My test results

[anoni]

Hi

I went and got my TSH test done ( as general check up). Can anyone help me understand my TSH results ... is it normal or do I need to see a doctor immediately ?

TSH ---------------------- 5.084  uIU/ml  ( 0.350-5.500 )
T4  -----------------------  6.0     ug/dl    ( 4.5-12.0 )
T3  -----------------------  31      %        ( 24-39 )
Free thyroxine index 1.9                ( 1.2 - 4.9 )

Thanx
anoni

[Karly122]

Your TSH is slightly elevated, which means you're thyroid is functioning a little low.  All the other ranges look good. The older range for thyroid was 0.5-5.0, however it has been changed to 0.3-3.0, because many thyroid disorders were going undiagnosed.  It's important to use a good lab and use the same one every time you are tested for thyroid.  You can call around at different labs to see what scale they use and make sure your doctor knows of this new scale range.  If you are not feeling bad, you can do the wait and see approach, however, if you have a thyroid disorder any symptoms you are experiencing will get worse with time.  Since you didn't mention your symptoms, I don't know how you are feeling. If I were you, I would find a lab that uses the newer, more narrow range and get retested.
-Karly

[AR-10]

You are what is called "sub-clinical hypothyroid".

Your TSH is too high, but it is not above lab limits.
Your other tests are a little low, showing you need more hormones.

You are at the stage where some doctors would recommend thyroid hormone replacement meds, and some would wait and see.

You should probably wait about a month and run the same tests again. You should also ask for two antibody tests.

A Thyroid Peroxidase antibody test (TPOab)
A thyroglobulin antibody test (TGab)  

[anoni]

@  Karly122, AR-10

Thank you for the help !

I ll immediately schedule an appointment with a good doctor. I m new to US, So I would like to know if there is any good and reliable website which gives information about Best doctors and Labs in US, esp in Sacramento CA or any tips on how to identify a good doctor and lab here.

Right now these are the symptoms that made me suspicious and go for a check up:

Depression
Cold hands and feet
I had constipation prob when I moved in here but past couple of weeks I have no problem
Tiredness/fatigue
Hair loss ( severe )
My face skin has become rough and coarse it was never like that
These days I show very less interest in anything even in things I enjoy thoroughly
My energy is sometimes too high and sometimes to low

Thank you once again ! and sorry for the late reply I didnt check the post last few days

Friend
Anoni

[AR-10]

There are online sources that list good doctors, but I do not have a link to any of them. Someone here does, I know.

When you ask for tests again, do not ask for the tests you had run before. The T4, T3, and Free Thyroxine Index are old tests.

Ask for a TSH, a Free T4, and a Free T3, along with those antibody tests I listed above.

Good luck with your search for a doctor, and good luck with your tests.

[AR-10]

Here is one link to a "Find a Doctor" site.

http://www.****.org/patients/specialists.php

[anoni]

Thank you very much !