Need help understanding test results

[Brew1up]

Just received my blood work back, don't know what the results mean. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
FT3 4.410 (1.800-4.200 pg/mL)
FT4 1.280 (0.800-1.900 ng/dl)
TSH 1.380 (0.400-4.000 uIU)
I have 5 nodules all to small for biopsy. Nodules and sometimes trouble swallowing is what prompted blood work.

[Brew1up]

Thank you for your help! I have already done some reading on rT3 and found some interesting statements. I am defiantly going to ask for more test. Cortisol (mid range) has been tested by blood but not salvia and I intend to look into that as well, even if it requires out of pocket expense. I will give you an update as soon as I get some answers. Thanks again!

[gimel]

Your test results are inconsistent in two ways.  First, we infrequently hear from a member with Free T4 around the middle of its range, and Free T3 even above the range, yet with hypothyroid symptoms.   Second, it is unusual for us to hear from a member with Free T3 so much higher in the range than Free T4.  More usual is to have inadequate conversion of T4 to T3 and the Free T3 is much lower in its range than Free T4.  So, I am really curious as to what your doctor will conclude from your test results.  

The only thing that I can think of at the moment is the possibility of T3 pooling in the blood and not getting to cells, thus resulting in hypo symptoms.  This is a subject that I find in a number of sites, but have not yet found references to any scientific evidence about it.  The following is a quote from one of the sites.

"T3 Pooling

What is Thyroid pooling? This is when the thyroid hormone T-3 collects or pools in the blood and does not get into the cells.

How does T3 Pool? The cause of T-3 pooling can be any one of the following or a combination of the following:

    High cortisol
    Low cortisol
    High iron
    Low iron
    Medications
        beta blockers
        Amiodarone
        Iodinated contrast media
        Lithium"

So, unless you can relate to one of the possible causes, I suggest that you should do some further testing.  The tests I suggest are ferritin, and a full iron test panel (serum iron, TIBC, and % saturation).  I also suggest testing for Reverse T3 and repeating Free T3 and Free T4 again.  The last test would be for cortisol; however the best way to test for that is the diurnal saliva cortisol test, which is actually 4 tests over the course of a whole day.  Few doctors will prescribe the saliva cortisol tests, so you may have to pay out of pocket (about $140) to get it done otherwise by an on line source.  

[Brew1up]

Trouble losing weight. I eat right and walk 3 miles a day. This has been very frustrating because I always use to be small (size 3) and never had weight issues. I also have little to no energy even with a good nights rest. Cold feet and hands. I know this sounds ridiculous but it is like I gained weight over night.

[gimel]

To best assess your status, please tell us about any symptoms you have.