How long until treatment would be needed?

Hi everyone

I saw my Dr the other day to get the results of some blood tests, mostly to find out if I am deficient in any vitamins and minerals because I have BSM. He had done a whole bunch of tests, one of which was my TSH level which was at 0.7, he was concerned enough about it that he wants to monitor it, but not so concerned that he wants to start treatment yet.

This isn't the first time the question of a possible thyroid problem has cropped up, last year I started having problems with temperature regulation, early signs of Raynauds phenomenom and a few other things which could have pointed to thyroid problems, and had a full thyroid panel done, I can't remember exactly what the T3 and T4 were except that they were in the normal range, a smidge on the high side, but my TSH was at 0.4. A normal ultrasound (no tracer or iodine used) was done on my thyroid, but it was more of a general scan of the area to see what was causing problems with swallowing, not trying to diagnose a thyroid issue, but nothing of concern showed up. Because there was a lot else going on at the time because I was dealing with an acute case of cholecystitis and severe LPR it was hard to determine what was causing what so nothing was made of those results.

Now since all of that has been resolved and BSM is the only other thing I'm dealing with it has become obvious that there are definitely symptoms pointing to thyroid issues and with another low TSH my Dr wants to do regular blood tests to keep an eye on things. What I want to know is at what point would treatment be needed? I have a family history of Graves and Thyroiditis (not sure whether its Hashimotos though) and from what I understand I'm showing signs of hypERthyroidism so would that eventually develop into Graves because thats what I'm genetically predisposed to? Also how long does it take for the thyroid function to get that bad?

For reference the symptoms my Dr believes are thyroid related are: temperature regulation - most often that I get hot too fast to the point that I get dizzy and faint if I don't cool down immediately, Raynauds affecting my hands and feet, night sweats even when I'm cold, my normal body temp is always on the low side. Then there are some which could be because of the malnutrition caused by BSM or could be because of my thyroid - rapid weight loss, low energy, significantly lighter periods (I was having abnormally heavy ones prior to this), low BP, heart palpitations.

Naturally I'm a bit worried about this, but mostly just so over dealing with other chronic illnesses that having another one looming is just a pain in the ass! So if I can get even the vaguest idea of what the future might hold that would be helpful.

jenagade, first just some general background information. Graves disease of the thyroid is an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism. Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis, on the other hand, can cause either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

I had Graves disease, and was severely hyperthyroid. I had a heart rate increased from my normal resting of around 60 to about 130, severe heat intolerance (I was eating huge amounts of crushed ice, I think to try to lower my core temperature), palpitations and inability to sleep more than 4-5 hours a night. Unfortunately, I don't have the lab reports from then so can't tell you what my levels were. I find that ongoing, my best way to monitor myself is by taking my pulse. If it gets as high as 70 resting, it's time to hit the doctor's office for some new labs. Otherwise, she checks all my levels twice a year.

I agree that seeing an Endocrinologist and getting a full thyroid panel should be your next step. Since the symptoms of thyroid problems can also be caused by many other things, it can be difficult to diagnose sometimes. Also, it typically takes up to a year to reach optimal levels and stabilize with treatment, so the sooner you get started the better. Good luck to you.

When I'm hyper, I do get night sweats. Your discussion of not being able to get warm resonated with me. When I was hypo, I felt like the cold was coming from inside my bones and nothing seemed to warm me. I was living in Dallas then, average daily summer temperature about 95, and I never even perspired that summer.

Right now my thyroid is beautifully spot on normal, and I don't have any of that going on.

My side effects for hyper thyroid were weight loss, atrial fibrillation, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, tired, hand tremors, teeth and hair problems. MY TSH when diagnosed was 01. Treatment was Tapazole, 20mg. That dosage was decreased over 8 months until a very short remission period.

THe Tapazole only made me feel better..most symptoms went away, however, I did have to have a cardiac ablation done during this problem and gained back most of the weight (6-8 pounds) After remission, my thyroid went the other extreme so now I am hypo. I am in my 3rd week of Levothyroxine which so far has not helped..at least not much, if at all.

You don't want to mess with your thyroid..hyperthyroid is worse than hypothyroid, does more damage to your bodyand is harder to correct. I suggest you get to an endocrinologist and hopefully start to feel better!

I would try not to over worry...whatever the problem is most likely it can be fixed. What can be frustrating is bloodwork can only be done every 6-8 weeks for testing. It takes that long for the thyroid meds to get into your system. Some patients take longer than others to figure out the correct meds and dosage. Your TSH and T4 tests seem to indicate to me you are hyperthyroid.

I am 66 years old so age probably has to do with my extra fine hair, but my hair becomes very dry and brittle when thyroid acts up. Ends are frayed, etc. Being one who has always had good healthy teeth, I developed many cavities that had to be filled. Bone started coming through my gums which caused pain. This was happening when thyroid was not diagnosed..once it got regulated, the problem went away. Hyperthyroid is not good...causes dangerous symptoms.

Main thing is to make sure you are seeing a reputable endocrinologist who does not blow off your symptoms!