Low t3 ... Is that normal?

[Sami543]

by Sami543, Apr 10, 2012
Im a 16 year old girl, and no I have never had a child. The range for TSH is .27 - 5.50 mclU/ml  and mine is 1.50.  When I was younger before my period I was very skinny and had a very fast motabolisum.. I got my period and they have always been irregular. I gained 30 lbs in one month. I thought this was Normal so I kept working out and eating super healthy. I got some weight off but I would always get really bloated an constipated. I did cross country track and soccer for many years I lost a little weight but it was so hard to keep off... I would really restrict calories. I realized my body didn't match all the activity that I was doing. I was tired often and lost alot of hair ( i thought i had mono) Around winter I just out of NOWHERE Ganed 20 pounds ... Without eating a lot. I felt so sick and dizzy  and very bloated. My face got really puffy and my glands ( not the thyroid area got very swollen. I feel horrible and my endo said I was fine :( I don't know what to do

[gimel]

Please click on your name and check your Private Messages.  I sent a name for you to consider.

[Sami543]

I'm trying... :( i went to an endocrinologist at the childrens hospital of WI to see dr. Kansura and she didn't listen to me at all. I had to beg her to test me for something so she tested me for pcos... And that came out negitive. We drove 3 hrs and waited 4 months for the appt. if u know a good endo in Chicago land tell me.. And if u don't how can u tell the MD is any good befor the appt?

[Barb135]

I think this has already been commented on in another thread.  Rather than starting a new thread with the same questions, why not comment on this same one?  It gets confusing when you have several threads going at once.
Here's the link to the first thread, which gimel commented on.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/Low-t3/show/1714193

I agree with both gimel and Sally, that you need to find a different doctor, if you can, and get started on thyroid medication, because your FT3 and FT4 are very low and could cause your weight gain and other symptoms.

[Super_sally888]

Hi Sami,

low ft3 and Ft4 is not normal, regardless of where your TSH is.

FT3 and FT4 should ideally be about midrange Yours are really below range for FT3 and right at the bottom for FT4.  Your symptoms do sound like severe hypothyorid and will probably improve dramatically once you get treated.

TSH is not always a good indicator of thyroid function and can lag behind what is happening with FT3 and FT4.  Can you find another doctor?  From the sounds of it you really do need to be started on thyorid meds.

Worst case if you can't change Dr. please ask them to repeat the TSH test in a few weeks, maybe it will go up  by then.  However, if there is anyway to find a doctor who is willing to treat you, then you should.

Some other members here may be able to post links to information you can show your doctor.

[Sami543]

Is a low free t3 normal?? range 4.80-6.00 mine is 3.03. T4 range 0.94-1.70 mine is 0.98    I'm so tired and I eat very little and healthy and run 5 miles a day .... I keep gaining. I need help