I would have to consider it before agreeing to putting that in my body. She also said that this level should be lower if I am trying to conceive. Any thought on this?
TSH LEVEL= 3.1
FREE TSH Levels = 1.36
Brief Answer:
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
I understand what you are saying here. One would not gladly take medication unless it is absolutely necessary to do so, particularly if it entails a lifelong commitment.
What your RE is advising though, is fair. In fertility related matters, it is advisable to keep the TSH under 2.5
Whether Synthroid needs to be taken for life requires a more systematic evaluation. A general endocrinologist will be able to assess you for this later once fertility matters are dealt and over with.
For example, there are two types of thyroid auto antibody blood tests called anti TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) and anti Thyroglobulin , which give a good idea as to whether or not the thyroid is functioning adequately. If it is not, then synthroid may need to be taken forever.
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
I understand what you are saying here. One would not gladly take medication unless it is absolutely necessary to do so, particularly if it entails a lifelong commitment.
What your RE is advising though, is fair. In fertility related matters, it is advisable to keep the TSH under 2.5
Whether Synthroid needs to be taken for life requires a more systematic evaluation. A general endocrinologist will be able to assess you for this later once fertility matters are dealt and over with.
For example, there are two types of thyroid auto antibody blood tests called anti TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) and anti Thyroglobulin , which give a good idea as to whether or not the thyroid is functioning adequately. If it is not, then synthroid may need to be taken forever.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
It is a reasonable suggestion by the RE.
The final decision is between your RE and you.
It is typical practice to check thyroid blood tests ie TSH and Free T4 after 4 to 6 weeks once medication (synthroid) is started.
However in your case, it is possible your RE may wish to check it sooner to ensure target levels have been achieved.
You should call the doctor's office to address your questions
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
It is a reasonable suggestion by the RE.
The final decision is between your RE and you.
It is typical practice to check thyroid blood tests ie TSH and Free T4 after 4 to 6 weeks once medication (synthroid) is started.
However in your case, it is possible your RE may wish to check it sooner to ensure target levels have been achieved.
You should call the doctor's office to address your questions
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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