Thyroid question - Astroman?

I've had thyroid lab tests done a few times...and they're all good.

My TSH numbers are something like: 0.4, 0.45, and the latest one was 0.8.

(This is off the top of my head...may be slightly different)

Had FT3 and FT4 tested a couple of times and they have always been in the upper end of range.

I do have some symptoms of hyper. sweating, and did have weight loss and tremors at one point but those last two have resolved.

I noticed awhile back that I when I rub the front of my neck, the skin slightly darkens and it's in the shape of a "V"
I've read that can be a thyroid issue.


My question: If i'm going back and forth from hypo to hyper - would my blood work show that? Would it one day show hypo on testing and another day show hyper? Or does this back and forth happen throughout the day and my lab work would balance out and look normal like it does?

Trying to explain what I mean. Not sure if I'm doing a good job.

So, basically I could be going hyper to hypo - back and forth and the FT3 and FT4 could always be in range...?


So, the only way to know if I am swinging both ways (hehe) and have a thyroid issue is to have imaging done to check for nodules?
Or maybe test for antibodies?
I doubt if I could get my GP to test though, since she's done the TSH, FT3 and FT4 several times now...and doesn't see a reason to check for anything else.


Or...should I just not worry about this darkening area on the front of my neck?

astroman said...
So, basically I could be going hyper to hypo - back and forth and the FT3 and FT4 could always be in range...?

Since its averages, it depends how far of a swing you go in order to see it on labs. Seldom can someone talk a Dr into doing repeated labs days apart. Worth as try I guess.

So, the only way to know if I am swinging both ways (hehe) and have a thyroid issue is to have imaging done to check for nodules?

- no. many people with correct thyroid levels have nodules. Nodules are checked for growth- cancer.

No, there's no way she'd consider repeating labs a few days apart.

So, I shouldn't be concerned about this?

astroman said...
Can you use online lab orders and go to a blood draw lab in Canada?

TSH, FT3, FT4 are under $100 USD from several online places (Stop the thyroid maddness has this listed.)

Have you had TPO and TgAb tested lately? those can elevate before hormones levels are changed dramatically.

No I haven't looked into the online lab orders. Not sure if that's possible here in Canada.

I have never had the TPO and TgAb tested. My regular Dr. and two endocrinologists said my labs were fine...no need for further testing.
My LLND didn't think there was reason to either.

I may be able to get a lab req from him (my LLND) and pay for the blood draw at LifeLabs here in my city.
But, I just don't know if this is just going down a rabbit hole.

So you do think it's worth it in my case?

It's basically because of this darkening of skin on the front of my neck.

I have always heard that the thyroid works with the adrenal gland. Did you test or treat both?

You may just consider treating-use the natural supplements.
You can find some good videos on youtube about this

Remember, stress is bad. Wondering about health issues is stress.

If I were you, I would seek what ever means needed to get all three thyroid antibody (Hashi tpo, tgab and Graves TSI)tests done. Then you can check it off your mental list and put it away! Even if you have to pay, its cheaper than lyme testing.

magoo2 said...
Woops I don't know about hyperthyroid.
Sorry I misread your comments

No problem.

I would think I'd be hyper because I don't have fatigue.
Also my TSH is always less than 1

The treatment is anti thyroid meds to stop the gland from producing too much.