Are these normal thyroid levels?

[Amy0913]

My endo came back with these results and said they were within normal range.  What do you think?  T3 187, T4 8.4, and TSH 1.07.

[GravesLady]

TSH is perfect.  Wish mine was that good.

What are the Ts Labs reference range?   Your T-3 looks a little suspicious, but can't tell without knowing Labs reference range.

Next time request that the (FTs - Free Ts) are done instead of the Ts.  Estrogen whether by nature or pills, interfere with the T levels where as estrogen does not interfere with the FTs.

As it relates right now, they all look good.

GL

[Amy0913]

That's what's so aggrivating.  Everyone says my levels look normal, but I know something's not right.  Could my thyroid levls be okay, but my goiter interfering with the functioning of the thyroid?

[GravesLady]

Thyroid levels are usually normal in nodules/goiters.  A lot of women with no thyroid disease have them and don't even know it.

If goiter was interferring with thyroid it would reflect in your levels.

Treatment for goiter depends on the size of the enlargement, signs and symptoms, and the underlying cause.  If your goiter is small and doesn't cause you much of a problem with swallowing or painful, etc., and your thyroid is functioning normal, your doctor may take the wait-and-see approach.

Did you do Ultrasonography and/or A thyroid scan, or FNA

GL

[Amy0913]

I had a scan done on my nodule (goiter) and it measured 4 x 4 x 6 cm.  They attempted to do a fine needle aspiration but this didn't yield any cells or for that matter any cells of a malignant pattern.  It's a fairly large goiter that does has on several occassions made me choke to the point I thought I was going to die because I couldn't get the food up.  Have you heard of thyroid tests coming back "normal" but there still being something wrong with them regarding their thyroid?

[Jenipeni]

Hi Amy

I also had a large goitre which almost always gave "normal" test results.  I had many symptoms that could be associated with thyroid such as ongoing long term fatigue and difficulty managing my weight.

For ten years the only approach the doctors would take with me is to keep testing and observe how things progressed.  

To make a long story short - I had a total thyroidectomy Nov 06.  Because I took a long time to recover from the surgery I had additional tests run and it turns out that I have fibroids and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrom (syndrome) (PCOS) as well - and we are looking into other abnormalities that showed up in test results.

So in my situation the symptoms which could have been confused as thyroid related were indeed hormonal but of a different nature.  Graveslady is 100% right that a lot of people with goitres/nodules never experience any abnormalities in thyroid levels.  

My thyroid's dimensions were; (4 times bigger than it should have been)
Left lobe: 7 x 6 x 3.5 cm
Isthmus (middle bit that goes over trachea): 4 x 3 x 2 cm
Right lobe: 8 x 3.5 x 3.4 cm

I don't believe direct comparison between sizes is particularly beneifical.  If your gland is enlarged to the point where it is encroaching on other structures in your neck to the point of compression symptoms such as the choking you describe you might also have to consider surgery at some point.  

It is not universally accepted by all doctors but SOME people have had success (if treated early) in reducing the size of thier goitre by treatment with thyroid hormone at low levels.  This is not popular because there is not a high rate of success and it can actually speed up growth in some circumstances.  I didn't try this as my goitre was too advanced when it was detected.  

Did the scan you had show any compression or deviation (changing aligment of the normal position)  of your trachea or esophagus?    

I had the TT because my compression symptoms were getting dizzy when lifting my hands above my head, a feeling of fullness in my throat and slight difficulty swallowing.  I have no regrets.  In one way the TT has helped  me uncover what is really going on with my body.

One of the difficulties with thyroid problems is that the symptoms are common to many many other disorders and deficiencies.  The fact you have a goitre and normal labs is a frustrating experience - I know.  Something isn't right, you know it and I know it - but the labs indicate it's not your thyroid and there is nothing the doctors are willing to do until the situation has progressed either into compression symptoms or abnormal lab results.  

Another thing - the average rate of goitre growth is between 5-10% per year.  It has been my experience that nothing happens fast with thyroid management (10 years of observation!).  

Just remember that it is very possible that you may have other things going on that are causing the symptoms you are experiencing.  

I could have pursued surgery two years earlier but I put it off partly in fear but partly trying to delay the enevitable lifetime of taking replacement hormone.  It's not bad really - but it's always preferable to hold onto your own thyroid as long as you can!!!

I don't know if you can relate to my story - but I just wanted you to know that it is possible to have a goitre and consistent normal lab results.

I send you warm regards and best wishes with your journey ;-D
~Jen  

[stressed2themax33]

I have been struggling with a thyroid problem for 6 years now. Specialist after specialist telling me they will figure it out only to get letters saying if it gets any larger seek medical attention immediately. I have a goiter that gets larger and has more nodules each time it is checked but my blood work all comes back normal. I am extremely frustrated and it seems to be getting the best of me. I have no insurance at all and have felt for a long time that that is why i am not getting treatment of any kind. I am 33 and had a total hysterectomy at age 28 and am unable to take the replacement hormones due to a family history of breast cancer my doctor will not let me take them. Therefore i feel like a total basket case all the time between all the missing hormones and the fact that i dont think my thyroid is working much at all. I guess my question is did you find relief with any of the natural medicines or any thing else? I mean i am willing to try changing eating patterns or whatever it takes to feel better. I seem to be gaining weight now like crazy. I am scared and unsure of which way to go next. Any advice you have would be great. Thank you so much Shannon

[Super_sally888]

Shannon,  it would h ave been better if you've created a new post.  You posted on a very old one.

Anyway, we can't tell much without knowing your thyroid actual levels (for TSH, FT3, FT4) and antibodies.  Do you have these resutls?

Please reply so we can help.