[IPk] Re: thyroid levels
Hi Karen & Paul,
For non-diabetics they often hold off diagnosing hypothroidism until the TSH
is slightly higher (often >10) or until the free T4 is low as well. However,
because diabetes is associated with autoimmune hypothyroidism, some doctors
will treat situations like Paul's early because there is a greater
likelihood that it will progress to 'full-blown' hypothyroidism eventually.
I was in a similar situation two years ago; my TSH was borderline high and
my T4 on the low side of normal, so they tested for thyroid antibodies and
on finding these were very high decided to start me on a low dose of
thyroxine. I was also feeling generally run-down and fatigued before
starting thyroxine.
If Paul has any symptoms then it makes sense to start him on thyroxine, but
there's no harm in not taking it if his TSH is being regularly monitored.
If they haven't already done so, you can also ask for him to be tested for
thyroid auto-antibodies.
Hope that helps,
Hannah
.
----------------------------------------------------------
for HELP or to subscribe/unsubscribe/change list versions,
contact: HELP@insulin-pumpers.org
