Could a High FREE T4 Cause High Cholesterol and/or muscle cramps?

[Rachz]

I am a 71 year old female. Nineteen years ago I had my thyroid removed due to cancer, but my parathyroid glands remain. During the first months after surgery and until my Synthroid dosage was regulated, I suffered from a lot of cramping, especially in my hands and chest, but also in my legs and feet.  For the past ten years or so, I have stayed on a daily dosage of 75 MCG. of Synthroid.  About 6 months ago, almost nightly I began having recurring painful feet, or leg cramps, for which my doctor prescribed 100 MG of Gabapentin daily at bedtime. It hasn't helped and also, the warning sheet for side effects was scary.  When I got my annual bloodwork done in May, my FREE T4 was high at 1.21.  My doctor lowered my Synthroid dosage from 75 to 50 MCG.

Because I had a problem with cramping when my thyroid was first removed, I am wondering if this current problem with a high FREE T4 could be causing these cramps.  Also, in the May bloodwork report, my cholesterol had jumped to 253 from last year's reading of 154.  I have been on Crestor for about five years and until now had kept my cholesterol within range.  Could a high FREE T4 cause high cholesterol and/or muscle cramps?  Thanks. Rachz

[magpieannie]

Hello! My daughter was born without a thyroid gland and she was on Synthroid most of her life. Her freet4 usually ran high and she had many muscle aches in theighs and calves.She was not converting enough of the t4 (Synthroid) to t3(active thyroid hormone) within the body. Her doctor never checked her t3, just assumed it was converting. This could be your issue. I suggest getting your doctor to take a look at the freet3 levels. If he won't, then try to find a doctor who will.

[goolarra]

What's the reference range on your FT4 of 1.21?