Supressed TSH

[asiatic]

Diagnosed Graves/TED 3 years ago and chosen long term Block and Replace. Doctors made we worse not better but I now have an Endo monitoring me to achieve the lowest effective dose of block and replace reducing me from 50mcg Levo +20mg/15/10 Carbimazole with minimum changes to my TFT's. ( fT4/fT3 are mid range ) However, he now suggests I reduce to 25mcg. Levo as my TSH has reduced from 0.67 to 0.22 ( 0.35 - 5 ) and he would not like my TSH suppressed longterm. I am aware of the controversy over this and the fear of Osteoporosis/Cardiovascular problems. Most of the references on this forum are for people with Hashi. and on thyroid supplements. I would like some clarification Could anyone suggest any research papers I could read to educate myself on this. Thanks.

[pennyannie]

Hello Asiatic

As you have a diagnosis of Graves you will be carrying the antibody TSI or TRab.

The uniqueness of Graves, as I understand, is that this antibody actually " sits on " and controls the TSH marker making it an unreliable measure.

The T3 and T4 thereby being the more reliable gauge of your medication.

You might like to check in with Elaine Moore. She is an American lady with the disease and has set up a Foundation for all Graves patients. It is a very comprehensive website, free to all, and if there any papers, this Foundation will certainly have them.

[asiatic in reply to pennyannie]

Thanks pennyannie. Like you I thought it best to dose by T3/T4 but it is finding the balance. Keeping them lower in range to bring up TSH might make me hypo which worsens my TED. I am trying to work out if suppressed TSH is the lesser of 2 evils !

[pennyannie in reply to asiatic]

I think you are right, you need to keep TSH suppressed to attempt to reduce antibody activity in your eyes and anywhere else in your body.

[pennyannie]

Thanks reallyfedup but I'm OK - and self medicating with NDT, thanks to you !

think this is for @asiatic and hope this now get's there. I'm sure she's seen it as this is her post, anyway, thank you, from her and me !!

[asiatic]

Yes thanks for the reply. Agree my eyes are my priority but just hoped I could find a bit of science to present to endo. I did find a good article on TSH by elaine Moore after your suggestion pennyannie. I did know about her forum. She is very knowledgeable.