Hypothyroidism and anxiety

[brbangle]

I need an opinion on treatment based on the following lab results and symptoms:

TSH 1.480 (Ref. 0.350-5.5)
Free T4 1.11 (Ref. 0.73-2.3)
Free T3 1.82 (Ref. 1.9-5.0)

Despite having what my doctor calls "normal" levels, I've been experiencing unusual symptoms similar to those of hyperthyroidism--anxiety, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, diarrhea, suppressed appetite/weight loss, nausea, and so on. My doctor put me on 10mg Lexapro, saying these symptoms were not thyroid-related.

My question is: is it possible these lab results indicate that I am being over- or under-medicated? If not, what could possibly be causing these terrible anxiety symptoms?

Thank you!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

You ask about 'over or under-medicated' -- the thyroid labs are not effected by lexapro, so do you mean you are on thyroid meds?  The labs are normal and certainly do not reflect hyperthyroidism, the lowish T3 may be a compensation by your body to deal with stress of another origin.

[ironmanhomer]

I went through exactly the same symptoms.  Out of no where I started having these anxiety symptoms.  It was awful.  The worst part was getting a dr. to believe that it wasn't stress related.  All my labs initially showed normal thyroid function.   Then thank God, a well known cardiologist became involved and suggested an autonomous Hot nodule.  Sure enough he was right.  This was 5 doctors and 1 year later.  Worst year of my life (and my families).  Hang in there but find a dr. that will look at all options.  It may not be thyroid, but try to have them look beyond the numbers.  Good Luck

[brbangle]

ironmanhomer, after your cardiologist suggested a hot nodule, how did your doctor verify the hot nodule--ultrasound? Then, after the nodule was discovered, were your medications increased or decreased to treat your symptoms?

[ironmanhomer]

I had the RAI Scan which showed a hot nodule.  Right after viewing the nodule, they did an ultrasound and confirmed the location of the nodule.  At the time, they had tried me on a small amount of Synthroid but I would show signs of "normalcy" then sudden horrible signs of hyper.  After the confirmation of the nodule, I chose to have it ablated and after a few months I felt tons better.  I'm also on thyroid meds for life now but it's better then dealing with the out of whack thyroid.