Hello,
I am a 31 year old, very active woman. Four years ago, I went in for lab work for heart palpitations and my doctor ordered a TSH and free T4. Results came back as: TSH 5.3 (0.465-4.68) and free T4 1/12 (0.78-2.19). Lab error was expected. I was retested three months later: TSH 2.68 (0.34-4.82) and free T4 0.87 (0.77-1.61). Over the last year, I have dropped 15 pounds with running and appropriate exercise. Now I am fairly skinny. I have since been experiencing EXTREME cold intolerance, possible peripheral neuropathy, dry skin (but I have been this way throughout my life). I have always lost a lot of hair in the shower and when brushing it, yet I have a ton of hair on my head. I have not had a period in a year and a half. I had blood work run and TSH is 3.610 (0.450-4.500) and free T4 is 1.02 (0.82-1.77). I have heard that endocrinologists have lowered there normal range, treating anything above 3.0. Do you think that I should be treated for hypothyroidism? I don't want to start taking levothyroxine only to find that the side effects are worse than what I am experiencing now. I am just wondering if taking the medication will rid me of my extreme cold intolerance and possibly help with my possible peripheral neuropathy. Please advise. Your recommendation would be greatly appreciated!