High TSH and high T4

[abbygracie]

My TSH is high and T4 also high - what does this mean?

[gimel]

TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by so many things that at best it is only an indicator to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms and also levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3.  That said, your TSH is high enough to indicate the possibility of having Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  With Hashi's the autoimmune system erroneously identifies the thyroid gland as foreign to the body and produces antibodies to attack and eventually destroy the gland.  As this proceeds the gland's output of thyroid hormone is gradually diminished and the TSH rises in an attempt to stimulate more output of hormone.  Were you previously diagnosed with Hashi's?  

Looking at your other test results, I see that your Free T4 is over the range, and much higher than the minimum recommended level, which is mid-range.  Why is your doctor raising your T4 med when your Free T4 is already over the range limit?  Is the doctor one of those that does not believe in using T3 meds and is trying to drive your T3 level upward by continuing to increase your T4 med?  Your T4 med can actually be reduced.  

Your T3 result appears to be Total T3, not Free T3.   Total T3 is not nearly as revealing of your status as is Free T3.  You should make sure they always test for Free T3 in the future.  Your Total T3 is only at 18% of its range.  If your Free T3 shows to be in the same area of its range, which is likely, that is an indication that your body is not adequately converting the T4 to T3, and that you need to add a source of T3 to your meds.  When you get your Free T3 test done, it might be a good idea to also ask them to test you for Reverse T3 as well.  Reverse T3 is a normal result of conversion of T4, but in excess can block the effect of Free T3 and cause hypothyroidism.  It would be a good idea to just make sure this is okay.

A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypothyroid patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T4 and Free T3 as needed to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.  Many of us have found that we need Free T4 at the middle of its range, and Free T3 high enough in the upper half of its range to relieve symptoms.  You can get some good info from this link written by a good thyroid doctor.

http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html

I am somewhat surprised that those are the only two symptoms you have.  Bloating, or Ascites (abdominal fluid accumulation), and numbness/tingling of the extremities are some of the many symptoms that can be related to hypothyroidism.  

Since hypo patients are also quite frequently too low in the ranges for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, I highly recommend getting those tested and then supplement as needed to optimize.  D should be about 55, B12 in the upper end of its range, and ferritin should be about 70.  

[abbygracie]

TSH - 8.01 (0.34 - 4.82)
FT4 - 1.31 (0.59 - 1.17)
FT3 - 95    (76 - 181)
Dr. just raised my levothyroxine from 112 to 125 and to be retested in 3 months - Extreme abdominal swelling and legs going to sleep easily.  He is not to sure what to do with me. Should I ask for some T3 (cytomel)

[gimel]

Please post the actual test results and reference ranges shown on your lab report.  Also, please tell us about any symptoms you have.