HomeAnswersEndocrinologytsh levelI have low TSH levels. Will taking Propylthiouracil help?

Can taking Propylthiouracil for low TSH cause side effects?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At January 16, 2024
Reviewed AtApril 17, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Seven years back, I had done my thyroid profile. My TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels were low at 0.005 mU/L, free T3 (tri-iodothyronine) 4.45 pg/mL, and free T4 (thyroxine) 1.83 ng/dL. I have no symptoms of any hyperthyroidism, and I feel fine. I did my thyroid scan with a 99m Tc (Technetium) scan. The picture suggests a hyperfunctioning thyroid gland with mild thyroid gland enlargement in the right greater than the left. I consulted the doctor, and they gave me a daily dose of 20 mg of Methimez. After two months, I had bad side effects of Methimez, like rashes on my face, swelling in my lips, fever, and joint pain. Then I stopped Methimez. After one month, I restarted my Methimez but took 5 mg daily. After one month, I experienced side effects and asked my doctor. He stopped my Methimez, and now he gives me PTU (Propylthiouracil). I am afraid whether PTU has the same side effects or not. For the last 20 days, I have not taken any medicine. Can I go for PTU, or there is some other medicines for this? Will PTU cause adverse effects on me or not? Please help. Here is my thyroid profile:

  1. Seventh-month report: TSH was 0.009 mU/L, free T3 3.73 pg/mL, and free T4 1.95 ng/dL.

  2. Sixth month report: TSH was 0.010 mU/L.

  3. Fifth-month report: TSH is 0.008 mU/L, free T3 5.72 pg/mL, and free T4 2.94 ng/dL.

  4. Fourth-month report: TSH is 0.010 mU/L, free T3 5.27 pg/mL, and free T4 2.29 ng/dL.

  5. Third-month report: TSH is 0.005 mU/L, free T3 4.45 pg/mL, and free T4 1.83 ng/dL.

Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read the query, and I can understand your concern.

You have sub-clinical hyperthyroidism since neither your T3 nor T4 levels are increased. You said you do not having any hyperthyroidism symptoms, like a rapid heartbeat, weight loss, irregular periods, etc. If you do not have any of these and are not pregnant, then you can just not take any medications and just keep checking your T3 and T4 every four weeks. The TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) goes low with a slight rise in T3 and T4. If any of these rise, then you can start with Propylthiouracil. It does have symptoms similar to Methimazole but less severe. The alternative treatment is radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism with both T3 and T4 raised. The next alternative is thyroid gland removal by surgery, which is for severe conditions.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf
Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Endocrinology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Endocrinology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy