Do I have hypothyroidism?

[main34]

My mother and many close relatives have been found to have thyroid problems. My mother has hypothyroidism.
My TSH is 4.47, Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies is 1.1 (Reference Range:  or = 1.0 Positive), and Free T4 is 0.97 (Free T4).

Doctor says she may have caught me at a bad time and is ordering a fT4, fT3, TSH workup in six weeks. I think I definitely have hypothyroidism due to experiencing lots of symptoms, but could the normal T4 mean something else? Am taking Vitex and multivitamin.

[Barb135]

What's the reference range for the Free T4?  Reference ranges vary from lab to lab and have to come from your own report.  Your FT4 looks quite low in most ranges we see and it's possible to be hypo, even with levels "in range".

Is the Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb) the only antibody test you had done?  There's another antibody test called Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) that's also used to diagnose Hashimoto's, which is the # 1 cause of hypothyroidism.  Both TPOab and TgAb should be done as some of us have one or the other, some have them both...

It's good that your doctor is retesting in a few weeks, but it's too bad she's waiting that long...

What symptoms do you have?

[main34]

The reference range for the Free T4 is 0.8 - 1.7. I should clarify that the reason my doctor is ordering more bloodwork is because my TSH is high (4.470, Reference range 0.450-4.500).

The Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies is the only antibody test that I have done, and she has not ordered a TPOab in the second round of bloodwork. From looking at my lab results it seems that my TgAB is high, but she did not say anything about it being high or Hashimoto's. I have just requested that they add a TPOab to the order, hopefully my doctor will approve it.

As far as symptoms:

1) Went from 115 to 130 lbs in 2016 and extreme difficulty losing weight despite active college lifestyle and healthy diet.

2) Rare occasional palpitations, used to very frequent a year ago. Had a 2 day episode of an extremely fast heart rate a year ago as well.

3) Irregular periods meaning they come anywhere from 20 to 33 days with no rhyme or reason as to length of cycle. Also somewhat extended, lasting 7-8 days.

5) Frequent colds and cold feet.

6) Ridged nails and cystic acne on face, chest, shoulders, upper arms, and back.

7) On and off brain fog that includes poor concentration, impaired memory and inability thinking clearly.

8) Thinning outer and especially inner eyebrows.

9) Moodiness and irritability

[main34]

From lab results, TSH Standard Range is 0.450-4.500, anti-tg antibodies should be negative or lower than or equal to 1.0, fT4 should be 0.8 - 1.7 for adults.