Need help making sense of lab reports

[Soleil66]

I have been having some symptoms in the last two years, and Dr tested my thyroid twice, was previously told "low side of normal" and the next time, no answer from him or staff, so being non confrontational I left it alone.  The last 6 months seem to have brought more changes, and Dr decided to test again, but the parting shot to me was well we all change as we get older, kind of made me think he is writing me off to my age. Office staff member called and said labs came back normal again.  Decided to check out these normal numbers now.  Based on lab numbers of 0.470- 4.29 for TSH I was 3.698.  T- 4 levels based on 4.5-10.9 I was a 9.5.  Well have to decided if I need to go back to my GP and get more info, but first decided to see what other people say about my numbers.  I really do not know how to interpret them.  I have the usual symptoms, fatigue, very very cold even if the temps are in the 70s I need a sweater. Dry brittle hair and nails, very low sex drive, just cannot seem to lose the 40 lbs I need even though I walk an hour a day on the treadmill and only consume 1200 cal a day.  By the time I do that and do my usual house work it is hit the sofa and sleep at about 2:00 pm.
If his word is true how long do I suffer these and other symptoms before I get help with them, and should I be making another appointment with my GP, but I suspect he will not do anything with me as I am sure he thinks it is all in my head and just due to my age which by the way is 62.

[Soleil66]

Thank you for the information, I know that my Dr will not be receptive to the idea of putting me on meds just to test it.  He firmly goes by the book, or in this case the labs.   As I may have stated before, he sees only that I have a cholesterol problem (I will have to look but I think high cholesterol is stamped on my forehead) and that he is trying to keep me from having heart problems. When I went off my cholesterol meds, and the reports came back on that I got an immediate call at 8:00 pm and he was so shocked I went off them, he instantly put a new scrip for a different med, that I am not taking, but he does not know it. One of his favorite sayings is I'll be the Dr here if you tell him what is wrong with you.  He is in control, and lets you know it     I am going to go back though and at least try to see if he will help, but I still think I am going to have to see some one more in the know.  My HMO allows me to see anyone I want without referrals so that will help
I thank you for the information and the help though. Probably will not be able to get back to see him for a few weeks, and come back on and post what goes on.

[Rachel4]

Definitely high.  I'd also think looking into a new GP would be a good idea.

[gimel]

Just a thought for your consideration.  Rather than wait for weeks, I'd call the doctor's office and ask for a trial prescription of thyroid medication, based on your continuing symptoms, plus the fact that your TSH test results were above the high limit for the TSH range recommended by the American Association of Endocrinologists, in 2001.  If they agree and give you a prescription of a T4 type med, recognize that it will take up to 6 weeks to get the full effect.  If they don't agree, then it's unlikely that another appointment and even more testing is going to change the doc's mind.  So then you can get started looking for another doctor who understands thyroid problems sooner.

Depending on the area you are in you may find a forum member who has a good thyroid doctor to recommend.  Or, if not, there are other sources we can recommend.

[stella5349]

These are not as "new" as one may think,

I believe the references ranges for thyroid lab work changed about 3 yrs ago but the labs are the ones still using the old ranges as guides. Your doctor is just reading the paper - not really knowing the whole story.

Under the new ranges you are subclinical hypothyroid - even though your number of 3.69 are over the max. Most doctors are not convinced a person at this range requires any meds - based on labs - some wait until the patient reaches a 10. to start treatment. That is extreme though.

Persistance is key for you - directly go in as ask to have a trial of meds to "see" if you improve. If not then you need to go elsewhere.

You won't win beating a dead horse and it sounds that is exactly what you are doing.

High cholestrol is a great indicator of hypothyroidism along with your symptoms - any experienced thyroid doctor could put the pieces together and at least trial you on medication. Scratch the cholestrol meds right now and concentrate on a trial of meds.

Be aware there are a few types of thyroid meds out there and you do not want to go down the road of bad meds for you either. A "NAME BRAND" T4 med and Armour are about your best choices - Most patients have problems with generics.

Also you do not necessarily need an endo at this time - Many MD's and ENT's have a vast knowledge of thyroid disease and can help you. You must do a bit of interviewing to see if they have the creditials you need. If you choose an endo - same applies - most are experienced in diabeties and have little to no understanding of the thyroid. Interview them as well.

Always-- always ..... always - get every lab test - scan and test you have done and keep in YOUR personal medical file - you need to be  on top of that no matter what.

[Soleil66]

Thank you for the boost in confidence, and I did not know about the other ranges that are recommended. I will tell him about the new ranges, but old habits die hard in this area, and it is a backwards thinking community .  I think I will call and ask to see the actual reports for the three times I was tested to get an idea of what my numbers are doing.  Still doubtful that he will do anything. I swear I have high cholesterol stamped on my forehead, as that is the only thing he is concerned with. He sure is not hesitant on prescribing that medication, which I have refused to take as it made my muscles just ache and my legs cramp terribly.
I am resolved to make an appointment with him and ask for a consult with an endocrinologist even though I know it will take me weeks to get back to my GP.  
Thank you for your comment.

[Jennifer1987]

In my opinion you should get a new doctor. the new TSH ranges are from  .3- 3, Your over this range which would mean your slightly hypothyroid. And the symptoms your experiencing would indicate this also. Im sure its got nothing to do with your age as Im 21 and experiencing the very same. Its definitly the most horrible thing I have gone through in my entire life. I wouldn't wish it on anyone! You should get a second opinion! If my doc. didn't listen Id find a different one, and his attitude towards your health should be a bit more professional!