Levels?

[ShannieK]

Probably a silly question, but will ask anyway.  I don't understand the TSH levels.  I know that when I was a mess I was at a 3.9, I mean really a mess.  I know after treatment and being bumped up some doses now i'm at a .9 and feel pretty good. There's quite a difference though, I always thought, if I kept getting my dose upped that I would end up going the other way and then become Hyperthyroid, is that possible?  Is a .9  low or high or what is it?  What does it mean exactly?  Have never had T3 or T4 tests, so don't know how those mix in either?  Can someone explain all this to me in real plain english, hopefully it may start to make sense to me.  Thanks

[ShannieK]

Took the words right out of my mouth, this would have been my advice.  I posted just above, had and have very prominant hypo symptoms and all labs came back normal.  Everything, but the antibody tests, and some dr's don't check that.  just a thought.  Hashimoto's would not mean that you are hypo yet per say, just means you are in the process, your immune system will attack it until it doesn't produce enough hormone and than you will become hypo and need a supplement.  If this is the problem and your test comes back positive the the antibodies, it's important that they start you on medication to prevent further damage, this slows the process, and makes you feel better.  My  mom has thyroid disease too, wasn't it nice of them to share?

[christine01]

I cant help you find an Endo, but I can tell you this. Some people have Hashimotos antibodies (thyroid disease) and their blood work ranges are normal. So, if you feel it is the thyroid ask the doctor to do a test for antibodies for hashimotos.

[Krissy L]

I really need some help. I have read where the normal reference ramge could be different for each individual. My TSH came back .77 which my doctor said was normal and my free T4 was .73. I have all the symptoms of hypothyroid except for gaining weight. I have been so exhausted...no energy, foggy thinking, depression, dry rough skin, constipation, hair falling out and cold most of the time. Hypo runs in my family and my mother told me this is exactly how she felt when she was diagnosed. I live in a small town and need to find an endo in Nebraska or Colorado. Can anyone help me on what may be wrong or where I can find a good understanding endo. Thank you...

[ShannieK]

Hi, Thanks!!!  I agree with how this really comes out of nowhere.  I had twins 4 years ago, and it is now suspected that that is when my thyroid problem began, I got real thin right after having them and felt terrible, my nails started falling off, my hair was falling out and I had no energy.  But ya know, I just had twins, I just assumed by carrying and having them, I was a mess.  Through those 4 years my hair progressingly got thinner and I turned the other direction and put on a ton of weight.  I weigh more now than I did when i was 9 months pregnant with my girls, how is that for depressing.  I went on diet after diet, and in fact this past October I was probably at my healthiest!!!!  Go figure.  I had lost alot of weight, was exerciseing solid for about a year, still battled with other symptoms, but they were tolerable and didn't think anything of them.  Than all of sudden, like over night, Boom!!!  I couldn't swallow, and my throat was sore, I was angry and shouting at everyone, migraines, weight gain, dizziness, blurred vision, severe brain fog and in a weeks time could not figure out how all the buttons worked on my car, and couldn't drive, I was having anxiety attacks, and heart palpitations, Finally, that is what scared me and made me go to the doctor, I was having a severe thyroid attack, and by the time I got in to see the Dr.  I couldn't breath, and my right side of my body was numb.  I was almost a gonner!!!!  I'm a prime example how important it is to get in to see your dr.  when you think you are having a problem.  All this and after being checked my TSH came back normal!!!!!  Diagnosed Hashimoto's last October, started synthroid and have been fine since, just minor symptoms, but sure can tell when something is off.  They just discoved the Hashimoto's, but I have a feeling, I've been battling with it for 4 years now, I believe, I am probably Hypothyroid right now, I go and see an Eno for the first time the end of Aug.  I will be intrested to know for sure what has been going on with me for so long.  Thanks for your comment and your help

[christine01]

From what I understand the weight loss is a major problem. I gained 35lbs over a year and that was the beginning of my thyroid problems even though I didnt know it. Over the last 4 months or so I lost 40 lbs., because I couldnt swallow. This was an awful way to lose it. I had hair loss when I started on synthroid, but it has since stopped falling out. I think your hair will come back. The weight loss is going to be your biggest obstacle. All the literature says diet and exercise, but it will still take thyroid patients longer to lose. Just keep plugging away. It is like this disease comes on out of no where and ravages the body and the healing is a much slower process.

[ShannieK]

thanks for getting back, I guess I would have to agree that I feel pretty good where I'm at, Being out of whack for so long really made my body take a beating, I gained a ton of weight, i'm almost bald on the top of my head, I guess, I wonder since i've started treatmenat, and am feeling so much better, why doesn't my hair grow back, and why am I still unable to lose weight?  These things are frustrating to me, I guess that's why I still believe i'm on the wrong dose, cause i'm not seeing results.  I still am so tired all the time, but how I feel right now, is the best I have felt in this past year, but i've been on the same dose now for probably about 6 months.  When does something change?

[christine01]

Most things that I have read it seems most people feel their best with a TSH around 1. When my problems first started my TSH was 77 now I am at 4.876. I am feeling better, but not 100%. Usually when you get your labs there is a range something like this .05 (.05-5.0) but these ranges have changed over the last few years, but the tests have not. So, I really don't know without seeing your test ranges if thats considered normal or not, but like I said most people seem their best around 1.