All other thyroid levels were normal, however. My 4 year old was tested over the summer and this number was slightly elevated at 4.46. Dr. J was not concerned at the time since the other levels were fine. Apparently he doesn't normally treat this, but I have heard that other LLMD's do. I am concerned because it appears much higher now.
Has anyone else had this? What did you do about it? What type of MD would I see about this to try to treat it?
What does this mean? I know nothing about this area and need to research further, but would love any info you can provide. I think I remember hearing that if the thyroid is off, it can affect metabolism and the ability of the drugs to be absorbed...is this true?!
Any recommendations on next steps would be greatly appreciated.
posted
i don't remember reading about KIDS thyroid problems, but putting you up to the top!!
please look thru GENEAL'S SYMPTOM LIST FOR KIDS found in my newbie package link below; use table of contents to find it ok!
good luck on your kids; but my gut reaction was HYPERTHYROID for the one with the HIGH number vs. the LOW, hypothyroid.
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Shosty
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posted
I also have TSH levels over 5, and am not being treated. With a normal-range T4, there are other possible causes of the highish TSH, other than primary hypothryoidism. Your kids' bodies could just not be absorbing or using the thryoid hormone being produced, which would then give the body the mistaken idea that not enough hormone is being produced, which then makes the body increase TSH.
This can be called "sick euthyroid syndrome", meaning an infection (Lyme, for instance)is affecting hormone absorption but the thryoid itself is functioning normally.
My doctor is also evaluating my adrenal gland, and feels that the adrenal function needs to be addressed before the thyroid is evaluated for meds.
Thyroid meds are for the rest of your kids' lives. So patience in waiting to see if they truly are hypothyroid is the best thing to do. Especially if they have Lyme, which can cause TSH to go up.
On the other hand, we waited 2-3 years after our daughter's TSH was up, on the idea that it was Lyme. She did, however, develop a lot of the signs of hypothryoidism: low temperature, thinning hair, broken nails, low energy, swelling, etc. So she was ultimately put on levothyroxine and T3 and her health really improved.
But in Lyme situation, it is good to first assume that the high TSH levels are misleading and just a result of the infection.
p.s. I am not a doctor, just a parent.
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posted
When one of my twins was tested her TSH was over 90. Our doc sent her for a confirmation test which came back higher. She was sent to AI Dupont and they put her on thyroid meds w/o testing. She was also being treated for lyme, I think she was 9 at the time.
-------------------- When I feel blue . . . . . . its time to take another breath Posts: 296 | From East Coast | Registered: Aug 2005
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