Abnormal labs

[SandyM 1,956]

I keep reading about people who've decreased their medications since surgery and weight loss.....I guess I'm the first to increase mine. My TSH came back quite high and I have to increase my thyroid medication. On the upside of this, this might explain my weight stall. I haven't really worried about it since I'm pretty much right at goal. But, I'm still logging in MFP and exercising and the weight is just kinda staying there. Guess I'll see. Kinda glad I'm finding this now, I have appt week after next with my surgeon and was going to talk about a possible topping off, this might change everything. As said, I'm not really worried about the wieght, but it would be nice to drop 5 lbs to give me more of a comfort zone.

[enchilada72 27]

My thyroid meds have actually increased since my surgery. 2 years ago I was taking 50 mcg Synthroid daily. I am now at 112 mcg daily. I didn't think hypothyroidism was related. I know it can stall weight loss if not replaced at the correct dosage, but it is not caused by obesity. Took a few tweaks to my meds before getting to the right dose. Couple of blood draws later, I have a good balance. Good luck!

[SandyM 1,956]

I know you're right. Guess I'm just wondering how I've been on the same dose for 20 years then all of a sudden this past year, my levels quadrupled.

[The Icy One 518]

I wonder if it has to do with your weight loss? When you are heavier, you produce more estrogen, maybe it is the same with the thyroid hormone? Crazy idea?

[Debbie3sons 1,936]

Wow never thought about it as I have been at my same dos synthroid for about 2 yrs. now and I had lab work done and it said everything was good , I mean I am a walking zombie lol but when it c to y thyroid it is still the same but I know I am losing inches and the weight is coming off , not as fast as I would like but it is coming off so that is ok with me because I am not where I was 2 to 3 or even more yrs. ago , I am able to do SO MUCH more now , but yes talk with your pcp and your Lap band surgeon as mine told e I would proy never be able to be off the synthroid , and my Aunt is a retired RN, and she said I should ask if the could get it banced since they have all this new tech med stuff and it would be a small incision , so I will have to check in to that also , when I remember , when I go to my pcp next, hope it gets better for you.

[Bandista 7,466]

Hi Sandy, I'm glad you're sorting this out so you are able to have optimal health and energy, etc. I'm not familiar with thyroid issues but just wanted to offer support to such an amazing person. I always love reading your posts. You're doing beautifully.

[SandyM 1,956]

Thanks Bandista. I've had a "dead" thyroid for about 25 years as stated. I take the thyroid medication to handle the manage the TSH levels.This is how it works. The pituitary gland in the brain is the manager of it all.

The thyroid gland normally makes thyroid hormone. When its working right, the thyroid is part of a feedback loop with the pituitary gland. First the pituitary will sense the level of thyroid hormone that the thyroid has released into the bloodstream. The pituitary will release a hormone, known as "Thyroid Stimulating Hormone" (TSH) which is supposed to stimulate the thyroid to release more thyroid hormone.

When the thyroid, for whatever reason -- illness, stress, surgery, obstruction, whatever -- doesnt produce enough thyroid hormone, the pituitary notices this reduction in thyroid hormone, takes charge and makes more TSH, to help trigger the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. This is the pituitary's effort to return the system to manage and normalize the thyroid function.

A TSH that is higher than normal tells us that the the thyroid is underactive and not doing its job of producing thyroid hormone. In general, HIGHER TSH = UNDERACTIVE THYROID / HYPOTHYROIDISM.

If the thyroid is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone -- usually due to disease, or taking too high a dose of thyroid hormone replacement drugs -- the pituitary senses that there is too much thyroid hormone circulating. The pituitary will slow or shut down TSH production, so that the thyroid will slow down its production of hormone. The drop in TSH is an attempt to return thyroid hormone levels to normal.

My pcp likes my TSH to be around 2, it was 11. When I lost function of my thryoid it was 119. So, I uess it could be worse. On the upside, when its straightened out, maybe I can lose 5 lbs that will make me stop being a loose 10 but tight 8. Other than that, I'm very satisfied with where my weight loss has gotten me.