Thyroid Test Interpretation

[pumavasa]

I have carried out blood  test for my 19 year  old daughter  . Results -  Free T4 as 0.97 ng/dl. Free T3 as 3.2 pg/ml.TSH as 6.91. FT4 and FT3 within limits.TSH elevated a little.

[Barb135]

Since your daughter does have the elevated TSH and low normal Free T3, both of which are indicative of hypothyroidism, I'd strongly suggest you check the list(s) of symptoms to make sure she has none of them... There are a variety of symptoms that many of us never connect to hypothyroidism.  

Symptoms can range from the more common  fatigue/tiredness, constipation, cold intolerance, etc to dry, pale skin, slow heart beats, feelings of depression, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, puffy eyelids or bags under the eyes (I had these and they were the first thing to go away when I started medication...).

[pumavasa]

Thanks.  The reason of carrying out test is I do it on regular basis for me and I thought let my daughter to be tested once so that I am sure about thyroid function for her.

[Barb135]

If there are no symptoms, what was the reason for the test, since thyroid tests are, typically not done on a routine basis?

Have there been antibody tests done to determine if she has Hashimoto's?

[Barb135]

The elevated TSH and low  Free T4 indicates hypothyroidism, but may not be an issue if there are no symptoms.  

Hashimoto's is the # 1 cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world.

[pumavasa]

She is not on any medication. Apparently there is no symptoms.

[Barb135]

What, if any, symptoms does she have and is she, currently, taking any thyroid replacement hormone medication?  If she's taking replacement thyroid hormone medication, what med is she taking and what dosage is she on? How long has she been on it?

[Barb135]

Also, do you know if she has Hashimoto's?

[pumavasa]

FT3 : normal range 1.7-4.2
Ft4 : normal range 0.7-1.8
TSH : normal range 0.3- 5.5