Mormal thyroid levels but symptomatic

[bocce]

My tsh is 4.1 and said to be within normal limits.  I have every symptom of hypothyroidism and a very strong family history of thyroid disease. I have gained 70lbs in the last year and a half and feel like I am going crazy.  Can you be hypothyroid and still be within the normal limits????

[MS Hashi]

Thanks for the website, I'll check it out.

[CCGirl41]

You should check out www.vitality101.com , a good site that has recomends for adrenal problems. I found out about it, browsing on some other forums. It is a really terrific websource for people with endocrine problems.

[bocce]

Thanks for the answers. I plan on seeing an endrinologist that has been recomended to me from someine else that was in my position.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

This is subclinical hypothyroidism and with symptoms and family history, likely you have hashimotos (check antibodies).  I usually would do a trial of treatment.  The 70 # weight gain is certainly not all thyroid however.

[Lake Lover]

Optimal TSH is 1 so you would be considered hypothyroid in my eyes.

[cdwarrior]

I was diagnosed with a TSH of 4.2 but that took finding a doctor and lab that used the "normal" reference range of 0.49-2.5 and not many do. There are new and old guidelines. You just have to find a doctor who is up-to-date.

[lhowell]

Your TSH level is a little high and you possibly have subclinical hypothyroidism.  You need to find a doctor who will Rx you a low dose of meds to bring your TSH levels down.  Some doctors and labs are not following the new TSH levels established in 2003 which are 0.3-3.04

Also, having your thyroid antibodies checked will help determine if you have Hashimoto's.  If your antibodies are elevated your TSH will continue to climb without treatment.

Just my two cents...I'm not a doctor.

[MS Hashi]

Hi,

I had a TSH of 4.1 in Jan 2004 when I started showing hypo symptoms. The Doctors told me I was fine. I deteriorated over a year and a half. Finally in July 2005 I was retested and my TSH was 53. PLease demand antibodies test, don't let it go on. I'm having terrible troubles getting back to normal now as my adrenals have been run down for so long. I haven't been able to work since May.