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Not sure if I am hypothyroid? Test Results confusing

I recently had blood work done through a rogram with my health insurance. Basically a wellness check. I didnt this test in November of last year and my TSH level was at 1.32, and everything else (cholesterol, etc) was perfect. No cause for alarm. I had the test again on August 18th, and now my test showed I had high triglycorites, my cholesterol went up 54 points (I havent changed my diet since November) and my TSH level is now 5.42. The report they send you with your blood results suggest that I may be hypothyroid, so see your Dr. So, I made an appointment with an endocronologist just to make sure I am ok. He examined me and asked me how I feel. I am a little tired at times, but nothing terrible. My hair has been thinning (I'm only 33) and my skin is dry. He also noticed that my left leg was a little sluggish and puffy when he tested my reflexes. I also have cold feet all the time and the skin on my heels is thick and  cracks so badly even after giving myself a pedicure. The Dr. decided to test my blood for the anti-bodies that would suggest Hoshimoto thyroiditis. Test results came back negative for anti-bodies. So he said that my elevated TSH could be a fluke, or a lab error. But then what explains my cholesterol jump? I have never had a problem with cholesterol, and from what I have read, hypothyroid and high cholesterol go hand in hand. The Dr told me that he thinks my TSH will either stay at the level it is now, or go back down to normal. Does that sound right? Could this be a fluke? He said we will test my blood again in three months to see where it stands. So confused...
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Avatar universal
If you haven't read the article in the link I gave you, then I strongly suggest that you do so.  I think then you will understand the need for free T3 and free T4 (FT3 and FT4) testing.  These are the biologically active thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and many other body functions.  

TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by many variables and it is only an indicator of thyroid function, at best.  Even with that in mind, your TSH level was significantly above the currently recommended range of .3-3.0, and along with your symptoms is therefore an indication of possible hypothyroidism, and further reason to get tested for FT3 and FT4.

Remember that treatment should be about symptom relief, not just reacting to lab numbers.  In my opinion the best way to treat a thyroid patient is to test and adjust FT3 and FT4 levels with meds as required to alleviate symptoms.
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Avatar universal
My T4 was checked along with the blood test and it was at 9 something which the report said was in the normal range. I dont think they checked T3. I would have to go back and look at the report again.
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Avatar universal
When you go back for testing insist that they also test for FT3 and FT4, which are not the same as total T3 and total T4.  FT3 and FT4 are the actual thyroid hormones that are biologically active and largely regulate metabolism and many other body functions.  TSH is a pituitary hormone that is incorrectly used as a diagnostic, when at best it is only an indicator that needs to be evaluated along with symptoms and FT3 and FT4 levels. Here is a good article to read  on this subject area.

http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html
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499534 tn?1328704178
It is good that he is going to retest in 3 months, but don't hesitate to call him if you feel worse. Too bad he didn't put you on a trial of meds to see if you improve.
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