Re: Hypothyroidism tests

Posted By JEANNIE  on November 21, 1998 at 15:34:48:

In Reply to: Hypothyroidism tests posted by Denise on November 21, 1998 at 10:41:06:






: I recently visited my doctor for symptoms which include:  intolerance to cold,  very cold hands and feet, poor memory, rapid heart beat that lasts only a few seconds 1-2 times a month, dizziness, lightheadedness, slight nausea, and the inablity to lose last 15 lb, no matter how much I exercise.
My doctor did a TSH test for hypothyroidism which came back as .41.  I didn't notice any tests for T3 and T4.  Should this be done also?  One more thing, the lab test showed very low RF titers.  I don't know what that is and my doctor didn't make mention of it.  Does it have any relevance?
Thank you,
Tracy

Hi Tracy,
I have had Subacute Thyroiditis for a couple of years.  I have been hypo and hyperthyroid during that time.  My thyroid is normal at the moment.  My results are as follows:
Ultra sensitive TSH:  0.43
FREE T3:  2.7
FREE T4:  1.9
Now the normal limits are:
Ultra Sensitive TSH:  0.20 - 4.0 mIU/ml
FREE T3:  1.1 - 4.7 pg/ml
FREE T4:  0.6 - 2.2 ng/dl
Now, as you can see, my TSH level is way out of the limit.  Although this is the case, when taking my T3 and T4 into account, the whole picture shows a "normal thyroid" function.  I have an Endocrinologist (Endocrine Specialist), so I have confidence that what he is telling me is right (one would hope).
As for the RF Titer, that is a Rheumatoid Factor.  I don't know what the limits are for that, but it may be if you show any kind of a RF titer, you could have a "possibility" of Rheumatoid Arthritis.  If you didn't, it would probably show a "negative" RF Titer.  I'm sure there was nothing to worry about and s/he didn't think anything was there, so s/he didn't mention it.  I have a positive ANA Titer 1:640 and have tested negative for Lupus and no signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis.  I show no signs, so with the high titer, I just get bloodwork done periodically (annually).  If I show signs, he will deal with it right away.  I've heard a lot of people have positive ANA titers but have no problems.  Time will tell.
Well, that is my "personal experience" with these issues.  By all means, these are my experiences and only your doctor can tell you what your situation is.  I'm sure the doc at CCF will have a great answer for you.  If you have new symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
Take care and you'll be fine!  I can tell you from personal experience that it is better to be hypothyroid than hyperthyroid!  Both can be controlled by different medications though!
Denise
Hi again Tracy,
Oops, I gave the wrong test results.  I mean that is one of my test results, but not the one I wanted to show you.  I can't find the one I wanted to show you either.  Disregard the one above.  The point still remains the same, it is a combination of all the components (TSH, T3 and T4).  
Sorry for the mixup!  Hey, what do you expect at 4:30 in the morning?  Good help is hard to find!  I am just joking here!  Like I said, I'm sorry I can't find the results from the hypothyroid one, but the combination is what counts!
Denise
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HELLO,
I have some of the same symtoms (symptoms) and was diagnosed with graves' disease you might wanna ask your doctor about it. Some of ny symptoms include: tremers,mood swings,insomnia,intolerance to heat,nausea, vomiting, weight gain and/or trouble taking off weight,heart palpitations,sinus tachycardia,etc. I believe it is considered hyperthyroidism. Just thought it might be something you might wanna ask your doctor about.
                                           Jeannie