Understanding my test results

[Daytona3]

My test results came back with TSH level at 4.80 and my T4 at 0.85. My dr says it's in range and I do not need to start back on synthyroid which I have been off of for a year. I feel bad all the time tired, my entire body aches. He says I need to see a rhumatoligst, Please help me understand my test

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

You have borderline hypothyroidism.  If the antibodies are positive (and even if they aren't....) and you felt better on synthroid, there is not reason not to start back on meds to keep the TSH around 1.0 -- would do that first and if after 3 months you still feel bad, then do rheum eval.

[giamaru]

Test Key:  Get a new doctor.  Yours is an idiot.

[Daytona3]

I was wondering?

[Daytona3]

I feel like I am dying and he wont help

[giamaru]

Well if this helps at all, in 2003, I had a doctor test my TSH and it came out at 4.67.  She told me my metabolism was "low normal" and sent me on my way.  I thought my weight gain was my fault, and proceeded to even further restrict my diet.  Needless to say, she was an idiot too.

There are a lot of doctors out there who are so busy that they don't bother to read any of the latest research, and they are of no use to you.  If you can find a good one who listens to you and doesn't shuffle you out of the office like you're in an assembly line, you'll be well on your way.  I'm still searching too.

[wonderme]

Good morning.  This is my first time posting here.  I have been suffering from mulitple hypothyroid symptoms since the birth of my youngest child seven years ago -- extreme fatigue (sleep 8-9 hours and want a nap an hour after I get up), weight gain and can't lose, extreme irritability, dry skin/hair, hair loss (none growing under arms, minimal growth on legs, thinning on head), cold intolerance (BBT 97.0-97.3 -- mid-day 97.0-98.0)and never get a fever, cold hands/feet, etc., etc., etc.

Three years ago I was tested and my TSH was normal -- 1.92, with high Free T3 -- 230+.  Told me everything was fine and not a thyroid problem.  I recently stopped using birth control pills (4-5 months ago) and I GAINED 12-14 pounds that I can't seem to lose.  My ob/gyn tested my TSH, prolactin and progestin. These were again normal -- TSH 1.19, Prolactin 11.2, and Prog. 12.0.

I've seen a couple brief mentions of pituitary problems when TSH is normal/low but Free T3 is high (than range) but I haven't been tested again for T3.

Does anyone know if I should request to be tested again for T3 or something else?  Does this not sound like a thyroid/pituitary problem?  Any ideas?

Thanks so much.

[Rickerus]

First off - apologies because this is a repost.  I came across this forum on google and responded to what I now see is a very old thread. I'm new to this board and am looking for some assurance and/or advice.  I was diagnosed about 5 years ago with hypothyroidism.  I am an otherwise healthy, fit 34 year old male.  Contrary to what I've read symptoms can be, I'm actually on the lighter side (5'10", 165lbs) and have a reasonable amount of energy, although lately it's been waining.  Here's the thing - when I was first tested my TSH level was 225 (not a misprint).  After several retests to make sure it was not a mistake I was put on 200mcg and have fluctuated between 175mcg and 200mcg ever since.  Recently I got lazy about taking my medication due to a new insurance plan that makes getting prescriptions a hassle.  When I finally got around to dealing with it (after about 2 weeks of no meds) my doc looked at my chart and realized that they'd been prescribing me way too much levothyroxine - my last blood test apparently showed almost no TSH, yet I was still taking 200mcg for almost a year.  He wanted to retest me and readjust my dosage.  Well, my results came back this morning and my TSH is back up to 183 after only about 2.5 weeks of no medicine.  Based on the events chronicled here and a few other things, I don't have total faith that my doctor knows exactly what's going on.  So my concerns/questions are these: does anyone know if such excessively high TSH numbers could be indicitave of something other than hypothyroidism that I should be tested for?  I did see an endocronologist 5 years ago, but should I see another to be sure?  Most importantly, what could the effects of too much levothyroxine be and/or too much TSH (I seem to be penduluming between these 2 scenarios)?  Most of what I read just says to get TSH levels back to within a normal range and that that's all you can do.  I guess I'm just looking for some assurance that I'm a) not facing some imminent danger due to high TSH and/or too much medication, and b) that my abnormally high TSH levels, when they occur, are not indicative of some other, bigger issue.

[wonderme]

Kelliek -- thanks for your input.  I guess I'm a bit confused.  The tests I had done are:
T3, Total -- 203 (High on range of 60-161)
T3 Uptake -- 23 (Low on range 24-37)
T4, Free -- 1.1 Normal
TSH -- 1.92

I think I confused the T3 Total with the Free T3.  Regardless, I don't understand why one T3 is high and the other is low.  And, why this is all considered normal even when the lab highlights in bold and marks it high/low.  

Also, from checking the web, these seem like a strange combo of tests not really to indicate anything.

I've had my TSH (only) tested a couple of other times and it is always in the "normal" range yet I remain with all these symptoms.  I can deal with the weight and the cold, but I feel so bad that I'm moody with my kids and too tired to play with them.  I've been begging for help and it just gets written off as normal (I'm sure I've been labeled a hypochondriac by my doctor at this point).  I really just want more energy and to lose the moods.

If your TSH is "normal" but you still have symptoms indicative of hypothyroidism, what else could it be?  I've seen mention of normal TSH but hypo because perhaps the pituitary isn't working.  How do you know?  Is there a blood test for this?  What are other possible causes if it's not my thyroid?

Thanks for your help -- I feel like I'm going in circles.

[wonderme]

kelliek from wonderme

Thanks again.  Yes, I have been taking my BBT which ranges from 96.3 to 97.2, but I've also been taking my temp during the day and it can be as low as 96.8-97.0 in the middle of the afternoon.  I'm always cold (hands and feet as my husband will attest).  I always am under a blanket or sweater when the room is 70-72 and everyone else is comfortable or warm.  

Also, I can never smell anything -- is this a real symptom?  My husband always smells things that I can never smell.  Also, have acne and never did as a teen.  And have recurrent sinus infections and never did before.  Plus I can't focus and even forget things when they're on my list.

I may try the home thyroid test -- should I start with one and depending on the results get the antibody or do I need both to get a clear picture?

Please let me know the absolute required tests to have done -- my insurance is good and even so, my health is worth it.  I'd really like to get in the game and have fun and be happy again.

Thank you so much for your help.

[wonderme]

Hi.  It's me again.  I guess I'm just a huge novice at reading these blood tests...

Is there a difference between the TSH test and the TSH w/ Free T4 rfx?  What is the significance of the Free T4 rfx?  I only see a result for the TSH.

I'm trying to gather enough info so that I can talk to my doctor about additional testing.

Are there any hypothyroid conditions that would result in a low normal TSH and a low normal Free T4?  My T3, Total is High and my T3 Uptake is Low.  Is this contradictory?  

Just want to know if I should continue this pursuit or if it is something else causing all my symptoms.

I just want to be happy and energetic like I was before.  

Thanks!

[wonderme]

Sent an earlier question on 3-9-06 -- didn't put who it was to.

Kelliek has been extremely helpful, would also love to know anyone else who has a similar situation

Thanks all.

[wonderme]

kelliek -- just looking for clues...my primary care doctor tested me for Epstein-Barr virus.  Two of three tests came back extremely high -- suggestive of a past epstein barr infection.  Doctor wasn't concerned -- I never understand why they test for something and when it comes back over 5 tims higher than the range they say it's okay...then why did they want to test for it in the first place?

I have some lymph nodes that have been ever so slightly enlarged for a couple of years.  They have been checked and rechecked and no doctor is concerned about them -- and I've had several check.

We wanted to have more kids, but were waiting to make sure the lymphs were nothing serious. We're ready and I had given up on any help with thyroid, but I'm concerned now because I wasn't aware of the problems it can cause for the fetus.

Also to note -- I have had NO hair growing under my arms for several years (have also had pc dr. and derms check -- no cause) and minimal hair growth on legs -- I don't shave, so what am I complaining about they would ask.  Well, I just didn't know if it was a sign of something serious...apparently not.

Thanks again for any feedback.

[Brooklynborn]

Good Afternoon All:  My test results for an "over active" thyroid is .19.  I want to know what it should be and what does this mean?  How did it get like this?  I have an appointment with encrnology (not sure of the spelling, sorry)  Should I be worrried?

[armagh1]

A related discussion, thyroid was started.