Re: Re： Re: new numbers

[Guest guest]

Hi Cora,

You wrote:

>

> My name is Cora coming from HK. I was diagnoised to have Hypothyroidism in

> November 2010 when i delivered a baby about 7 months ago. ...

>

> Free T4: 16.2

This result is not really meaningful without units and/or a reference range.

Labs in different parts of the world use very different reagent kits to perform

these tests, which involve immunoassays.

> TSH: 2.58

This test has been standardized globally, so it is meaningful. Since you are

taking thyroid medication, TSH should be a bit lower. For an initial screening,

2.58 would not really indicate treatment by itself. With the antibodies, it

does.

> HBs Ag : Negative

> Anti- thyoid microsamal antibody: postive, Tire 1:400 ...

> What does it mean 1:400? What is the normal range?

The reference ranges for most tests do not mean " normal. " They mean " common. "

Lots of people with common TSH levels feel anything but normal.

In this case (antibodies), " normal " and " common " both mean an essentially

undetectable level. The titer (probably titre in HK) ratio tells you how much

you can dilute the blood and still detect antibodies. 1:400 is pretty severe,

but you can sometime induce such levels temporarily from pregnancy. Unless the

antibodies go away, your condition will progress, and you will need an

increasing dose until your thyroid is completely shut down.

> ... Besides, in HK, i never find a doctor who would adopt the

> desiccated thyroid supplement, What can i do ?

I would not worry about that yet. Most people will do well on the T4 alone, if

your doctor keeps up with the progress of the Hashimoto's. I would give it a

year, and if you are still symptomatic even with a low TSH and a decent dose of

T4, then start considering alternatives. Given the difficulties over the last

few years in supply and consistency of dessicated versions, I would at least try

the T4 for an extended period first.

Chuck