Labs are confusing me!!

[dcjmiller33]

I am really confused by my lab results. I have been having symptoms of hypothyroidism (cold intolerance, mood swings, fatique, muscle aches). So my doctor ran a TSH test. The results were the following:

29 Jan 2010   TSH Sensitive:    4.800  H   (0.465-4.680)  mIU/L
09 Jul 2009     FT4              :     0.80        (0.79-2.35)     ng/dL

He said this could be a sign of hypothyroidism, so he decided to retest. The results were the following:

03 Feb 2010   Thyroid AutoAB:    Negative
                     TSH Sensitive:     3.150      (0.465-4.680)  mIU/L
                      FT4              :     1.02        (0.79-2.35)     ng/dL
                      T3                :     1.320      (0.970-1.690)  ng/mL

He decided that my thyroid was normal based on the lab results. My question is why would my TSH be high one week, then just a week later, be back in the normal range?  I am still having hypo-like symptoms.

What should be my next step?

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

levels can swing around from day to day.  Particularly at early stages.

I would like your doc to test again in a few weeks.  However, the initial TSH of 4.8 and the repeat TSH of 3.15 are both too high given your symptoms.  It is within range, but many experts agree that the range is too wide.  Ideally TSH will be between 0.5 and 2.0, with most people feeling good around 1.0.  

You would be considered 'subclinical' hypothyroid.

A low dose of thyroid meds would be a good idea, I believe.

Why don't you ask your doc to give you a trial of thyroid meds (25 mcg is usual starting dose), with monitoring to make sure levels are within range and to see how you feel.  Test again after 6 weeks and see where your levels are.

If your doc won't agree to this I think a second opinion is warranted.

Hope this helps.

[chuckpiv]

You are hypo. TSH is on the higher end and T4 is low