Question re thyroid tests

[pmcorky]

Hello -
I have the following test results
11/17/10 THYROPEROXIDASE ANTIBODY 711.7 IU/ml
TSH levels:
5/9/2007 1.97
7/17/2008 3.37
9/20/2010 5.83
11/3/2010 7.18
Free T4 levels:
9/20/2010 1.07
11/3/2010 0.97
Glucose fasting:
6/27/2006 83
5/9/2007 100
7/17/2008 96
9/20/2010 93
ALT, SERUM:
5/9/2007 20
9/20/2010 18
Electrolytes, Serum done 9/20/10:
SODIUM 143 135 - 145 MEQ/L
POTASSIUM 4.5 3.5 - 5.0 MEQ/L
CHLORIDE 109 101 - 111 MEQ/L
CO2 27 21 - 31 MEQ/L

I don't have many of the standard thyroid symptoms listed in most places --but have had a lot of more than usual hair loss over the past 6 mos. ( & my hair stylist says the consistency is like women with thyroid issues) & dry skin.  I do take Fosamax.  My mom is 87 & has been on thyroid meds for about 20 yrs.

I am seeing an endocrinologist on Monday --any recommendations for other tests - or what these mean --especially the first one?
Thank you!
Pmcorky

[ShelleyN720]

I encourage you to ask for all of the tests that Barb recommended. She is one of my top trusted sources of information. I always seek out her replies.
I do want to caution your use of the Fosamax though. New studies have shown issues with femur bone fractures (brittle bone) and esophagal problems.
There are other ways to strengthen bones naturally without taking biphosphonates.
I'd get your vitamin D & calcium levels checked too since an underactive thryoid can cause problems with metabolism/regeneration of bone (so can too much thryoid hormone!) That is what makes Hashis difficult to deal with due to the hyper/hypo rollercoaster.
Google Fosamax & lawsuits. I am not trying to frighten you but you may want to research these bone hardening drugs just so you can make a rational decision on whether to take them or use an alternative means of bone strengthening with diet & weight bearing exercise. Here are a couple links:
http://www.yourlegalguide.com/fosamax-femur-fractures/
another: http://saveourbones.com/

[Barb135]

It looks like your FT4 was dropping, as your TSH was rising, which would be typical in someone who is headed for hypothyroidism.  Could you please post the reference range for the FT4?  While yours look low, according to what my lab's ranges are, these vary from lab to lab, so must come from your own report.  

Your TPOab (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies) at 711 indicates Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease, in which, the antibodies attack and will, eventually, destroy your thyroid so it no longer produces hormone.

You need to get a Free T3 (FT3) test, along with TSH and Free T4 FT4).  FT3 is the actual biologically active hormone, while FT4 is a "storage" hormone and must be converted to FT3 prior to use.  FT3 correlates better with symptoms than either TSH or FT4.  

I'd also recommend a thyroid ultra sound to check for nodules, which are very common in those of us with Hashimoto's...