My TSH level is 12.87, I got put on sythroid, how do I know it's not thyroid cancer?

Question:

My dr. did not run any other blood test (he's my GP). He says I do not need to go to an endocrinologist. How do I know the level is n ot from a thyroid cancer? I'm 38, female, have had 3 children. I'm a bit paranoid because my brother in law (no blood relation) is my age and has thyroid cancer.

Answers:
The thyroid functions as a negative feedback loop: if the thyroid hormones (T3, T4) get too high they will suppress the production of TSH from the Pituitary. Too low of levels will allow TSH to be released. A level of over five is too high, so you will probably benefit from synthroid. A thyroid malignancy would be unlikely to produce too little of thyroid hormones and , therefore, unlikely to cause an elevated TSH. My impression is that your doc has done ok so far and that you'll feel better after being on Synthroid for a while (it takes a few days to work.)

If you are on synthroid, it is not likely that you have cancer. Did they do any further tests other than a blood test? If not, I would get back to the doctor and ask for further results. I know many people who are on med for their thyroid, my sister, son, and myself. It seems hereditary. Relax...you should be fine!

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My TSH level is 12.87, I got put on sythroid, how do I know it's not thyroid cancer?

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