thyroid or something else?

[duffster]

I have had variable thyroid test results recently but my doctor appears to be using ranges that are not recommended by the AACE.   I have many symptoms of hypothyroidism (extreme fatigue, unexpected weight gain, body aches, fluid retention, and significant hair loss and brittleness).  I also have very low iron that has increased to from 21 to 41 ng/mL after 8 months of iron supplementation.  I am peri-menopausal.

I can't help but think all of this is connected somehow.  My doctor considers the iron low normal and the rest unremarkable.

Recent results are:

T4 FRee  1.27
TSH  .78
T3 Uptake 30%

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The tests posted are normal.  The symptoms are not specific for thyroid although they are common in thyroid problems -- with these symptoms only about 25-30% of patients would test positive for a thyroid problem.