Low T$ normal TSH and Hashimoto'ss

[hbgslp]

I am writing one year later. I've been to 5 different endocronologists and they all say the same thing.  They only look at TSH and nothing more. Many relatives in my family have thyroid issues. I have multiple nodules and a goiter.  I have lowered my high cortisol levels, but they continue to want to repeat my tests...  I always have low Free T4, but they disregard it because of my normal TSH.  I watch my weight, eat very healthy very little after dinner, but my weight always stays the eaxact same number with or without exercising.  I have belly fat and have gained about 15 pounds in 2-3 years.  I am told I am not near menopause.  I don't know where to turn.  I take a Super Adrenal Support vitamin, as well as a time released Vit. C (2000 mg) and many other different vitamin supplements.  I did acuppuncture.  Any recommendations?  Thanks.

[hbgslp]

I live in Palm Beach County FL. I am open to travel for a doctor that is open minded. Thanks for your lengthy response.

[gimel]

You definitely need to find a good thyroid doctor.  By that I mean one that will treat you clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.  

TSH is a pituitary hormone that is totally inadequate as the sole diagnostic for thyroid.  At best it is an indicator to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms and also, levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T3 and Free T4.  Of these FT3 is the most important because it largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  FT3 also has been shown to correlate best with hypo symptoms, while TSH and FT4 correlated very poorly.  TSH does not even correlate well with FT4 and FT3, much less with symptoms.  Many of our members have reported that symptom relief for them required that FT3 was adjusted into the upper part of its range and FT4 adjusted to at least midpoint of its range.  

So as long as your doctor(s) have the "Immaculate TSH Belief", or use "Reference Range Endocrinology", then you will be left with inadequate medication and lingering hypo symptoms. If you want to read more about clinical treatment, this is a link to a letter written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he consults with from a distance.  The letter is written to the PCP of the patient to help guide treatment.  

http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf

If you will give us your location, perhaps some member may be able to recommend a good thyroid doctor, based on personal experience.

[hbgslp]

I requested a FreeT3 test by my Endo and she refused to do it. She sent me for a prescription for checking my TT3 and said that is the only one she does along side with T4 free . The nurse advised me to ask another dr. to do a free T3. What do you recommend to do? I'm on my 6th dr.

[FTB4]

Have they done Free T3? you should insist on a Free T3 and Free T4, If they did do these tests, then post them with the reference ranges provided for members to see where you are at regarding your thyroid. Also maybe post your location, some members may be able to give the name of a better Endo in your area.  Good Luck FTB4