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Thyroid issues...advice please
I am a 40 year old woman, healthy with no prior health issues. Approx 6 months ago I had sever heart palpations and went to the ER. Was told nothing wrong with me, just nerves. About a month later same thing happened. Saw my GP who said I had an ulcer and prescribed prilosec. There were 3 additional heart palpations over a few months. Finally, this past Saturday it went from weird to extreme. I was certain I was having a heart attack. My husband was able to get me to the ER and again I was told that I have stress problems and need to seek therapy. The doctors checked me for very few things, I had a ct scan (w/allergic reaction to the dye). Prescribed prednesone to get through the reaction, reacted to the prednesone. The symptoms have persisted 4 full days now. I was finally convinced to take adavant to calm down. I feel like crud though. Nothing has been diagnosed but I feel strongly that is a thyroid problem. I requested the thyroid tests (on several self assessment tests I score in the highest risk category), the doctor said he'd order them but they will come back in normal range as he feels I am not a candidate for thyroid problems. I feel so lost and really just would like to figure out what is wrong with me and how to go about fixing it...without anti-depressants. I am not a depressed person....well maybe today I am :(
Well, I'm back. My GP had ordered the TSH and the Free T4 and told me all was normal. I got the referral to the endo and went yesterday. That doc told me that my results were normal and we went through a bunch of my symptoms, she told me that I would not have a slow thyroid and heart palpitations. She said that palpitations were related to fast, not slow, thyroid. She ordered the TSH, T3 and T4 again...results were emailed to me this morning. TSH is 1.10, Free T3 is 105 (listed as T3 total), Free T4 is 1.0. The results also show "normal" levels. All of my test numbers come back within the "normal" ranges. My OB also ordered labs but only 1 result is back for FSH and it's high at 16.6. I had done this test before when we were trying to conceive so I know this is high...but my understanding is it should be done on CD 3 as it can fluctuate. I was on CD14 on the day of the draw. Not sure how much that matters. I'm still struggling with all the symptoms, not as intense though. Any thoughts you ladies have are greatly appreciated. Thank you, C.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Of course, perimenopause is something to be considered. None of us care to go down that road, but I started when I was about your age. I eventually had a hysterectomy, which threw me directly into menopause, but most people don't end up with hysterectomy.
Since you've got a referral to and endo, you should ask to have reproductive hormones tested, as well, as the Free T3, Free T4 and TSH, along with antibodies.
Do try to get the results of the tests that were done. Even if they didn't do the right ones, they might shed some light on your issues, in spite of the "normal" designation.
Since you've got a referral to and endo, you should ask to have reproductive hormones tested, as well, as the Free T3, Free T4 and TSH, along with antibodies.
Do try to get the results of the tests that were done. Even if they didn't do the right ones, they might shed some light on your issues, in spite of the "normal" designation.
The emergency room doctor was a man, my GP is a woman. With everything going on I didn't think to clarify. I was not given any results, simply told "your normal". I will go down to the med records office to get a copy as that seems the only way for me to get them.
I will consider the possibility of perimenopause...but I certainly don't like it. :(
I don't expect to have the results until Monday. I will attempt to get them tomorrow but I feel it will be unlikely to happen.
I was able to get a referral to the endocronolgist (sp), although my doctor was definitely bothered that I asked. Additionally, they only ran T4 and TSH, no free T3/free T4
I will consider the possibility of perimenopause...but I certainly don't like it. :(
I don't expect to have the results until Monday. I will attempt to get them tomorrow but I feel it will be unlikely to happen.
I was able to get a referral to the endocronolgist (sp), although my doctor was definitely bothered that I asked. Additionally, they only ran T4 and TSH, no free T3/free T4
It sounds like your problems could very well be the beginnings of perimenopause, I suggest to consider the possibility.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Be calm and get a copy of the actual results; we know something is wrong, but we don't know that it's thyroid until we see the results.
From your post above, I was under the impression that your doctor is male; do you have more than one doctor dealing with this?
"Normal" doesn't mean much to most of us; we need to see the actual results and reference ranges. Please post them as soon as you can.
From your post above, I was under the impression that your doctor is male; do you have more than one doctor dealing with this?
"Normal" doesn't mean much to most of us; we need to see the actual results and reference ranges. Please post them as soon as you can.
My doctors office just called and said I had the free t3, free t4 and tsh...all in normal range. I don't have those numbers yet. I'm crying now because I know something is wrong. I was certain, still feel, its my thyroid.
Thank you so much :) I just called Kaiser and they said my results are in, but of course they can't reveal them to me. I have a message in to my GP to call to discuss results. She should call today. I am hoping that the blood results show the low thyroid so that I can get started on the medication right away. I'm over this feeling and can't wait to feel better. Right now I'm waiting as patiently as possible for the call from my doctor. I'll share results once I hear. Again thank you all for your responses.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Sounds like you might be feeling a bit better today; that's good, I was kind of worried about you last night. Thyroid issues can be a bit overwhelming for all of us and it takes time to sort through everything and figure out exactly what's going on, because there are so many other conditions that can have the same or similar symptoms. Add to that, the fact that many doctors simply don't listen or take us seriously and you have a real recipe for disaster. The anxiety of not knowing what's wrong or how to fix it can be mind boggling.
If it turns out that you have a thyroid condition, it's relatively easy to remedy, simply by taking a replacement hormone pill every day. Once levels are stabilized, most of your symptoms should go away.
Hopefully, the ER doctor would have asked for Free T3 and Free T4, but if he didn't, you should go ahead and ask for them, along with the antibodies. It's very possible that you have Hashimoto's and as I said before, it's very possible that symptoms can show up before blood work indicates an issue, so even if your blood work comes back normal, don't give up. Make sure you keep the copy of the lab work for your own records; would be a good idea to write your symptoms down on it, then every time you have blood work, write your symptoms, medication, dosages (if any), so you know how you felt when at that blood draw. This becomes your health record.
When you get those results, please post them, here, along with the reference ranges, which vary lab to lab and have to come from your own report.
If you need to "talk" we're here.........
If it turns out that you have a thyroid condition, it's relatively easy to remedy, simply by taking a replacement hormone pill every day. Once levels are stabilized, most of your symptoms should go away.
Hopefully, the ER doctor would have asked for Free T3 and Free T4, but if he didn't, you should go ahead and ask for them, along with the antibodies. It's very possible that you have Hashimoto's and as I said before, it's very possible that symptoms can show up before blood work indicates an issue, so even if your blood work comes back normal, don't give up. Make sure you keep the copy of the lab work for your own records; would be a good idea to write your symptoms down on it, then every time you have blood work, write your symptoms, medication, dosages (if any), so you know how you felt when at that blood draw. This becomes your health record.
When you get those results, please post them, here, along with the reference ranges, which vary lab to lab and have to come from your own report.
If you need to "talk" we're here.........
Again, thank you for the responses. I reread my additional posts and I do sound like a fruit loop :( I had taken the adavant because my chest started feeling tight again and I was shaking. I have not taken any yet today and I feel more like myself. I am still concerned about everything simply because this is not "me". I did ask the ER doc to order the T3, T4 and TSH...I never included "free". My GP is out of the office until Monday, as is my OB/GYN. The results from the T3, T4 and TSH should be in today or tomorrow. Depending on those results I will ask for the tests again, specifically asking for the Free T3, Free T4 and TSH. Each of your responses have been kind and I appreciate the time you've taken to respond. I do feel lost because I have never had a health issue. The symptoms that I've exerienced hit me all at once and have been very overwhelming. Adding to that doctors who just don't seem to take me serious...well it has made me a mess. I'm planning for today to be terrific with lots of healthy food and light yoga :) Again, thank you for the support.
I would pursue the blood work more with your doctor or consult another doctor. A doctor should always listen to their patient and at least run the blood work.
I had a total thyroidectomy Jan 2003 and had my first panic attack when I came home from the hospital. Amazing what that little gland does for the human body. I thought I was going to die. I have had many issues over the years, but the hardest to deal with is the anxiety. I take Alprazolam (xanax) .25mg as needed, it works well. Doesn't make you feel loopy and takes the edge off when you need it, but does take about and 1 - 1 1/2 hours to kick in, so learning other coping skills is important and I only use the Alprazolam when the other skills don't work. Deep breathing, yoga and exercise. I even went to a counselor for a while and it did help. Helped define that this was all related to my thyroid or lack thereof. That was important for me to confirm I was not going nuts lol
In general, I would say be persistent, you know your body. Listen to it. Good luck!
I had a total thyroidectomy Jan 2003 and had my first panic attack when I came home from the hospital. Amazing what that little gland does for the human body. I thought I was going to die. I have had many issues over the years, but the hardest to deal with is the anxiety. I take Alprazolam (xanax) .25mg as needed, it works well. Doesn't make you feel loopy and takes the edge off when you need it, but does take about and 1 - 1 1/2 hours to kick in, so learning other coping skills is important and I only use the Alprazolam when the other skills don't work. Deep breathing, yoga and exercise. I even went to a counselor for a while and it did help. Helped define that this was all related to my thyroid or lack thereof. That was important for me to confirm I was not going nuts lol
In general, I would say be persistent, you know your body. Listen to it. Good luck!
There is no evidence that drinking coffee or sodas causes ulcers.
The number one cause of ulcers (8 in 10 cases) is the Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) bacteria. The tests for H pylori - urea breath test, stool test, blood test (not as accurate as the urea and stool test), biopsy (most accurate of all tests). Treatment is one to two week course of a combination antibiotics. Retesting for H Pylori confirms the bacteria has been eradicated.
Another cause is anti-inflammatory drugs (2 in 10 cases) which include aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. Other causes are rare.
Pain is the common symptom of an ulcer which is felt anywhere between the navel and the breastbone. Other symptoms of H pylori can include nausea, vomiting, frequent burping, indigestion/reflux, bloating, weight loss.
The number one cause of ulcers (8 in 10 cases) is the Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) bacteria. The tests for H pylori - urea breath test, stool test, blood test (not as accurate as the urea and stool test), biopsy (most accurate of all tests). Treatment is one to two week course of a combination antibiotics. Retesting for H Pylori confirms the bacteria has been eradicated.
Another cause is anti-inflammatory drugs (2 in 10 cases) which include aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. Other causes are rare.
Pain is the common symptom of an ulcer which is felt anywhere between the navel and the breastbone. Other symptoms of H pylori can include nausea, vomiting, frequent burping, indigestion/reflux, bloating, weight loss.
COMMUNITY LEADER
You've gone downhill since this morning and sound like you're giving up; that's not a option, because there IS life after thyroid...... if that's your problem.
I'm not sure why you're feeling so lost; I've been trying to give you support and information to help you make choices to help yourself, but it sounds like you're working yourself into a frenzy over this. I know you don't feel well, but the more worked up you get, the worse it's going to make you feel. I'm also not sure why you're so afraid. If all you have is a thyroid condition, it's entirely treatable and while you feel miserable, it's nothing life threatening.
I'm not sure you're reading what I'm telling you, because you're asking the same questions I've already answered...... Yes, you have to specify FREE T3 and FREE T4, otherwise you won't get the right tests. As I noted above you should also ask for thyroid antibodies. While you're at it, you might as well get vitamin B-12, vitamin D, and ferritin.
If you haven't done yoga for a while, 20 minutes is great; right now, I'm not sure I could get through that long, simply because I haven't been doing anything for exercise, so my body is stiff and out of shape.
If your diet has been bad - sodas, chips, dips, etc leave something to be desired - then it's good that you're going to change it, but you still have to get other things sorted out. You have to calm down until you get the thyroid test results to see where you're at there, then go from there. Since you're still asking me if you need to specify the Free T3 and Free T4, I have to wonder if you've had the tests done, yet. That's the first step, because until I see those test results, I'm at a loss.
If there's not a thyroid issue then maybe there's always other things to look at.
I'm not sure why you're feeling so lost; I've been trying to give you support and information to help you make choices to help yourself, but it sounds like you're working yourself into a frenzy over this. I know you don't feel well, but the more worked up you get, the worse it's going to make you feel. I'm also not sure why you're so afraid. If all you have is a thyroid condition, it's entirely treatable and while you feel miserable, it's nothing life threatening.
I'm not sure you're reading what I'm telling you, because you're asking the same questions I've already answered...... Yes, you have to specify FREE T3 and FREE T4, otherwise you won't get the right tests. As I noted above you should also ask for thyroid antibodies. While you're at it, you might as well get vitamin B-12, vitamin D, and ferritin.
If you haven't done yoga for a while, 20 minutes is great; right now, I'm not sure I could get through that long, simply because I haven't been doing anything for exercise, so my body is stiff and out of shape.
If your diet has been bad - sodas, chips, dips, etc leave something to be desired - then it's good that you're going to change it, but you still have to get other things sorted out. You have to calm down until you get the thyroid test results to see where you're at there, then go from there. Since you're still asking me if you need to specify the Free T3 and Free T4, I have to wonder if you've had the tests done, yet. That's the first step, because until I see those test results, I'm at a loss.
If there's not a thyroid issue then maybe there's always other things to look at.
I will watch the video now.
And yes, my doctor asked about my symptoms hooked up an in office EKG or ECG...not sure which. Said it was fine and asked about my diet. I explained I drink 1 cup of coffee in the morning and tend to drink a lot of pepsi. She determined ulcers as a cause of my caffine intake. I stopped drinking pepsi and limited my coffee to a child size cup, 1 each morning. I will look into the LCHF. thank you for your response.
And yes, my doctor asked about my symptoms hooked up an in office EKG or ECG...not sure which. Said it was fine and asked about my diet. I explained I drink 1 cup of coffee in the morning and tend to drink a lot of pepsi. She determined ulcers as a cause of my caffine intake. I stopped drinking pepsi and limited my coffee to a child size cup, 1 each morning. I will look into the LCHF. thank you for your response.
Check out the youtube video: Four Ways To Diagnose Hypothyroidism - Dr. Hotze's - Health & Wellness Solutions.
You list no symptoms of an ulcer and had no tests for an ulcer and yet you are told you have an ulcer? O_o Have a look up the LCHF (low carb high fat) diet. It's the opposite of the unhealthy food pyramid.
You list no symptoms of an ulcer and had no tests for an ulcer and yet you are told you have an ulcer? O_o Have a look up the LCHF (low carb high fat) diet. It's the opposite of the unhealthy food pyramid.
Thank you again,
I feel so lost night now. I'm trying to find something, anything to help me through this. Friday night I was me, happy, playing with my daughters...lauging and making plans. Saturday my world crashed won and I can't function. I'm in bed on atavan so that I don't think I'm haivng a heat attack. I'm so scared of all of this. My experience with the doctors has been terrifible. I feel each time that they have just concluded I'm looney. I found out this afternoon that they signed me up for a group therapy class...to which I was never talked to about or made aware of.
Should I ask for the more specific, "Free T3, Free T4 and TSH?? Are there others that I should request. At this point I don't even want to hear my doctors opinions, I'd just like to know the est results and talk with a natural healer/herbologist or soemthing along those lines.
In all honesty my diet needs changing and has needed changing for a very long time. I drink lots of pepsi and other sodas, I eat chips and dips and frozen foods. I cook heathly meals as well but when we're on the go I grab all the snack foods and sodas and that's what we eat. As soon as I get a grasp on me and this problem I am changing the household eating habits..Iwill not let any of them go though this.
The yoga was nice but I only made it through about 20 mintues. I'm too dizzy from the adavant. :( Iam so sad and so long. I wish I had a place to turn and trust. My husband is begining to think I'm crazy. :(
I feel so lost night now. I'm trying to find something, anything to help me through this. Friday night I was me, happy, playing with my daughters...lauging and making plans. Saturday my world crashed won and I can't function. I'm in bed on atavan so that I don't think I'm haivng a heat attack. I'm so scared of all of this. My experience with the doctors has been terrifible. I feel each time that they have just concluded I'm looney. I found out this afternoon that they signed me up for a group therapy class...to which I was never talked to about or made aware of.
Should I ask for the more specific, "Free T3, Free T4 and TSH?? Are there others that I should request. At this point I don't even want to hear my doctors opinions, I'd just like to know the est results and talk with a natural healer/herbologist or soemthing along those lines.
In all honesty my diet needs changing and has needed changing for a very long time. I drink lots of pepsi and other sodas, I eat chips and dips and frozen foods. I cook heathly meals as well but when we're on the go I grab all the snack foods and sodas and that's what we eat. As soon as I get a grasp on me and this problem I am changing the household eating habits..Iwill not let any of them go though this.
The yoga was nice but I only made it through about 20 mintues. I'm too dizzy from the adavant. :( Iam so sad and so long. I wish I had a place to turn and trust. My husband is begining to think I'm crazy. :(
COMMUNITY LEADER
I hope you specified FREE T3 and FREE T4, not just T3/T4 or you will get tests for totals, which are considered obsolete and of little value. If not specified, you won't get the frees.
I think we're all "candidates" for mental health, just that when we're hypo, we're a bit "further out"....... lol
Heart palpitations can be scary and a lot of people have panic attacks with them. Yes, they are caused by stress, but it's not the "run of the mill" stress that we typically think of. It's very stressful to be afraid, thinking that something horrible is happening to your body.
Your doctor is wrong that a resting heart rate of 59-63 can't indicate hypo. One of the signs of hypo is low heart rate (I had severe bradycardia when I was dx'd). While 59-63 is "normal", it's still quite low.
Really? He said those things to you? If that were MY doctor, I'd be kicking him to the curb and finding another asap...... The doctor who diagnosed by hypo told me one time that there was nothing wrong with me; I just need to MOVE MORE... that was when I questioned him because I couldn't lose weight, when I went to Curves 3 days/week and had a physically demanding job!! That was the last time I saw him....
Many of us have been down the road of doctors not paying attention; it's very frustrating.
Did you ask for antibody tests? With Hashimoto's, it's not unusual for symptoms to show up, long before TSH, FT3 and FT4 are out of range.
Not sure what "thyroid supporting foods" you're planning to get. Most of us don't have to change out diet, at all. Be sure to eliminate all types of soy, as soy inhibits thyroid hormone output. I would also suggest that you limit the goitrogens (you can google that to come up with a list, but they include cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, etc) or cook them first. There are other goitrogens, including radishes, peaches, strawberries, etc.
I think your idea of doing some yoga and deep breathing is excellent. Since yoga centers on deep breathing, it certainly can calm you.
I think we're all "candidates" for mental health, just that when we're hypo, we're a bit "further out"....... lol
Heart palpitations can be scary and a lot of people have panic attacks with them. Yes, they are caused by stress, but it's not the "run of the mill" stress that we typically think of. It's very stressful to be afraid, thinking that something horrible is happening to your body.
Your doctor is wrong that a resting heart rate of 59-63 can't indicate hypo. One of the signs of hypo is low heart rate (I had severe bradycardia when I was dx'd). While 59-63 is "normal", it's still quite low.
Really? He said those things to you? If that were MY doctor, I'd be kicking him to the curb and finding another asap...... The doctor who diagnosed by hypo told me one time that there was nothing wrong with me; I just need to MOVE MORE... that was when I questioned him because I couldn't lose weight, when I went to Curves 3 days/week and had a physically demanding job!! That was the last time I saw him....
Many of us have been down the road of doctors not paying attention; it's very frustrating.
Did you ask for antibody tests? With Hashimoto's, it's not unusual for symptoms to show up, long before TSH, FT3 and FT4 are out of range.
Not sure what "thyroid supporting foods" you're planning to get. Most of us don't have to change out diet, at all. Be sure to eliminate all types of soy, as soy inhibits thyroid hormone output. I would also suggest that you limit the goitrogens (you can google that to come up with a list, but they include cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, etc) or cook them first. There are other goitrogens, including radishes, peaches, strawberries, etc.
I think your idea of doing some yoga and deep breathing is excellent. Since yoga centers on deep breathing, it certainly can calm you.
Thank you for your response.
I've done several self-assessments and each time they match up to extreme low thyroid function. My symptoms have been heart palpitations, numbing/tingling extremities, inability to lose weight with regular excerise...no diet change thus far, minor hair loss...ie no noticeable hair loss to others but when I brush my hair there is a large about of strands in the brush. Adult acne, Significant fatigue/sluggishness. I generally do not break a sweat when working out, if I do it is very minor and at the height of exertion. Extreme discomfort with cold and an unreasonable time to "defrost" or warm back up. Mood swings, anxiety, recent full blown panic attacks that make me feel that I am dying. Not just physical pain, I have felt that my 'energy' is leaving my body. That's just a few, I have many more of the symptoms.
I specifically requested the T3, T4 and TSH tests. The doctor made me feel like I was wasting his time and told me, "As an experienced medical professional I feel it is important to have you prepared to accept that your panic attacks will almost certainly not be related to your thyroid. I expect your thyroid tests to come back well within normal range. With a resting heart rate of 59-63 it is not consistent with hypothyroidism."
He went on to recommend I seek help through mental health and take the prescribed adavant.
I am so scared and really don't feel that I'm a mental health canidate. I am not insinuating that it is "bad" to be its just that I do not feel depressed, of course I have my share of personal stresses, but I do feel I handle things rationally and nothing is so severe. I believe I did have panic attacks at the onset of the heart palpations because I thought I was dying. I do not believe the panic attacks were caused by stress.
My plan for today is to try not to take the adavant, which I have on hand, but I have my husband going to the store for some thyroid supporting foods and my daughter and I are going to do some yoga and deep breathing exercises.
Once my results are back I will get copies of the all reports regarding this. It is so frustrating that the doctors and nurses do not take me serious. I know my body and I know something is wrong. I'd really like to just feel normal without medication. Thanks again for your response. Any ideas or suggestions are very appreciated.
I've done several self-assessments and each time they match up to extreme low thyroid function. My symptoms have been heart palpitations, numbing/tingling extremities, inability to lose weight with regular excerise...no diet change thus far, minor hair loss...ie no noticeable hair loss to others but when I brush my hair there is a large about of strands in the brush. Adult acne, Significant fatigue/sluggishness. I generally do not break a sweat when working out, if I do it is very minor and at the height of exertion. Extreme discomfort with cold and an unreasonable time to "defrost" or warm back up. Mood swings, anxiety, recent full blown panic attacks that make me feel that I am dying. Not just physical pain, I have felt that my 'energy' is leaving my body. That's just a few, I have many more of the symptoms.
I specifically requested the T3, T4 and TSH tests. The doctor made me feel like I was wasting his time and told me, "As an experienced medical professional I feel it is important to have you prepared to accept that your panic attacks will almost certainly not be related to your thyroid. I expect your thyroid tests to come back well within normal range. With a resting heart rate of 59-63 it is not consistent with hypothyroidism."
He went on to recommend I seek help through mental health and take the prescribed adavant.
I am so scared and really don't feel that I'm a mental health canidate. I am not insinuating that it is "bad" to be its just that I do not feel depressed, of course I have my share of personal stresses, but I do feel I handle things rationally and nothing is so severe. I believe I did have panic attacks at the onset of the heart palpations because I thought I was dying. I do not believe the panic attacks were caused by stress.
My plan for today is to try not to take the adavant, which I have on hand, but I have my husband going to the store for some thyroid supporting foods and my daughter and I are going to do some yoga and deep breathing exercises.
Once my results are back I will get copies of the all reports regarding this. It is so frustrating that the doctors and nurses do not take me serious. I know my body and I know something is wrong. I'd really like to just feel normal without medication. Thanks again for your response. Any ideas or suggestions are very appreciated.
COMMUNITY LEADER
There's no such thing as being a "candidate" for thyroid issues. You either get them or you don't. Thyroid conditions don't "pick their victims", nor do they simply strike those of us with other health issues. We've seen plenty of perfectly healthy people get hit with thyroid conditions.
The heart palpitations, typically, tend to lean toward hyper, but many of us have them with hypo, as well. Do you have other symptoms that might give us a better idea? Do your self assessment tests indicate hyper (over active) or hypo (under active)?
Do you know what thyroid tests your doctor is ordering? He should be ordering TSH, Free T3 and Free T4........ if he only orders TSH, which a lot of doctors do, you'll need to specifically ask for the FT levels. You should also ask for thyroid antibodies, also, if he didn't order them.
When you get the test results back, make sure you get a copy of it, then post the results here, and be sure to include the reference ranges, which vary lab to lab and have to come from your own report. If you are in the U.S. your doctor is required, by law, to provide you a copy of the report upon request.
The heart palpitations, typically, tend to lean toward hyper, but many of us have them with hypo, as well. Do you have other symptoms that might give us a better idea? Do your self assessment tests indicate hyper (over active) or hypo (under active)?
Do you know what thyroid tests your doctor is ordering? He should be ordering TSH, Free T3 and Free T4........ if he only orders TSH, which a lot of doctors do, you'll need to specifically ask for the FT levels. You should also ask for thyroid antibodies, also, if he didn't order them.
When you get the test results back, make sure you get a copy of it, then post the results here, and be sure to include the reference ranges, which vary lab to lab and have to come from your own report. If you are in the U.S. your doctor is required, by law, to provide you a copy of the report upon request.
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