Are my Thyroid Tests NOrmal

Question

Hi,

I have been battling fatique, weight gain, brain fog, forgetfulness, no libido, depression, etc. the list goes on and on.  I had a child four years ago.....and had all the above symptoms shortly after.  I finally went to an ENDO in February of this year, my results were as follows:

TSH 3.48; T4 1.0, T3 2.58 was put on the lowest dose of levothyroxine (did not really feel too much better) went back for my labs three months later and the results are as follows:  TSH 2.42 ; T4 1.1 and T3 2.31.

I do not feel better and inquired about being on a higher dose of which the endo said will not due b/c my labs are normal range  - BUT I DO NOT FEEL BETTER oh and had a weight gain as well in three months on the meds..I think it has increased my appetite.  I have also tested positive for antibodies of hashimotos or is it graves..???  Does that mean I have the disease if I have the antibodies?

HELP ..do I need some other testing..b/c I just do not feel better....actually worse that I"m always eating and now gaining more weight....

Thanks for your anticipated answers and advice.

Miki

This discussion is related to New to this - trying to understand.

laura1967 · Answer

Your T3 level is way too low, and your T4 level could be a little better. Low free T3 can make you feel just as sick as low t4. It looks as though you are not converting very well.
Anyone with hashimoto's should have a TSH supressed to between a .50-1.0 in order to keep symptoms at bay and for the body to heal. Anything over that and you are hypo.
Soooooo apparently your dr isn't well versed on hashimoto's and its affects on the thyroid, and where your levels should be. May be time to look for a thyroid specialist who specializes in autoimmune.

goolarra · Answer

Your antibodies (probably TPOab, also know as microsomal ab) were elevated.  Yes, that does mean you have the disease (Hashi's).

With Hashi's, the antibodies keep attacking your thyroid and making it less functional.  So, your thyroid is less able all the time to produce T3 and T4.  My guess is that you are chasing a moving target.  Your own thyroid is steadily deteriorating, but your labs have not quite "caught up" to that yet.  There's often a lag between experiencing symptoms and having those symptoms reflected in your labs.

I don't know why your doctor would be so reluctant to increase your meds slightly.  There's plenty of wiggle room in both your FT3 and FT4 for an increase.  Different people feel better in different parts of the normal range.  When it comes to "fine-tuning" meds, symptoms become extremely important and can't be ignored.  You may have to scream a little, but make it known that you STILL DON'T FEEL WELL!

Best of luck.