What Does My Lab Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 14 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 Answered on

Mon, 15 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have this chronic itching of the torso for the past few weeks. I have tried lotions with no effect. I have also been taking synthroid for 20 years for a mild hypo thyroid condition. Is it possibly related to the thyroid? i.e. do i now need a higher dose or do you suspect something else?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Thyroid

Detailed Answer:
When the TSH is abnormal, it indicates an inadequately treated thyroid state whicah can result in itching.

So the TSH and Free T4 need to be in target range. This is the main indicator to guide dose adjustments.

When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC
Electrolytes
Calcium
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests
TSH
25 hydroxy Vitamin D

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar