Ellie's thyroid test results: confusing & mysterious!

CubbyMama

Ellie has had 4 or 5 blood draws now to test her thyroid levels, because they keep yo-yoing back and forth between normal and slightly elevated (plus, twice the lab made errors and we had to repeat the test). 

Her latest test results are back, and her T3 and T4 numbers are normal like last time, but her TSH is still the same as before--it was considered "slightly above normal" then, but the doc said the problem is that it's supposed to go down as she gets older, not stay the same or go up.  It's also not high enough to be a clear-cut case of hypothyroidism.

The doc said he's never seen this happen, where it's not either 100% normal all the time, or 100% sky-high all the time (indicating a thyroid disorder).  He's ordering an ultrasound of her thyroid and referring us to the specialist.

Does anyone know anything about this stuff?  I'm glad it doesn't appear that she has a definite thyroid disorder, but her numbers being wonky worries me, and I keep asking the doc if there could be something else wrong w/ her that would skew these results (he said that's unlikely).

AZ_Erica

No idea, but hopefully you get some concrete answers soon.  I hate being in limbo with anything, especially medical stuff.

mlm1128

I don't know if children have the same issues as adults, but based on my recent experience I would ask if they checked her thyroid antibodies.  My levels are what most dr's would call a little elevated.  My antibody level (which I believe should be between 20-40) came back well over 1000.  Turns out I have Hashimoto's. 

GinandTonic

I'm just going through this.

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My T3 and T4 are fine, but my TSH is low (which means hypothyroid). ?Not very low though - and my antibodies are high (again, not very high). ?So, the dr is trying me on synthroid (which is making me a little ill).

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Good luck, I hope you get some answers!?

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Brideofranken

I think a low TSH is HypER thyroidism- I have a high TSH un medicated- a normal one on synthroid ...but if  you're taking a thyroid stimulating hormone when you have HYPER thyroidism ( which means an overactive thyroid,) it WOULD make you feel unwell, and you should get a new doctor, I think- it would be like taking a medication to raise your blood pressure when it is already high.

 AAAAnyway.

I know as an adult, your TSH will fluctuate- I am not sure about babies, though. I think you might want to consult an endocrinologist at this point- unfortunately, too many regular practice drs are unfamiliar with the most recent info available about thyroid disorders even for adults- a lot of drs still use old lab values ( which say that a TSH of 5 is ok- when for MANY people it is not. Optimum level is between 1-2.)

you should google mary shomon- she is kind of a thyroid information encyclopedia- I hope you find answers soon, it must be freaking frustrating!