T4, TSH, and T3 levels

[Momcani]

I know that recently I read what the new guidelines are in one of ther previous e-mails, but I can't find it now.  If you know can you let me know what they are?  If you have the old ones too, that fine as well.
The surgeon put me on synthroid.  We'll see.

Momcani

[14aloha]

This is my first time posting. I am trying to understand what my wife is going through. She was diagnosed 6 years ago as having hyperthyroid. RAI treatment was given, Levothyroxine (synthroid) taken since, current dosage = 0.112MG tab x 1 a day.Graves disease diagnosed 2 years ago/ irreversable eye disfigurement.
Each case of thyroid disease is unique to the individual may have similar symptoms as others but the effects emotionally are hard to deal with. Can anyone please give me some answers to what type of emotional distress they have felt and what type of Irrational behaivor can be displayed by someone with Graves. I have always been here for my wife the past 21 years of marriage and we have 4 beautifull children. My wife just recently had her levels checked. I went with her to the Dr. If I had not insisted at the appointment that the GP order T3,T4,and TSH he would only have requested TSH. GP asked when the last lab work was taken, I asked him to look up the labs on his computer. His response was 14 months ago. Last week results for TSH = .17, note stated TSH level not low enough to change meds recheck in three months, normal levels: .27 - 4.20 T3 not checked,T4 1.55 ? I am amazed that my wife is not taking a more proactive role in her treatment. Is it from being tired of dealing with Graves?  Hormone levels and psychological issues may play a part in what we are going through. I have to find some answers before we all go nuts.

[Momcani]

Thanks.  You have to continue to stay active on the website.  We're all starting to depend on your research skills, as evedience to how many e-mails are directed to you.

Thanks, again.

Momcani

[Jimlow]

Momcani, The only thyroid test "normal value", that was changed, is "TSH". This recommendation was issued by the AACE (American association of Clinical Endocrinologists), in 2002 but labs and Dr.s are just now adhering to it, many still have not.
The old TSH range was: 0.5 to 5.0
The New One is: 0.3 to 3.0
They also state that even a result of 2.5 is suspect for hypothyroidism.
You also have to consider though that for hypothyroid patients on treatment, the (AACE) recommend that Dr.s get patients TSH levels between 1.0 and 2.0 range. You really are not in danger of getting too much thyroid hormone replacement, unless your TSH gets down to that 0.3 bottom of range. Some people do fine at 0.5 (me for one).
If a Dr. only gets a patient's TSH down to high-normal, they can still have symptoms. This is not my opinion, it is a fact, stated by this association of thyroid specialists.