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Off Meds for months...normal blood work..CONFUSED
Hi! Seriously confused!!! for the past 8 or so years I have been treated for hypothyroidism. (I do not have my past lab results) I have always had the typical symptoms...dry skin, brittle course hair/hair loss, sensitivity to cold ( self diagnosed with raynauds???) I have high cholesterol (240) currently on crestor, difficulty losing weight (unless I eat practically nothing), forgetfulness...etc. I took levothyroxin for years but really never saw any significant changes in those symptoms. I never did any research just figured that was the way it is was going to always be. We moved a year ago to a much colder climate (hence the self diagnosis of raynauds) and took my sweet time finding a new doctor. I ran out of my prescription and have been off of it for at least 5 months (including crestor). I finally had blood work done last week and much to my suprise and confusion my labs were "normal" UUUUGH!!! I started doing some more reading about hypothyroidism and I am sooooo confused. If I am normal why do I still have all the symptoms. I tried lowering my cholesterol by diet and exercise....1200 cal a day low carb and lots of exercise...I have been very very good for two months....lost 5 pounds and still have high cholesterol. I am constantly trying to loose weight and have always exercised. I figured I was just going to be fit and fat the rest of my life. So Frustrating. My hair breaks and falls out. HELP!!!
these are my lab results from last week... potassium was high too 5.4
TSH 1.04 (.3-3.00)
free T4 .8 .(8-1.9)
free T3 3.3 (1.8-4.8)
all within normal ranges (the nurse went over them after my initial appointment with the new doctor and could not answer any of my questions.
PS my mom had hers removed completely when she was in her 20's, because it was enlarged.
these are my lab results from last week... potassium was high too 5.4
TSH 1.04 (.3-3.00)
free T4 .8 .(8-1.9)
free T3 3.3 (1.8-4.8)
all within normal ranges (the nurse went over them after my initial appointment with the new doctor and could not answer any of my questions.
PS my mom had hers removed completely when she was in her 20's, because it was enlarged.
COMMUNITY LEADER
While I agree that low Vitamin D is common in those with hypothyroidism, it will not always correct high cholesterol, and for safety reasons we must refrain from suggesting specific dosages, since we are not doctors.
I suggest you take vitamin D-3 2000 units will correct your high cholesterol and low vitamin D is common with people that are hypothyroid.
Try PMing gimel. He keeps a list of doctors recommended by forum members. He may have someone in your area.
Your FT4 is WAY too low. For a number of reasons, FT3 and FT4 ranges are very flawed. Many of us find that FT4 has to be at least midrange to feel well, and yours is on the floor. Your FT3 is right at midrange, and many find FT3 has to be in the upper half to upper third of range.
Your FT3 and FT4 were never raised sufficiently to relieve symptoms when you were on meds. Your doctor stopped meds increases too early.
Have you ever had antibody testing to see if you have Hashi's? Hashi's is autoimmune and the most prevalent cause of hypo in the developed world.
Between your symptoms and your very low FT4 level, I think you'd feel much better on meds (once they were adjusted properly for you, NOT once your levels are in range, anywhere in range).
Perhaps you should try to find a more enlightened doctor...
Your FT3 and FT4 were never raised sufficiently to relieve symptoms when you were on meds. Your doctor stopped meds increases too early.
Have you ever had antibody testing to see if you have Hashi's? Hashi's is autoimmune and the most prevalent cause of hypo in the developed world.
Between your symptoms and your very low FT4 level, I think you'd feel much better on meds (once they were adjusted properly for you, NOT once your levels are in range, anywhere in range).
Perhaps you should try to find a more enlightened doctor...
Well...doc insisted there is nothing wrong with my thyroid...wants to do an insulin resistance test. Gave me a script for blood pressure medicine for the raynaud's. I give up!
You may have a condition that mimics hypothyroidism eg: PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).
There are a number of medical conditions that raise cholesterol including type 2 diabetes, obesity, alcohol, nephrotic syndrome (kidney damage), obstructive jaundice, hypothyroidism, PCOS, Cushing's syndrome.
Your current labs may be due to secondary (central) hypothyroidism (pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction) - normal TSH with a low free T4 and/or free T3. Your free T4 is borderline low. You may find you need a combination of T4 and T3 thyroid replacement to relieve hypothyroid symptoms.
Potassium may be falsely high (pseudohyperkalemia) due to the incorrect tube being used to draw blood, delayed processing of the blood sample, a needle that is either too small or too large, or rough handling of the specimen that causes the cells to break open. A repeat test should be done to confirm potassium blood levels are elevated.
Causes of high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) includes acute kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, certain drugs, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle damage), tumour lysis syndrome, trauma, burns, Addison's disease, sickle cell disease, lower urinary tract obstruction, potassium supplements, diet high in potassium (rare cause).
There are a number of medical conditions that raise cholesterol including type 2 diabetes, obesity, alcohol, nephrotic syndrome (kidney damage), obstructive jaundice, hypothyroidism, PCOS, Cushing's syndrome.
Your current labs may be due to secondary (central) hypothyroidism (pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction) - normal TSH with a low free T4 and/or free T3. Your free T4 is borderline low. You may find you need a combination of T4 and T3 thyroid replacement to relieve hypothyroid symptoms.
Potassium may be falsely high (pseudohyperkalemia) due to the incorrect tube being used to draw blood, delayed processing of the blood sample, a needle that is either too small or too large, or rough handling of the specimen that causes the cells to break open. A repeat test should be done to confirm potassium blood levels are elevated.
Causes of high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) includes acute kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, certain drugs, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle damage), tumour lysis syndrome, trauma, burns, Addison's disease, sickle cell disease, lower urinary tract obstruction, potassium supplements, diet high in potassium (rare cause).
I see lots of comments on ever post...but haven't gotten any yet. I hope someone can help
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