Do these TSH levels indicate anything?

[RunnerKris]

I realize TSH is not the preferred test but while I am waiting for FT3 and FT4 levels to be done I was able to get my hands on results from two previous TSH tests. I have nearly every hypo symptom in the book, and have had several of those symptoms for years, but the TSH's still come back in the normal range. I'm waiting to get into a doctor who will treat me clinically, but value your thoughts right now.

Oct. 2012 results
TSH 1.97 (0.34-4.82)

Feb. 2013
TSH 2.9 (0.36-3.74)

Thank you.

[goolarra]

The further north you go and the less time you spend in the sun, the more vitamin D deficiency increases.  So, I'm sure it's probably Canada's national deficiency!  LOL  However, just because it's not unusual doesn't mean it's "normal".  That's like saying that flu is epidemic so we're not going to treat it because so many people have it.  Good that you're supplementing.

Some doctors will treat sooner than others.  If they're fixated on TSH, they probably don't pay much attention to FT3 and FT4.  If they're enlightened, they will treat based on FT3 and FT4 (both of which they understand have to be well up into the ranges) and symptoms.  TSH fails so many of us as a test of thyroid status that I have a hard time even discussing it at length.  So, whether they treat at 2.0 or 10.0, they're still basing treatment on TSH, which is wrong, wrong, wrong.  The reference ranges for FT3 and FT4 badly need correcting.  Most doctors think if you're anywhere in range, even on the floor of it, everything is peachy.  Not so, we all have our comfort zone, and yours is probably much different from mine.  

All that to say that a good thyroid doctor will treat based on FT3 and FT4, the actual thyroid hormones, and symptoms.  They understand that reference range is the playing field they have to prescribe on and will work to raise FT3 and FT4 levels until symptoms go away.

[sf05]

I just got my vitamin D levels and range (there were 2 different ranges for 2 different tests, i am not certain which test was administered.

Vit D 68
(75-250)
(60-206)

Using either range I am either below normal or at the very low end of normal.

[sf05]

That is very good information! I have known that I have had low Vitamin D for a few months now, but my doctor told me he was not too concerned as I live in Canada and that is not uncommon for people living here.

I have been taking 6,000 IU a day and will continue to do that until my next appointment at the end of the month.

Do you know anything about subclinical hypothyriodism? Is the information I have read, regarding TSH levels of 2.0 and above being treated before they reach full blown hypo, true at all?

thanks for all your knowledge! It has been so helpful to have another opinion on things!

[goolarra]

The vitamin D level could be very important.  Many doctors don't get too excited even when it's very close to or below the bottom of the range.  The bottom of the range is about 30.  However, to properly synthesize thyroid hormones, vitamin D has to be considerably higher in the range (I've read 50-70), and if D isn't at that level, thyroid hormones can't get into cells to do their work.  So, you can be hypo on a cellular level even with perfectly adequate serum thyroid hormone levels.  Given that your FT3 and FT4 look good, but you still feel hypo, this could very well be the problem.

Some doctors will supplement D at up to 50,000 IU per week to correct a severe D deficiency.  Once levels start coming up, that's tapered to a maintenance dose.

If I were you, I'd work on correcting your D level.  Once that's back where it belongs, you can revisit thyroid if you need to.

[sf05]

I am not certain of the exact vitamin D level, but do know that it wasnt anything too alarming as my Dr didnt even call to tell me that it was low, I found out when I called and asked for my results.

My symptoms include:
- fatigue (at no point in the day do I feel well rested despite getting 8 - 10 hours of sleep every night)
- get cold easily, when others are not (and sometimes I get so bone chilled that the only way to warm up is to take a hot shower. I find it difficult to get warm once im chilled to the bone)
- irritable/moody
- depressed
- constipated
- no sex drive
- sometimes get burning feet at night time (this often keeps me up)
- cold sweats/hot flashes
- dry itchy scalp (have been told that it is not eczema/psoriasis)
- went on birth-control pill over 10 years ago because my cycle was not consistent (would go months without getting a period)

My biggest concerns are my complete lack of energy and depression. I am generally a very happy positive person and know that this is not my normal.

[goolarra]

FT4 is right at midrange, which is perfect.    FT3 is at 47% of range, which is a little low of the upper half (50+%) guideline, but I doubt it's low enough to cause any symptoms.  

What symptoms are you having?  Please list them.

Also, you mentioned vitamin D was low.  What was the result?

[sf05]

thanks for the suggestion.

I just confirmed the results with the lab that ran the tests

Ranges and results are as follows:

TSH - 1.97 (0.3 - 4.0)
FT3 - 4.9 (3.5 - 6.5)
FT4 - 16 (9 - 23)
glucose 5.5 (3-6)

[goolarra]

Are those from the lab who ran the tests, or generic ranges?  Could you call your lab that ran the tests and ask them for ranges?  Your appointment on the 29th could be a lot more productive if you go in there armed with some knowledge.

[sf05]

Thank you for the quick reply.
I have an apt with my doctor on the 29th and will view my results then. Until then unfortunately all I know is what I googled.

TSH - 0.5 - 5.0 (under debate)
FT3 - 3.5 - 6.5
FT4 - 10 - 23

[goolarra]

Please post the reference ranges for your FT3 and FT4.  Ranges vary lab to lab, so they have to come from your own lab report.

Regardless of TSH, if your FT3 and/or FT4 are too low, you will feel hypo and should be treated.  Just having FT3 and FT4 in range often isn't enough.  many of us find that symptoms persist until FT4 is about the middle of the range and FT3 upper half of range.  If you post those ranges, I'll discuss your results specifically.

[sf05]

I have recently got my Thyroid levels tested as i have many of the symptoms related to hypothyroidism. My doctor has offered to prescribe me anti-depressants but I know that my depression is a result of something bigger and declined his script.

In the past i have had my TSH levels tested at: 6.97, 2.03 and 1.79.
Those results were a few months apart roughtly 2 years ago.

My most recent results were as follows:
TSH - 1.97
FT3 - 4.9
FT4 - 16

my Vitamin D was now, and my Glucose was a bit high.

Everything else came back 'normal'

I am extremely frustrated and would just like to feel 'normal' if all my results are normal.

I have done some research and it stated that if you have symptoms and are TSH of 2.0 or above you could be treated for subclinical hypothyroidism. Is there any truth to this? what can I tell my doctor?

Any help interpreting these numbers would be of GREAT help!!!

[goolarra]

It's really tough to draw an conclusions from just TSH.  Once you have symptoms, TSH is completely inadequate.  Your TSH looked good in Oct.  It had risen to close to top of range by Feb.  Is that a trend?  It's hard to say since TSH can vary as much as 70% just depending on the time of day the blood was drawn.

When you get FT3 and FT4, if you want to post them, we'll be happy to help you interpret them.