Thyroid question

My dietitian suggested I have my thyroid rechecked as thyroid problems can slow weight loss.  So I retested with my 6 month labs. It came back 3.8 which Quest says is in range.  However I read that in 2003 the range was changed to  .3 to 3.0 so if,this is the case I am a little high.  Anyone able to shed some light in this?  I see the surgeon on Monday but I am not sure a surgeon is the one to prescribe thyroid meds. Maybe a need a trip to the PCP.  That is not due till November.

According to the NIH, a TSH level of 3.8 is normal but should be monitored by your physician.  This is a condition best handled by your primary.

Thanks.  I should see her at the end of the year unless there is a problem.  I guess thyroid is not a problem.  I had all labs sent to her and she has not emailed me so I was hoping she thought all was well.  Or maybe she just hasn't looked at them.  Always a possibility.  Thanks again.

I have had hypothyroid issues for about 15 years. Been managed at PCP and endocrinologist at different times. My PCP wanted to keep me around 4-5 but I was still pretty tired. My endocrinologist wanted to keep me down closer around 1 and said it was more about where I felt good at (i.e. because I was having symptoms and all other causes were ruled out he wanted me lower....if I hadn't been having symptoms then I would have been fine at 4-5).  So, definitely something to discuss with your PCP but if you're having symptoms figure out why!  Is your B12 level good? Iron?  For me those are the 3 main things I get checked when I'm feeling tired all the time and have no energy.   If you're feeling fine and you just want it lower to help you loose weight I don't know if they will adjust your dose.  If it gets/stays to low for a long period of time it can affect your bones and stuff so it's all about a fine balance.

As much as people like to use their thyroid as an excuse for their weight, the reality is that unless the thyroid is significantly out of whack, it doesn't affect your weight loss (or gain) very much, and if it is off enough to be causing problems with your weight, you would almost certainly also have other symptoms of hypothyroidism (or, for people with unexplained weight loss, hyperthyroidism).

That is the reason that thyroid meds are NEVER prescribed for weight loss.  A small increase wont help you lose weight and with a large dose, the hyperthyroid effects are far more dangerous than carrying around extra weight.

Lora