Hypothyroidism - Tsh 3.6

[cincichick]

I believe I was last tested for hypothyroidism in January (2010). My TSH was 3.6 and my doctor said that was normal. My sister and my mom have both been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and have TSH levels higher than mine. We all go to the same doctor so I would think he would see the connection between all three of us but he doesn't.

I have done A LOT of research and all of my symptoms fit in the Celiac/Hypothyroidism category. There is no way I can go into my doctor's office and request that he order the tests for Celiac or hypothyroidism. He does not like people who try to self diagnose. I have wasted so much money going to see him every month and I still have nothing to show for it.

I was diagnosed with chronic migraines in 1996. I found in my research that gluten could cause chronic migraines. As a desperate attempt to finally get rid of my migraines I started a gluten free diet. I started to feel better and wasn't getting a headache every day like I used to. Then I read that to get properly tested for Celiac you have to be eating gluten for a month or so. I decided to go back to eating gluten so that I could get tested. I have become so miserable and no longer have the money to get tested (horrible insurance). I decided that I would just self diagnose myself with Celiac and go back to a gluten free diet. I am on my second day of the diet.

Now I am worried that I may still have hypothyroidism. Is it possible that my TSH levels could decrease to a more "normal" level if I stay on the gluten free diet? Should I try to find new doctor? What kind of doctor should I go see? Should I be tested for celiac or hypothyroidism? It will take me several months to save up the money to go see a doctor. Should I go back to eating gluten or wait until I am closer to being tested? I feel so lost and really appreciate any advice you can give me.

Sorry for the long post and the rambling.

[Dixiebell]

So basically you have done a gluten challange by eating gluten free and then reintroducing gluten into your diet.

If eating gluten makes you sick you shouldn't eat it. If after a few months gluten free you still aren't feeling better and you have some money saved, then you can get your thyroid checked.

I would probably look for a new Dr. that can accept it when you tell him/her you fell better gluten free.

Now if you think you can keep eating gluten until you have money saved that would be good, but the tests could still be a false negative.

[MaryJones2]

You should absolutely get a second opinion. The more educated endocrinologists consider anything above a 3 unacceptable these days. The old standard was 5. Many phisicians and most labratories follow the old standard. Best of luck to you.

This may help: Open Original Shared Link

P.S. If you'll post your city I'm sure someone can recommend a good Endocrinologist in your area. Or do a search here. There are several threads dedicated to good doctors.

[cincichick]

I live in Cincinnati, OH. If anyone knows of a good doctor in the area please post it here!!

[Skylark]

It is possible for your thyroid to function better gluten free if you're borderline. Sometimes the issue is being unable to absorb enough iodine. I agree you need a new doctor, and that seeing an endocrinologist is a good idea.

[MaryJones2]

cincichick, can you post a new topic and call it something like looking for a Dr. in or around Cincinnati who understands celiac and thyroid issues and see if anyone can make a recommendation? You'll get more responses that way.

[cincichick]

Thanks for the advice about creating a new post to look for a new doctor! I don't know why I didn't think to do that. I added a new post to the Doctors forum.

[Evangeline]

Thanks for the advice about creating a new post to look for a new doctor! I don't know why I didn't think to do that. I added a new post to the Doctors forum.

You need to find a doctor who is an MD, ND (doctor & naturopath). My lab results are completely fine too but my doctor put me on hypothyroid medication anyway. I can increase or decrease my dosage depending on how I feel. CHANGE DOCTORS. Call around. Look for ones who want to treat their patients naturally, too. They are much more open.