Need Help with Diagnosis - Do I have a Thyroid Problem?

[kastle875]

All...great reading here...wonderful that so many are williing to give feedback...

I'm struggling with what I think is some kind of thyroid disorder and could use a hand...I have recently starting getting dizzy spells...anxiety...and have a partiularly dry skin on my face, such that when I get out of the shower I look like I have severe sun burn...  It appears that any stressful situation (work, personal, etc) woorsens the symptoms such that I have a hard time concentrating.

I have an appointment with an endocronologist in January and I'm trying to educate myself as best as possible before going...

So, some questions...

- my t3 uptake is 37 (ref 22-35), is that normal (male, 44, up until recently very good health)
- my TSH 3rd generation is 1.63 (ref .40 to 4.50)
- is it possible that this can show itself at times and be fine others?  The symptoms appear more prevalent during the hours of 9A - 7P or so...typically evenings symptoms subside or even disapear and I feel like myself again.  
- alcohol seems to lessen symptoms...2-3 drinks (beer/wine) or so.
- I exercise fairly regularly...run about 3x a week, 30 mins or so

Thanks for any feedback!

Good luck to everyone here working on their own issues!

Sincerely,
K

[kastle875]

Thanks for the feedback!  :)  A few more questions and clarifications...

- My primary dr. (PCP) is where I had the blood work done, as a part of a routine physical.  I have the complete results but only posted what I thought was relevant to my thyroid.  Are there any other results that would help?

- When I discussed my issues with the dr. he suggsted an endocronologist or a neurologist.  So far, neorlogical tests have been normal.  He ended the appointment saying, "good luck with that".  Which is why I'm doing this research and asking for feedback.  Based on my symptoms, does an endo and neuro workup sound appropriate?

- On the above suggsted tests, do I reuqest those at my PCP or at the endocronologist?

- On alcohol consumption, let me add that I have also experienced the symptoms while drinking alcohol, just not as often.  My typical consumption is about 2 drinks a day.

- Stella, thanks for the offer on the testosterone info, do you have a link you can post?

All, thank you so much!  Great to have some smart people to bounce ideas/questions off of.

Happy holidays!

- K

[Barb135]

I hate to say this and it may sound contradictive, but alcohol can also cause symptoms to worsen, even while it's "helping" the anxiety.  

Agree with above posters - you need better tests to know for sure if you have a thyroid issue.  

[miolaman]

agree with the above. unless your labs are abnormal your endocrinologist wont likely be much help. it sounds like you may be developing an anxiety problem since alcohol helps and its worse during the day. its important to rule out all medical causes of anxiety first with a good history and physical at a good internist or family doctors office. if everything is fine then seeing a psychologist for a quick evaluation would be a good idea then treatment based on the findings from the workup. good luck.

[stella5349]

Kevin I hate to break it to you but in both tests. The TSH 3rd generation and the T3 uptake is junk testing and won't tell you much at all on your thyroid being an issue.

The daily thyroid hormone is more active during those times and sleep will usually regenerate that hormone for the next days activities. Along with the thyroid the adrenals play a role during the day too.

You need better tests and should return to the doctor getting the right labs.

Suggest - push for these -

Free T3 / FT3

Free T4 / FT4

TSH - No 3rd.

A testosterone test too would be helpful. many symptoms you discribe are associated with low testosterone in men too. I can share a phamplet with you from my doctor I just got yesterday and was reading about this for my husband.