Thyroid results

[Laurieahuff]

TSH = 0.667 RANGE 0.450 to 4.500
T 4 = 7.7 RANGE 4.5 to 12.0
T 3 uptake = 28  RANGE 24 to 39
FREE T 4 = 2.2 RANGE 1.2 to 4.9

I forgot to put the ranges earlier. I'm very symptomatic and want to know if I should have a different test done. I don't feel normal.  

[Barb135]

Your doctor is probably looking only at the TSH result, with is quite low, and with your FT4 where it is, I can see where your doctor might not take you seriously.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that your doctor won't be willing to test the Free T3, since many aren't.  

In my opinion, you should try to get the Free T3 test and if your doctor refuses, you should start looking for a doctor who will treat you clinically, according to symptoms, not just labs.  

You might also ask to get tested for thyroid antibodies (thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOab) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TGab) to confirm/rule out an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  It's entirely possible to have Hashi's and still have thyroid levels well within the normal ranges.  

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease, in which the body sees the thyroid as foreign, so produces antibodies to destroy it, so the thyroid stops producing hormones.  This process is usually gradual and can take years; as it progresses the thyroid makes less and less hormones, causing hypothyroidism; symptoms can be present long before the thyroid actually stops producing hormones.  Hashimoto's is the # 1 cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world.

You might also ask to get your Vitamin B12 and D levels tested, since deficiency in either of these can cause hypo-like symptoms.  

[Laurieahuff]

That's part of my problem. Doctor doesn't take me seriously. Not on meds just miserable.  Thanks for the information when I go back I will have them test for both.  

[Barb135]

Yes, try to get a Free T3, which is that actual usable hormone.  Free T4 is a "storage" hormone and must be converted to T3 before the body can use it. Therefore, you should get a Free T3 test to make sure you are converting the FT4 properly.

It's best to get FT3 and FT4 done at the same time. Also, have you been tested for thyroid antibodies?

What, if any, medication/dosage are you on?  

Your FT4 is low in its range, you might need an increase in medication, if you're on medication; if you aren't, you should see about getting a trial dosage to see if it alleviates symptoms.