Secondary Hypothyroidism/ TSH Suppression Therapy?

[Gsp177]

Is there anyone in this group who's being treated for Secondary Hypothyroidism?

Or anyone with a under active thyroid condition that find they need to be treated by suppressing their TSH levels to feel well?

[Clutter]

GSP177,

If you have secondary hypothyroidism TSH is not a valid test and FT4 and FT3 should be the measure of thyroid levels.  There are a few members with secondary hypothyroidism (pituitary dysfunction), and one with tertiary hypothyroidism (hypothalmus dysfunction).

My TSH is suppressed to reduce risk of cancer recurring.  However, there are other  members who do not feel well unless TSH is suppressed with FT4 high in range.  Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[Glynisrose]

Any version of thyroxine can suppress TSH Personally I would ignore TSH  as its not a thyroid hormone.

[BadHare]

Hi GSP,

I have a pituitary micro-prolactinoma, which I'm certain developed in 1978. I only became aware of this when blood tests flagged up my prolactin levels were  three times over the accepted level which indicates a this condition.

The endocrinologists I've seen at two hospitals have completely ignored my lengthy list of symptoms from both the Pituitary Foundation & Thyroid UK, in favour of TSH results, & told me a lot of hogwash about my tests being normal. TSH doesn't indicate many people hypothyroid symptoms, & does not prove useful if the issue is with the pituitary or hypothalamus.

I've recently read  that it should be TRH they test, for pituitary issues, but I'm not going to insist they do it when it means three weeks off taking NDT, which has helped reduce my symptoms immensely, then another month building it up enough to feel better. I'm far from 100% well, but not being so cold & being able to eat normally is fantastic!

That's not what you asked, but if you are seeking treatment fro secondary hypothyroidism, & you're not medicated, perhaps ask your endo to test your TRH.

Here's a few articles that you might find useful:

thyroid.about.com/od/gettes...

pathology.leedsth.nhs.uk/dn...

I can't wait to ask my endo why they have never suggested this, though they happily put me through unpleasant tests for other pituitary related issues.

M*

[faith63 in reply to BadHare]

What about the other hormone?  GH is the first to go, then ACTH and Thyroid too.  What about your cortisol?  I have a damaged pituitary .  I believe TRH is a Hypothalamic measure.

I am going to make an appointment with a pituitary center.  ASAP.  What are your symptoms like?

[BadHare in reply to faith63]

There's been no suggestion that I could have these tested on the NHS. I can't afford private testing as well as my NDT etc, which seems to be working well. 

My symptoms are largely classic hypothyroidism symptoms. I think I tick 9/10 boxes on the Thyroid UK & Pituitary Foundation checklists. The only erroneous things are the fact that I still have oily skin & hair at 52, & have had recurring pretibial myxedaema since 1979. My antibodies are also supposedly normal. 

M*