Low free T4, low normal TSH

[alison_canada]

Hello,
I have had multiple thyroid hormone test results that have shown low free T4 ( around .6 ng/dL) and low normal TSH (around .8).  My research shows that this could indicate secondary hypothyroidism as a result of a pituitary problem.

My metabolism is fairly high - I am constantly hungry and require a high calorie intake to maintain my weight, which is more of an indicator of hyperthyroidism, is it not?

Other symptoms include fatigue and exercise intolerance, bowel movement changes/inconsistency, urinary urgency, and heart palpitations.

Should I consider some follow-up tests or examinations regarding the abnormal thyroid hormone levels?  Most of the symptoms could easily be attributed to stress, but I wasn't sure if the blood test results could.

Thanks,
Alison

[gimel]

Your FT3 and FT4 results are clearly on the low end or below,  so that may explain most of your symptoms.   Having at the same time a low TSH does point to possible issues  in the areas of the pituitary or hypothalamus.   Personally I would followup right away  with a good Endo to find out the source of your problems.  

[alison_canada]

Sorry to be so confusing.

I have had multiple tests.  

The FT4 results were .63 and .69 ng/dl.  (Lab range: .80 - 1.8)

TSH is consistently low normal, at about 0.87mU/L, (0.3 – 3.0 mU/L)

FT3 consistently around 266 pg/dl (227 - 500 pg/dl)  or  2.66 pg/ml (2.27 - 5.00 pg/ml)

There have been other tests where my FT4 was within the lab range, but still low normal.  There was never a time where any of the three values where higher than low normal.

The other numbers (TSH -3 , FT4 -6 , FT3 -3 ) are from the Thyroid Scale, which I found from this site by going to Health Pages > What do these blood tests mean?  If it's not relevant, then please ignore.

I guess I just need to know if and how I should follow up.

Thanks,
Alison

[gimel]

I am also very confused by the test numbers you listed.  Please follow Me967's suggestion and list the actual numbers and the ranges you were provided along with the results.

[Me967]

Aliso Hi again.  I think we crossed.  I wanted to welcome you.  There are MANY others on here that can explain the numbers to you.  I'm still to ignorant.  LOL  Sorry.

Concerning your numbers though it looks like you are rounding them off.  
Listing them should look more like:
TSH  .98 (.34-5.6)
FT4 .066 (.58-1.6)
T4   6.9  (6.1-12.2)  and so forth.  That way they have the exact number and scale in which was used at the lab.

I hope someone chimes in on this for you.  In the mean while Take care and best wishes on finding your answer......Amy.

[alison_canada]

Sorry, made a mistake on the thyroid scale:

TSH -3
FT4 -6
FT3 -3  (not -6)

Me967,
No, I'm not on any meds at all.  "Did you have a T4 done."  Do you mean did I have FT3 done?  If so, yes, it was low normal as well (266).

If not, do you mean total T4.  If so, then no, I did not have that one done.

Thanks,n
Aliso

[Me967]

Hi and welcome.  Are you on any thyroid med's now.  Your numbers are about identical to mine.  Did you have a T4 done.  Mine will not check FT3 but I know everyone is going to ask.  It is important.  

Just wanted to say hi.  I'm sure there are many others on here that can help you better than I.

Take care.

[alison_canada]

As a follow-up to my above post, my thyroid scale results are:
TSH -3
FT4 -6
FT3 -6