It seems as though my labs and symptoms are pointing at Secondary HypoT and I am wondering about the cause. Most of what I read says that it is due to a tumor on the pituitary gland and I am wondering, is this always the case? And if so, is it always removed and what other treatments are there?
Anyone care to share their story with me? I would really appreciate it!
I've been wondering about seecondary hypo, but haven't been able to find out how to check for it in blood work. My doc refuses to even think about it because she said I don't have the headaches that it (enlarged pituitary) would cause. Do you mind if I ask what the doc saw in your blood work that made them look in that direction? And good luck in your search for answers!
Well, according to my research, having low to normal TSH with accompanying low T4 and T3 points to Secondary hypothyroidism. I have normal TSH (.73) although on the low side and low Free T4 (.71) although some would consider that number normal as well, but the more I research, the more I find that to be low. I don't have a diagnosis as of yet, but I have frequent headaches and pain in the base of my skull, along with most other hypothyroid symptoms and an enlarged, painful goiter that causes probems swallowing and speaking. Hopefully, it is just a hypothyroid goiter, and not secondary hypo and I can just be treated with meds, but the low TSH is a red flag. I really need to get more blood work done and find out more from the doctor. i go on Thursday.
Thanks so much! I guess I don't have a chance of being secondary seeing as how my TSH is up around 6.8 right now. My FT4 is really low though (0.68 [0.6-1.6]). Guess I'll just have to wait until I go to the endo on Fri to finally start getting some answers.
Petra,
Wish I could help more.. but no. I am only confirmed Hashimotos looking into a few other things, but I can only claim knowledge of Hashi's, Hashitoxicosis, and Graves thanks to family connections. Keep looking and talk to a specialist about getting the tests done to rule it out or confirm it.
hawaiidreamergu,
You are a definite hypothyroid case. Have you had your antibodies run to rule out or confirm the associated AIs? TPOAb, TGAb, TSI, and TRAb? If not see about getting them done, just to be sure.
Sincerely,
MG
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If we learn by our mistakes, I am working on one hell of an education.
