Tsh level

[jerrymars]

My daughter Diagnosed with Graves 4 years ago & she stopped taking Methamazol about 16 months ago!!-her TSH is 1.03? Does that indicate she no longer has Graves disease?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

No - it does not. Sadly.

First, TSH can take a very long time to rise again after hyperthyroidism.

Second, the fundamental issue in Graves is the production of TSH-receptor antibodies (TRab, or TSI) which make the thyroid produce too much thyroid hormone. There is too little understanding of what causes these TRab to be produced to begin with, what stops them being produced in a period of remission, or whether they will again be produced in future.

She could be lucky and never again have an issue.

In my view, TSH is a wholly inadequate test in anyone who has Graves disease - especially in the few years after remission. Three things matter - Free T4, Free T3 and TRab.

[jerrymars in reply to helvella]

I suspected there is more lab tests than just TSH for something as complex as any Thyroid condition!

Thank You for your quick response 🌞🌞🌞!!!

[pennyannie]

Hello Jerrymars

Graves is an autoimmune disease and as such for life - it's in your daughters blood.

There is probably some genetic predisposition maybe a generation away and I read it can be triggered by a sudden shock to the system, like a sudden death or car accident.

I read of many people finding remission after being on anti thyroid medications, and I read of many people staying on anti thyroid medications for years.

You might like to take a look at the following :-

Graves Disease A Practical Guide - by Elaine Moore - this lady has the disease and wrote this book as she found little help or knowledge during her Graves journey in late1990's . She has now opened a Foundation for Graves and there is also a very comprehensive website for all things Graves. It is stateside, so medical protocol is slightly different but the research and forums are current and open to all those wanting further details and help understanding their condition.

I hope this helps

[jerrymars in reply to pennyannie]

Thank You VERY Much🌞