IGF1 results

[Annieza]

Hi everyone

last year I had some blood tests done as i have high TPO antibodies (Hashis)

The endocrinologist tested my IGF-1 levels (as well as thyroid and hormones) and the result was high, she tested a second time and again it was high. The 3rd time she requested a fasting blood test to test IFG1 to rule out acromegaly and it came back within range. She tested it 6 months later and its high again. My calcium is also high this time as well as cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.

My doctor is going to phone me tomorrow to discuss these results but I just wondered if anyone has any advice as i know the doctor will just try to fob me of as usual and ignore my symptoms.

I know that high levels IGF1 can be related to the pituitary gland, and i have a family history of pituitary and thyroid issues, so does anyone know what if there are other tests the doctor needs to be doing to rule out pituitary issues or any other issues?

Many thanks!

[greygoose]

I don't know an awful lot about it, but high IGF1 indicates high HGH - the pituitary hormone. But, as far as I know, if there were a problem with the pituitary itself, the HGH - and therefore the IGF1 - would be low, not high. But, don't quote me on that!

Other tests on the pituitary are ATCH (stimulates the adrenals) and TSH (stimulates the thyroid). But, do you have a thyroid problem?

Calcium, I think, has more to do with the parathyroids than the pituitary. High cholesterol is more than likely due to low T3. Have you had your FT3 tested? I would think the most obvious place to start in all this is to test your TSH, FT4 and FT3. But, as I said, I'm not a specialist. Just someone who's been through a lot of this.

[Annieza in reply to greygoose]

Hi there!

Its so confusing isn't it!

I have high thyroid antibodies, which the docs don't care about and my T4 is within range but on the low side. My TSH is within range but close to the top so the docs don't believe I have a problem despite my many hypo symptoms. I'm desperately trying to find something so the docs can investigate and not keep fobbing me off and the only anomaly on my blood tests now is the IGF1.

Thanks so much for your response!

[greygoose in reply to Annieza]

If you have high TPO antibodies, it means you have Hashi's. Doctors know nothing about Hashi's - most have no idea what it is - so that's why they don't care. But, that does mean that your TSH is going to rise and your FT4 is going to drop with time. Sooner or later, they're going to have to take notice. It's just a question of keeping on testing until they do.

[Hidden]

The IGF1 can be high due to a pituitary adenoma secreting too much AGF1, which is why you were being tested for acromegaly. Have a look at the Pituitary Foundation website for more information. pituitary.org.uk/informatio...

[Annieza in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

[AcroBabe]

The Pituitary Foundation have a very helpful nurse helpline, I would ring and talk to her.

[Annieza in reply to AcroBabe]

Thank you!