T4 mean hypothyroid?

[irishgirl77]

my TSH was 2.57 but my t4 was .79. Would that account for symptoms of hypothyroidism such as hives, swelling, itching, dry skin, aalot of belly fat, nd numbness. What is my next step?

[irishgirl77]

I really appreciate your help and the information. I'm hoping to finally have found what is causing these symptoms and like you said get on a medication to feel better. I will definetly follow up about the FT3 as that wasn't tested. Thanks again:)

[goolarra]

Yes, your FT4 is below range, which indicates that you are hypo.  So do your symptoms.  FT4 is much more important than TSH in determining thyroid status...it's an actual thyroid hormone (TSH is a pituitary hormone).  Even more important is FT3, which is the most active of the thyroid hormones and correlates best to symptoms.  It's often difficult to convince doctors to order FT3, but it's very important informtion, and you should insist on it.

So, have FT4 and TSH repeated and get FT3 done at the same time.

It's also a good idea to have thyroid antibodies tested (simple blood draw).  These are TPOab and TGab (insist on both).  If these are elevated, they will indicate if you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease and the most prevalent cause of hypo in the U.S.  Both tests have to be done as some of us with Hashi's are TPOab positive, some TGab positive, and some both.

Your FT4 is too low.  I think you'd feel much better on thyroid meds.  If you have the tests mentioned above, it will give you a lot of information on how to procede with treating you and which meds might work best for you.  Is your doctor agreeable to treating you?

[irishgirl77]

The normal range is .89-1.76 and my FT4 came back at .79  Let me know what you think. Thanks for the help.

[goolarra]

Do you have the reference range on your FT4?  It's usually on the report after the result in parentheses.

Your symptoms sound hypo, but would like to know the range before commenting further.