Aa
New to hypothyroid
I went to a Lifeline screening and it showed my TSH at 3.4 and said I should do a follow up with a doctor as that indicated my level was too high. I went to a doctor about a month later and the TSH was 5.1, FT3 - 2.4, and FT4 - 1.0. My doctor said it is only borderline and we will check again in 6 months. Is it normal for TSH to go up like that in one month? Should I be trying some natural remedies? I have read deficiency in iodine can cause the problem. Should I take iodine? If so, how much?
I am 60 years old. I don't really have symptoms other than ridges on the finger nails with some wanting to split, weight gain, heart rate sometimes in the 40s. I am generally in good health and active.
Any suggestions? I don't want it to keep heading in the wrong direction.
I am 60 years old. I don't really have symptoms other than ridges on the finger nails with some wanting to split, weight gain, heart rate sometimes in the 40s. I am generally in good health and active.
Any suggestions? I don't want it to keep heading in the wrong direction.
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I, too, have ridges on my fingernails and one nail that splits lengthwise.
When I was really hypo, I also had very low HR (bradycardia); per 2 sessions with a holter monitor, my HR would sometimes go into the mid to upper 30's when I slept. Because thyroid controls your HR, this is a classic hypo symptom, as is the weight gain.
Per goolarra's request, could you please post the reference ranges for the FT3 and FT4. Ranges vary lab to lab so must come from your own report. Where your levels, actually, fall within the ranges used by your lab, is quite important.
When I was really hypo, I also had very low HR (bradycardia); per 2 sessions with a holter monitor, my HR would sometimes go into the mid to upper 30's when I slept. Because thyroid controls your HR, this is a classic hypo symptom, as is the weight gain.
Per goolarra's request, could you please post the reference ranges for the FT3 and FT4. Ranges vary lab to lab so must come from your own report. Where your levels, actually, fall within the ranges used by your lab, is quite important.
Thank you for your input. It wasn't clearly related in my searches on the internet.
Do you also experience any heart issues such as fast or slow heart beats?
I have had tachycardia for 45 years but recently I have also had heart beats that are as slow as 44 bpm.
Do you also experience any heart issues such as fast or slow heart beats?
I have had tachycardia for 45 years but recently I have also had heart beats that are as slow as 44 bpm.
I never had nail problems before I became Hypothyroid. My nails are very badly ridged, and thin now. YES it is connected with my hypothyroid!
Perhaps the vertical ridges are normal. I was questioning if that is normal or a symptom of the thyroid not working properly.
ridged on fingernails.
What exactly does that mean or look like?
Doesn't everybody have lines parallel with the finger on their nails????
What exactly does that mean or look like?
Doesn't everybody have lines parallel with the finger on their nails????
What are the reference ranges on your FT3 and FT4? Ranges vary lab to lab, so you have to report them with results.
Guessing a little at the ranges, your FT3 and FT4 both look pretty low in the ranges. FT4 often has to be midrange before symptoms are alleviated, and FT3 has to be upper half of range.
Iodine deficiency is rare in the developed world, but, yes, it can be an issue if you are deficient. I'd suggest testing prior to supplementing. Also, it would be a good idea to have thyroid antibodies tested (TPOab and TGab) to see if your low thyroid levels are due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease. If you have Hashi's, adding iodine can exacerbate the condition. Hashi's is the most prevalent cause of hypo in the developed world.
Your labs are "borderline". Whether you should be treated now or not depends on how much your symptoms bother you. Splitting finger nails, weight gain and slowed HR are all symptoms of hypo. Do you have others?
Guessing a little at the ranges, your FT3 and FT4 both look pretty low in the ranges. FT4 often has to be midrange before symptoms are alleviated, and FT3 has to be upper half of range.
Iodine deficiency is rare in the developed world, but, yes, it can be an issue if you are deficient. I'd suggest testing prior to supplementing. Also, it would be a good idea to have thyroid antibodies tested (TPOab and TGab) to see if your low thyroid levels are due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease. If you have Hashi's, adding iodine can exacerbate the condition. Hashi's is the most prevalent cause of hypo in the developed world.
Your labs are "borderline". Whether you should be treated now or not depends on how much your symptoms bother you. Splitting finger nails, weight gain and slowed HR are all symptoms of hypo. Do you have others?
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