Understanding Lab Results

I am relatively new to this whole thyroid experience and hopefully someone can explain my lab results....I was originally diagnosed back in Nov with hypothyroidism. I've been taking 50mcg of LevoT since 11/12/08. Today I went back for more bloodwork to check levels to see about dosage changes, etc.

I asked the nurse to tell me what my thyroid levels were from my Nov test. She only told me that my thyroid level was 13.870. I think that was my TSH level?? She said while it sounded high it was actually a low number. Also said my T3 level was 112 & normal and something called my hypothyroidoxim(???) was 0.88 which again was normal. Anyway she made it sound like those were the only tests my Dr ran......I have no clue what these tests measure, what guidelines are, what they should be, how bad or good these numbers are, etc.....can anyone help me decipher this jumble?? I was so distracted with my BP review, another reason I was there and what my Dr was focused on, I totally spaced off asking her about this.  I wont know my labs from today for another couple of days or so......thanks!

[AR-10]

What you thought you heard, hypothyroidoxim, was probably your Thyroxine, Free test. It's a Free T4 test.

A Free T4 of 0.88 may fall in the normal range, but it is a bit low. Too low. Your T3 result of 113 is low, although it also falls within your lab's "normal" range.

Your TSH probably was 13.870, which is not as high as 59.999, or 120.0, but it is a far cry from normal. It should be heading toward 1.0 or 1.5 as you med is adjusted correctly.

Your Free T4 should be about mid-range on the lab limits.
Your Free T3 should be a little higher than mid-range.

Get copies of your tests each time.
Not all doctors get it when it comes to looking at thyroid test results. Normal does not mean healthy.

[Traci0928]

Hi Everyone,

Ok, got the call back this morning from my Dr's office with my lab results from yesterday. Here's what the nurse said:

TSH - 2.920
T4 - 1.14
T3 - 1.28

Nurse says these all are in the normal range so my Dr is keeping me on 50mcg of LevoT for now. Says that's the correct dosage for me. Are these normal levels?? I'm still trying to understand all these numbers & what they mean. I go back on Feb 2nd so I will ask for my test copies then.

[AR-10]

Your TSH is a little high. It's hard to say it's BAD, because some people have a TSH of 2.5 or so as normal. Most people have a TSH that falls between 0.8 and 1.8, and the target TSH once you have started meds is 1.0-1.5.  

So it LOOKS a little high. It will take a little trial and error to find the level best for you.

Your T4/T3 results are hard to comment on. There is a total T4 test and a Free T4 test. Same with the T3.

It looks like you had a Free T4 test run, and your result is much better than the last round of tests.

You need to list the lab ranges used for the Free T4 test and the Free T3 test. The ranges vary from lab to lab, and you have to look at your result and see where it falls within the range your lab uses.

I can guess that your lab range for the Free T4 is 0.6 to 1.6 or 0.8 to 1.8, as those ranges are pretty common.

Your (Free?)T3 test result...I have no idea what the lab range might be.

Your Free T3 should be about two thirds up the scale from low to high on the range the lab lists.

Your Free T4 should be about midpoint on the lab range, although it can be a bit lower and still provide enough T3 through conversion.

Hope that helps a little.    

[Pepper39]

I'm 64 and am seeing a Naturopath. I've had tremors for many years along with being extremely tired, pain in left shoulder, poor digestion and just don't feel well.  My lab results were TSH-Reflex Ft4 at 7.508, T4, free at 1.06.  Does this indicate hyperthyroidism because of the tremors?   She is giving me herbs to correct this - will this actually help?  It's been 7 weeks and I don't feel much better.

[goolarra]

Both your TSH and FT4 indicate HYPOthyroidism, not hyper.

I have never heard of herbs correcting a thyroid problem.  The only treatment for thyroid disease is prescription thyroid medication.  I think you should see another doctor.  Except for the tremors, your other symptoms also look hypo.  

Were these symptoms and labs before or after the seven weeks of herbs?