Question:
I had a thyroid test done and my TSH came back.......

slightly elevated at 5.74 but my T4 was normal at 1.1, which labels me as having subclinical hypothyroidism. In doing my research on this I have come across MANY studies stating that those who eat soy products have a higher chance at getting hypothyroidism. I am a vegetarian and I eat soy on a daily basis for the past 8 years. I was told that 95% of doctors would not have told me about my elevated TSH level because it is so small. I am afraid of getting denied by my insurance because of this. Any help or info would be appreciated.    — TP (posted on May 27, 2002)

May 26, 2002
Your elevated TSH shouldn't prevent you from having WLS. It's not the cause of MO, and treating it won't cure MO. However, I would still talk to your doctor about getting treatment for it before you have surgery. It could impact your ability to lose weight easily. The current thinking is that the standard "normal" ranges for TSH are way too high, and that a truly normal TSH test should be between 1 and 2. My TSH was only 3.4, but my doctor started me on a low dose of Synthroid (T4) (and later added a bit of Cytomel, T3). It's been almost a year, and my enegery level and dysthymia (chronic low-grade depression) have been SO much better. I recommend reading Mary Shomon's book, Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You. . . That You Need to Know. It's a little on the controversial/alternative side, but it has lots of very helpful information about subclinical hypothyroidism. (First tip, get your Free T3 levels tested, not just your Free T4.) BTW, I'm a vegetarian too. I still eat soy -- there are too many good things about it to give it up. I do try not to go overboard with it now, though. Write to me if you have questions. Good luck with your surgery!
   — Tally

May 28, 2002
I've had my thyroid completly removed and still had the surgery - with no problems I might add - just don't take your calcium supplement at the same time that you take your synthroyd medication.
   — lindajenkins