Hypo or Hyper

[dedmad]

What are normal reading for TSH and Free T4 and when should you get medical attention?

[kitty9309]

You are welcome. It helps to know that others are going through the same thing. I don't believe the premenopause theory, especially when your TSH is too high. Thyroid hormones effect every cell in our body, including the female hormones, thereby confusing the picture.
Try to see an endo even if you have to pay out of pocket. Your PCP is not up on the lastest thyroid treatment.

I wish you the best,
Kitty

[dedmad]

Part of what drives me crazy is that I am eating good and exercising but not losing a pound.  Although, I am losing inches in my legs and thighs but nothing in my waist.  I am also very tired and of course my eye sight seems to be getting worse.  I am going to make an appointment with my opthamologist.  This just seems so insane, I am only 43 years old and I don't have the energy to keep up with my boys.  Could all this just be pre-menopause ?  I don't want to go back to my PCP because he doesn't seem to understand.  It's not like I see him a lot, maybe once every 2 years because of the flu or something but he made me feel like it was all in my head.  I do thank you for your posts.  All the people here make me feel better just knowing its not in my head.

[kitty9309]

Everyone feels different at different TSH levels. Some people are overtly hypo and have TSH levels of 50-100 or more. I had a friend who's TSH was 87 and she just felt a bit tired. Some people seem to be more sensitive to the changes in their bodies and are maybe more aware of the symptoms.
Just b/c your levels are not sky high, don't think you can't feel bad.
Have you had an eye exam by an opthamologist? It's a good idea with thyroid disease.

[dedmad]

The more I read in this forum, I am starting to feel that maybe my TSH levels aren't so bad because some peoples level are so up there I can't imagine how you must be feeling.  Another problem I am having is with my eye sight.  The other night while looking up at the ceiling, it looked like the ceiling was rolling or like it was breathing.  Has anyone else had something like that happen to them?

[mitchell1204]

I see varying TSH levels with my research
0.3-3.0
My doctor says 0.4-4.5
Idea should be around 1.0, but it is very hard for the doctor to fine tune you a couple points.

I have a long way to go yet. I asked for the first time today.
TSH 98.4  :(

[dedmad]

I have not seen an endocrinologist.  My GYN authorized the blood work and my family doctor went over the results with me.  No one suggested an endocrinologist.  In fact, I didn't even know what one was until I joined this forum last night.  I am so overwhelmed at this point and just want to feel better.  I can't remember off hand what the low end range was for my Free T4 results but the high end range was 1.8.  

[kitty9309]

The free t4 depends on the reference range given by your lab. Even so, 1.1 is on the low end of normal. It has been said that most people feel better when their free t4 is in the mid to upper end of the range.

5.6 is more than likely abnormal. Most people w/o thyroid disease have a TSH below 2.5, with a mean just over 1. A variation of more than 0.75 from your normal TSH "set point" is abnormal.

Have you seen an endocrinologist or was this your PCP?

[dedmad]

When I had my blood work done back in October my readings were:

TSH:  5.6
Free T4:  1.1

I was told by my family doctor that although my TSH was out of normal range my Free T4 was in range so I did not need any further medical attention.  Should I seek another opinion?  My body is so out of whack and I tried to explain this but instead he gave me a lecture about proper diet and exercise.  I'm not 12 years old here and I do watch my diet and exercise regularly.  It is just very frustrating.

[DLA]

Normal TSH should be between 0.3-3.0.  Sorry, I can't help you with the FT4.