Symptoms but normal results

[vks82]

Hi All,

I have been having some of the symptoms for hypothyroid(my mom has hypo) but my doctor could not confirm with the blood results,

can someone help me understand my symptoms and how to get treated?

My doc ordered for ultrasound and there are 2 nodules on the right side of thyroid gland but the gland size is normal.

T4, FREE, NON-DIALYSIS 1.2 ng/dL 0.8-1.8
TSH 0.76 mIU/L 0.40-4.50
T3, FREE 3.0 pg/mL 2.3-4.2
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies 1 IU/mL <9
VITAMIN D, 25-OH, D2 <4 ng/mL
VITAMIN D,25-OH,TOTAL 23 ng/mL L 30-100
ABSOLUTE EOSINOPHILS 557 cells/uL H 15-500

I had done a test in last october and TSH was 1.2 and Vit-D 18ng/ml. I am taking Vit-D 5000 units OTC 4-5 days per week.

Symptoms:
Weight gain - difficulty to reduce weight
Lethargic/tired.
Foggy brain/memory loss
hair loss/brittle
dry skin

Thanks!

[vks82]

Sure will do.

[Barb135]

Let us know it turns out.  

[vks82]

Yes I did now, thank you
Going to contact one of the docs today.

[Barb135]

You've found gimel's message now?

[vks82]

Thanks Barb135

Your observation confirms my fear I need to figure out the thyroid issues. I will continue to take Vit D and find another doc to explore this.

Gimel has sent me some info, being new to this site could not find the message sent.

[Barb135]

Sorry I didn't get back online to respond to your posts...

We don't care if your doctor doesn't want to test FT3 or not... that's all the more reason you need a different doctor.

Your doctor is probably right about checking the nodules in 6 months... if neither they, nor your thyroid have unusual characteristics there's nothing to worry about, but your symptoms and low thyroid hormone levels, certainly are something to worry about.

[gimel]

Just sent some info for you.  To access, just click on your name and from your personal page, click on messages.  

[vks82]

Can someone suggest me a good doctor in Virginia, please?

I could not shed even 1 pound and for a 5'1 I weigh 154, which puts more stress on my joints.

[vks82]

Thank you for the info!

I forgot to add sometimes I find it very difficult to swallow.

I started taking regularly only in the last 3-4 weeks.

My doctor was not happy when I asked to add FT3 to blood tests. And she messaged me my thyroid is normal and I should check the nodules in another 6 months.

Can someone suggest  a doctor who is willing to understand my symptoms and give me trial med in northern Virginia?

I have put on 10 lbs in 2 months and I sm already overweight. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Barb135]

Just because thyroid hormone levels are in the normal range, doesn't mean they are good enough for you.  And somehow I have a feeling that your doctor might not really have been looking at your actual thyroid hormone levels, but most likely was paying more attention to your TSH.  

Both your Free T4 and Free T3 are lower in the ranges that we typically recommend them and at the levels yours are, I would say it's not surprising you have symptoms.  It's typically recommended that FT4 be around mid way in its range; yours is only 40% of the range... Rule of thumb is for FT3 to be in the upper half to upper third of its range and yours is only at 36% of the range.  FT3 is the hormone that's actually used by the individual cells, so the lower it goes the hypo you will become.

In addition to that, there are actually 2 thyroid antibody tests that would confirm Hashimoto's and it appears that your doctor only ordered one - Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab).  You should ask your doctor to order the other antibody test, which is Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb).  Without both tests, you risk missing the proper diagnosis.

Nodules are typical with Hashimoto's...

Have you been taking the 5000 IU vitamin D since October and your levels only came up from 18 to 23?  As you can see, 23 is actually below the range, but you need to get your level up to at least the 60-70 area... you have a long way to go.  Vitamin D deficiency causes a lot of hypo like symptoms, plus vitamin D is necessary for the metabolism of thyroid hormones.  You should be on a much higher dose... discuss this with your doctor.   I recently read that adequate vitamin D is also necessary for weight loss.

Some doctors would be wiling go give you a trial dose of thyroid hormones to see if it would alleviate your symptoms.  You can ask your doctor if he will and if not, you might think about trying to find a different doctor.