thyroid disorders

[inquisator]

Are there any known conditions whereby TSH and free T4 are normal, but there is not enough T3 produced, or T3 is not used sufficiently?  If there are any such conditions, how would I go about getting these things tested when doctors refuse to order the tests?  There are several family members who have similar symptoms with no medical explanation.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

If the T3 is low with normal TSH and T4 it's possible to have a T4-->T3 conversion problem (deiodinase enzyme defect) but this is quite rare.  Conventional testing will not test for the enzyme -- you can test reverse T3 at the same time T3 and T4 are tested -- only if the T3 is really low in comparison to the T4 would you suspect such a problem.  Even then the TSH would likely rise a bit.  There may be a research lab that can test the enzyme.

[snake lady]

when you say your labs were "normal" this could mean anything the labs all have different levels.  The newest TSH is .3 to 3.0 and even this is suspect.  If your test showed 2.5 you could still be subclinical  hypothyroid.  Doctors really need to diagnose  us by the symptoms.  It takes years for the TSH to raise to the point where the doctors say you are sick.  In the meantime your immune system goes to pot.  Stick to your guns and find someone who will do the tests including Free T3 and Free T4 (these are the best indicators of your system).

[inquisator]

A related discussion, WTS was started.

[GravesLady]

If you think you have a thyroid problem, then have your thyroid levels tested, for that is the only way to tell and tell for sure.

[JaysonThomas]

I'm running out of options and I was woundering if anyone could tell me anything helpful. I think I have a thyroid problem. I've been so sick for weeks. Blurry vision, cross eyed attacks, throat swells up off and on all day, can't breath right, heart rate doubles, constant tremors, massive body heat and weak spells that get so bad my body just gives up and I hit the ground full force. I've had blood work done. My cortisol came back real high, my c-peptides came back 4 times higher than it should and my testosterone came back 50% higher than it should. Doctor don't think there important. I'm eating at least 4000 calories a day to hold my weight and I resently devoloped bumps on the glands on my chest. One is a big ball. I'm afraid of losing my vision and I'm extremely moody. I thought it was my blood sugar but that keeps coming back normal. In the last two month I went from abnormally strong (lifing weights)to lucky to keep my head up off the floor. If anyone has any ideas I will definately take them into consideration. I'm desperate. Please help.

[GravesLady]

There is a rare condition where the T-4 will not covert to T-3.
The Lab test F/T-4 and F/T-3 on how they relate to each other will relate this condition. However it is very that our body will not convert T-4 to T-3.