Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Thyroid Problems

twe0708

By twe0708
in Related Issues & Disorders

Recommended Posts

twe0708 Community Regular
twe0708
Posted

What do you keep your TSH level at? I know there are new ranges and I am just wondering if other go by the new ranges or the old ranges and if so, how do you feel?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

Tsh ranges fluctuate, so I just kind of get what I get.

Most good docs want it around the 1's.

My ND monitors free t3/t4 and prescribes my rx by those levels. My other doc watched tsh and wanted it down from 5's to 1's regardless of t3/t4.

Last time tsh was 8+, which was an all-time high but t3/t4 was on spot. We don't really know what happened on that one. I'm on a decent dose of rx now - doubling it to drop tsh (which may drop anyway) was a bit extreme, we thought. I'm in a wait-and-see pattern.

nmull #newly diagnosed Newbie
nmull #newly diagnosed
Posted

I have had problems with my Doctors and labs still using the old tsh ranges. I know what I feel the best at and it is 2 or below. They have had me so up and down taking me off my meds for 6mths. They Just put me back on them because I was right at 5. I wish all the doctors would adjust to the new ranges and I wouldn't have been miserable for 6mths or longer with all the symptoms. I have been gluten free almost 4mths now so I am Hoping it will keep my levels from fluctuating so much

Good luck :)

beachbirdie Contributor
beachbirdie
Posted

What do you keep your TSH level at? I know there are new ranges and I am just wondering if other go by the new ranges or the old ranges and if so, how do you feel?

It's a little-known secret that TSH can vary several points during the day. I do not manage my thyroid by TSH but by symptoms, and Free Thyroid Hormone levels. I am generally suppressed, with a TSH averaging .03.

TSH is NOT a thyroid hormone and if you are taking thyroid meds your docs should manage your dose using Free T3 and Free T4 because the supplemented hormone messes up the TSH-thyroid gland feedback loop. T3 and T4 are the main thyroid hormones your body needs (there are others but T3 and T4 are most prominent).

T4 is the "reserve" hormone which is stripped of an iodine atom to create T3. T3 is the active form of hormone picked up by receptors to be used by your cells.

I do not feel well with my TSH even in the "new normal" ranges. If my TSH goes up to 2.0 or over, I feel lousy.

quincy Contributor
quincy
Posted

It's a little-known secret that TSH can vary several points during the day. I do not manage my thyroid by TSH but by symptoms, and Free Thyroid Hormone levels. I am generally suppressed, with a TSH averaging .03.

TSH is NOT a thyroid hormone and if you are taking thyroid meds your docs should manage your dose using Free T3 and Free T4 because the supplemented hormone messes up the TSH-thyroid gland feedback loop. T3 and T4 are the main thyroid hormones your body needs (there are others but T3 and T4 are most prominent).

T4 is the "reserve" hormone which is stripped of an iodine atom to create T3. T3 is the active form of hormone picked up by receptors to be used by your cells.

I do not feel well with my TSH even in the "new normal" ranges. If my TSH goes up to 2.0 or over, I feel lousy.

my labcorp score is 3.47. I really know nothing about thyroid issues but I will be getting a test soon for t4 and t3 and reverse t3 so I don't know what those scores are yet. any help here would be much appreciated.

Skylark Collaborator
Skylark
Posted

my labcorp score is 3.47. I really know nothing about thyroid issues but I will be getting a test soon for t4 and t3 and reverse t3 so I don't know what those scores are yet. any help here would be much appreciated.

3.47 is over the new recommended range of 0.5-2.5 or 3.0. I bet you're tired. I feel bad if my TSH is over 2.0 and that's "normal".

beachbirdie Contributor
beachbirdie
Posted

my labcorp score is 3.47. I really know nothing about thyroid issues but I will be getting a test soon for t4 and t3 and reverse t3 so I don't know what those scores are yet. any help here would be much appreciated.

I agree with Skylark. Your TSH is a little higher than the level at which most thyroid patients report feeling okay. Hopefully your T3 and T4 tests will be revealing.

It is good that your doctor is looking at your reverse T3. Docs don't usually do that. Reverse T3 is created when the "wrong" iodine atom is stripped from the T4 molecule, and the chemical structure looks like a mirror image of the regular T3. What happens then is, the thyroid receptors in your cells don't recognize it and can't use it for metabolism. Kind of like a polarized electrical plug that can only go into the receptacle one way.

When your body does this, and it can do it for many reasons, you have "thyroid hormone resistance". Too many docs won't even acknowledge the condition exists. It causes you to feel hypothyroid even with normal lab numbers, and will get you a diagnosis like "fibromyalgia" if you are lucky, "all in your head" or "it can't be your thyroid,your TSH is normal" if you are not lucky.

You don't want to look at the straight RT3 number, rather you want to look at your reverse T3 ratio. That is found by dividing your T3 measurement by your reverse T3 measurement. If your T3 is a "total T3" (the lab sheet will tell you) your ratio should be around 10 or less. If your T3 is the "free T3" you will want a ratio of 20 or less.

EDITED TO ADD: Be sure the T3 and Reverse T3 you are using in your calculation are using the same unit of measurement or your numbers won't work! And be sure they are using results from the same blood draw.

There are many reasons the body creates reverse T3, it's pretty complicated. You can Google it and find out more. If you have it, there is a Yahoo group that could be some help.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


quincy Contributor
quincy
Posted

I agree with Skylark. Your TSH is a little higher than the level at which most thyroid patients report feeling okay. Hopefully your T3 and T4 tests will be revealing.

It is good that your doctor is looking at your reverse T3. Docs don't usually do that. Reverse T3 is created when the "wrong" iodine atom is stripped from the T4 molecule, and the chemical structure looks like a mirror image of the regular T3. What happens then is, the thyroid receptors in your cells don't recognize it and can't use it for metabolism. Kind of like a polarized electrical plug that can only go into the receptacle one way.

When your body does this, and it can do it for many reasons, you have "thyroid hormone resistance". Too many docs won't even acknowledge the condition exists. It causes you to feel hypothyroid even with normal lab numbers, and will get you a diagnosis like "fibromyalgia" if you are lucky, "all in your head" or "it can't be your thyroid,your TSH is normal" if you are not lucky.

You don't want to look at the straight RT3 number, rather you want to look at your reverse T3 ratio. That is found by dividing your T3 measurement by your reverse T3 measurement. If your T3 is a "total T3" (the lab sheet will tell you) your ratio should be around 10 or less. If your T3 is the "free T3" you will want a ratio of 20 or less.

EDITED TO ADD: Be sure the T3 and Reverse T3 you are using in your calculation are using the same unit of measurement or your numbers won't work! And be sure they are using results from the same blood draw.

There are many reasons the body creates reverse T3, it's pretty complicated. You can Google it and find out more. If you have it, there is a Yahoo group that could be some help.

thanks for your information, it seems my doctor (functional medicine) mentioned what you mentioned here about ratios. My testosterone has gone steadily down over the last several months. I had gained alot of weight and my bone density is low, plus I have low ferritin.

my doctor gave me Calcium D-Glucarate and Thyroid Synergy by a company called Designs for Health ( I am not employed by them) to help me. Fatigue, low energy, irrational fears, anxiety, weight gain. this must all be thyroid related. I am hoping I can bring down estrogen and feel better or the next step is bio identical HRT.

and yes skylark, I am tired. I work 2 jobs and I am completely wiped out every day. I almost sometimes wonder if I can make it through the days anymore. I just wanna sleep or rest on the couch. I am glad I lost 16 pounds by cutting out most carbs so I at least feel better that i can fit into my jeans now!! Funny because the endocrinologist I went to said nothing about my TSH numbers being too high, it was my function medicine internist who did not like the numbers and took action. Celiac is far reaching in the body, wow.

Jenny (AZ via TX) Enthusiast
Jenny (AZ via TX)
Posted

My TSH level is always below 1. My doctor does not really look at TSH, but looks at the Free T3 and Free T4 numbers. I feel best when my Free T3 is towards the upper end of the range and my Free T4 is towards the middle.

quincy Contributor
quincy
Posted

My TSH level is always below 1. My doctor does not really look at TSH, but looks at the Free T3 and Free T4 numbers. I feel best when my Free T3 is towards the upper end of the range and my Free T4 is towards the middle.

I am wondering why my TSH has consistently been 3.47 and the endocrinologist NEVER said there was anything wrong with that number?? Is it because I am a male?

it sounds like a stupid rhetorical question, but I am stumped. In fact, NONE of my doctors, GI, or GP ever said anything about it. The only one who raised a flag was my integrated medicine internist. I just always assumed since the number was below 4 on the labcorp range I was ok....

pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

I am wondering why my TSH has consistently been 3.47 and the endocrinologist NEVER said there was anything wrong with that number?? Is it because I am a male?

it sounds like a stupid rhetorical question, but I am stumped. In fact, NONE of my doctors, GI, or GP ever said anything about it. The only one who raised a flag was my integrated medicine internist. I just always assumed since the number was below 4 on the labcorp range I was ok....

It's not just because you're male. They do it to everybody.

I would say they're less likely to even test it if you're male, though...

quincy Contributor
quincy
Posted

It's not just because you're male. They do it to everybody.

I would say they're less likely to even test it if you're male, though...

I always heard of women complaining of thyroid problems so maybe they just don't want to bother unless the number is above the "normal" range. Every time I would take the testosterone test the number would come back lower and lower, and I have to wonder how low does it have to be before they suggest

something is wrong.... I really think these doctors think celiac is just a stomach ache!!!!

pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

I always heard of women complaining of thyroid problems so maybe they just don't want to bother unless the number is above the "normal" range. Every time I would take the testosterone test the number would come back lower and lower, and I have to wonder how low does it have to be before they suggest

something is wrong.... I really think these doctors think celiac is just a stomach ache!!!!

I am starting to think they don't know how to interpret labs and "think". My ND is great at thinking about the labs. Thankfully.

And statistically thyroid problems are higher in women than men. I have no idea what's up with ignoring the dropping testosterone.

  • 2 months later...
quincy Contributor
quincy
Posted

I am starting to think they don't know how to interpret labs and "think". My ND is great at thinking about the labs. Thankfully.

And statistically thyroid problems are higher in women than men. I have no idea what's up with ignoring the dropping testosterone.

Its been awhile since I posted on this thread, so maybe someone will pick up on it. My recent labs showed my TSH down to 2, and if based on how i feel is an indicator, the thyroid supplement I was taking has worked. I don't feel as tired anymore, my weight is down to a more comfortable and healthy range for me and I don't feel as depressed or low as I used to.

I don't have my numbers, but my T3, T4, and reverse T3 and ratios were normal.

I recently had a saliva test to check cortisol in the morning and there was barely a reading. Mornings are the worst for me. my cortisol level was .3, barely on the chart. does anyone have any knowledge of such a bad cortisol number and how I get that to go up?

Skylark Collaborator
Skylark
Posted

Try this article on thyroid and adrenals. Maybe it will help. :)

Open Original Shared Link

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,912
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    westman3d
    Newest Member
    westman3d
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Rogol72
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Rogol72 · Posted

      @klmgarland, My dermatitis herpetiformis didn't clear up until I became meticulous about cross contamination. I cut out gluten-free oats and all gluten-free foods, dairy and gluten-free rice. Additionally, getting the right amount of protein for my body weight helped significantly in my body's healing process ... along with supplementing with enough of all the vitamins and minerals ... especially Zinc and Magnesium. I went from 70kg to 82kg in a year. Protein with each meal 3 times daily, especially eggs at breakfast made the difference. I'm not sure whether iodine was a problem for me, but I can tolerate iodine no problem now. I'm off Dapsone and feel great. Not a sign of an itch. So there is hope. I'm not advocating for the use of Dapsone, but it can bring a huge amount of relief despite it's effect on red blood cells. The itch is so distracting and debilitating. I tried many times to get off it, it wasn't until I implemented the changes above and was consistent that I got off it. Dermatitis Herpetiformis is horrible, I wouldn't wish it on anyone.  
    • klmgarland
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By klmgarland · Posted

      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      My only proof

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.