T4 Level what does it mean.

1nathaliakarina
1nathaliakarina Member Posts: 13
edited March 2014 in Thyroid Cancer #1
Last year in May 2009 I had my thyroid removed. Papillary Carcinoma with 2 lymph nodes metastisis. They gave me radioactive iodine but never removed Lymph Nodes. I have had blook work done every six month. Until, this week I went for my blood work, because I see my Endo next week. One of the test takes about a week to be in. But, my TSH level was low at 0.02 which is good. But my T4 level was a little high it was at 2.10. I am concerned and confused what this means. I am currently takin Levothroid 250 mcg. Can anyone please help me.

Comments

  • lynn2318
    lynn2318 Member Posts: 41
    #2
    T4
    Hi1nathaliakarina, I'm not sure what T4 does but would also love to know. My experience is very similar to you. I also had papillary with 2 lymph nodes positive. (they were also positive on the margins which means whatever they were touching were affected) I had 2 radioactive iodine treatments but no additional surgery after my thyroidectomy. I've always wondered if I should have had more lymph nodes removed. What is your thyroglobulin level? Mine is still measureable so they won't say I'm cancer free. Would love to hear from you. Thanks and take care.
  • lynn2318
    lynn2318 Member Posts: 41
    #3
    T4
    Hi1nathaliakarina, I'm not sure what T4 does but would also love to know. My experience is very similar to you. I also had papillary with 2 lymph nodes positive. (they were also positive on the margins which means whatever they were touching were affected) I had 2 radioactive iodine treatments but no additional surgery after my thyroidectomy. I've always wondered if I should have had more lymph nodes removed. What is your thyroglobulin level? Mine is still measureable so they won't say I'm cancer free. Would love to hear from you. Thanks and take care.
  • MLG
    MLG Member Posts: 52
    #4
    lynn2318 said:

    T4
    Hi1nathaliakarina, I'm not sure what T4 does but would also love to know. My experience is very similar to you. I also had papillary with 2 lymph nodes positive. (they were also positive on the margins which means whatever they were touching were affected) I had 2 radioactive iodine treatments but no additional surgery after my thyroidectomy. I've always wondered if I should have had more lymph nodes removed. What is your thyroglobulin level? Mine is still measureable so they won't say I'm cancer free. Would love to hear from you. Thanks and take care.

    T4
    Does the T4 reflect how much med you have in your system and if it is enough...or is that the TSH?

    If it does have to do w/the med then your dr will probably decrease your dose.
  • nasher
    nasher Member Posts: 505 Member
    #5
    MLG said:

    T4
    Does the T4 reflect how much med you have in your system and if it is enough...or is that the TSH?

    If it does have to do w/the med then your dr will probably decrease your dose.

    easyest way is to just go
    easyest way is to just go read the article

    http://www.thyca.org/labtests.htm

    but basicaly

    The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine, found in many foods, and convert it into thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body which can absorb iodine. These cells combine iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make T3 and T4. T3 and T4 are then released into the blood stream and are transported throughout the body where they control metabolism (conversion of oxygen and calories to energy). Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism. The normal thyroid gland produces about 80% T4 and about 20% T3, however, T3 possesses about four times the hormone "strength" as T4.

    When the level of thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) drops too low, the pituitary gland produces Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more hormones. Under the influence of TSH, the thyroid will manufacture and secrete T3 and T4 thereby raising their blood levels. The pituitary senses this and responds by decreasing its TSH production.

Discussion Boards