Hypothyroidism levels

[sree123456]

Dear Doctor,
I was detected with hypothyroidism 4 years back after having jaundice and measeles when my resistence deteriorated. I was under thyroid medication thyroxine 100 mg dialy 1tablet in morning.

For the past 1 year, I discontinued taking medicines as I read in few sites that taking thyroid supplements will not aid in improving the gland and merely serves as replacement. I started practising yoga daily for thyroid and eating healthy foods. I took thyoid blood tests and the results were

Free T3 (Serum/CMIA) 2.46    normal range is:1.71 - 3.70 pg/ml
Free T4 (Serum/CMIA) 0.54    normal range is0.89 - 1.76 ng/dl
T S H (Serum/CMIA) 85.28     normal range is0.35 - 5.50 µIU/ml
DHEAS (Serum/CMIA) 131     normal range : 25 - 34 yrs : 95.8 - 511.7 µg/dl

Could you please advice. TSH is abnormally high whereas T3,T4 are somewhat normal

[gimel]

It doesn't require a doctor to tell you that those lab results are very hyperthyroid.  I expect that you are also having hyper symptoms.  What has your doctor said about those test results?

[mogra]

my free T4 serum (ECLIA) is 32.5  normal range 11.5-22.7 pmol/L
free T3 serum (ECLIA)      is 15.1   normal range 3.5-6.5 pmol/L
sensitive TSH serum (ECLIA)  is 0.011  what do i have hypothyroid or hyperthyroid

[goolarra]

Your doctor should be testing FREE T3 and FREE T4, the actual thyroid hormones, as well as TSH (which is a pituitary hormone).  TSH is totally inadequate for managing meds for thyroid disease.

That being said, a TSH of 27 is high, but just to give you some perspective, mine was 60-something on diagnosis, and we sometimes see members reporting TSH up into the hundreds.  As I said, your doctor should also be testing FT3 and FT4 every time blood is drawn.  If FT3 and FT4 support your TSH level, you definitely need to be on meds.

Your doctor just a couple of days ago started you on 50 mcg levo, correct?  Why do you feel you're not getting the best care?

It sounds like what you might have had when you were 18 was postpartum thyroiditis (PPT).  PPT is a variant of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is an autoimmine disease and the most prevalent cause of hypo in the developed world.  PPT is characterized by a hyper phase after delivery, and then a brief return to normal, followed by a hypo phase.  Usually, that hypo phase is temporary, but it can become permanent or recur later as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Your doctor should also test TPOab (thyroid peroxidase antibodies) and TGab (thyroglobulin antibodies) to confirm Hashi's.  

[kbm466]

Hey everyone. Im 24yrs old and just recently had bloodwork that showed im at a 27 w my TSH. I had a baby at 18 and only after the birth of her I was told by my doctor I had an underactive thyriod and he diagnosed me w hypo. Unfortunately he never told me how bad my levels were but i only gained 30 pounds during my pregnancy and lost 20lbs the day i gave birth.. 30 lbs was healthy i was told. Only about 3 months later had i got into a serious depression (which of course could of been due to post-pardum) along w dry skin alot of hair loss and fatigue to the max! Along w gaining back 35 pounds! and i was so busy being a new mom that i definately did not over eat.. if anything i was barely eating! I told my doctor and he did see i had hypo thyroidism. After 6 months of 75 mcgs of levothyroxine i was tested after i lowered my dosage and eventually stopped the meds and i returned to normal w my levels! which i was always told rarely ever happens. Also i had lost that 35 pounds. Now years later and being older and more concerned I got a annual physical and was told im at 27. They instantly informed me my hypo had returned and they sent over the levothyroxine for 50mcgs which i started yesterday. I specifically asked the doctor what is considered a "normal" level of hormones and she said between .35 - 5.5 . Anything over is caused for concern but because im a 27 and i have recently been through 2 major surgeries due to ovarian cysts ive fallen into depression along w fatigue and feeling like doing nothing at all. No energy and extreme anxiety as well. Im wondering if anyone could let me know how bad a 27 really is and if i should consider seeing a different doctor. After the surgeries i actally lost a few pounds but that was a year ago.. Today im 17 pounds heavier and im afaid im not getting the best care.. Or maybe im over paranoid? If anyone can help id appreciate it! Thanks!

[goolarra]

Considering how low your FT4 is and how high your TSH, your FT3 isn't terrible.  It's still on the low side (upper half to upper third of range is the rule of thumb for FT3).  So, that's probably why you don't have too many symptoms.

However, with a TSH of 85.28, your pituitary clearly wants your levels to be higher.  And your FT4 is considerably below range (rule of thumb here is midrange).  

Hypothyroidism can have hidden symptoms, like high cholesterol.

Have you been seeing a trend in your labs since you discontinued?

[sree123456]

I really dont know If I have Hashimoto's disease.My doctor just told I have hypothyroidism 4 years back.Last 1 year , I am strict diet and maintain healthy lifestyle.I dont any longer feel tired the way I used to feel while I was on medication and I am fit.My T3 was below normal few years back. I am seeing it improve.But TSH and T4 as you pointed are not corrected.

Only symptoms- I still have is I have to really workout very hard to loose few pounds. I regularly practice yoga for thyroid and it keeps me active.I dont have any longer symptoms of hair fall, tiredness but do have dry skin

[goolarra]

This is a patients' forum.  We are not doctors or medical professionals, just patients who share our experiences.

Your TSH is very high, indicating that you are hypothyroid.  FT4 is below range, which also indicates hypo.  It looks like you should still be on meds.

Thyroid meds do not, as you say, improve the gland.  However, thyroid hormones are absolutely necessary for life, so if yours are low, replacement is necessary.

Do you know if you have Hashi's?

How do you feel?