can you be euthyroid and still have thyroid symptoms

[cooper796]

I have been diagnosed with euthyroid multinodular goiter.  My US showed two nodules on my left lobe,  one 3 x 2cm and the other 1.2 cm (not sure of other dimension).  On my right lobe there is one nodule 0.9 cm x 0.7 cm.  
The actual size of the thyroid lobes were normal being about 4.2 cm and 4.3 cm.   It wasn't conclusive from the US wether they were only fluid or not.  My dr. said the report said something about blood being present as well.

The blood work came back normal with TSH level of 1.27 and free T4 being 12.

I am now waiting for FNB.

The puzzling thing is that I have been experiencing symptoms of both hyper- and hypo- thyroid.  Is it possible to have these symptoms even though the blood work was normal?  Do the nodules themselves affect the function of the thyroid gland?
Also, what will be the recommended treatment for my situation if nodules are benign??

[Barb135]

This is a very old thread and we haven't seen copper786 since this thread, in 2009.  You might want to start your own post, listing your symptoms, and lab results.  I see TSH is 1.7; were there other tests, as well, such as Free T3 and Free T4?  Have you been tested for thyroid antibodies to determine if you have an autoimmune thyroid disease?  

You can start a new thread, by going to the top of this page and clicking on the orange "Post a Question" button, then type your message (be sure to include labs and reference ranges, which vary lab to lab and must come from your own report).  Once you've typed your message, click the green "Post a Comment" button.  Members will be happy to help assess your testing/treatment.

[rufi723]

I got my THS test result today and it I'd 1.7 but still I feel very tired ,always want to sleep,before a month I was normal and active ,my body pain so much.my weight was reducing and suddenly I gained 4kg although I am on dire.pls guide what is this?

[cooper796]

Thanks for all of your help.  

I can't remember having any kind of respiratory infection in the past few months.  

It all started a few months ago with very infrequent tightness in my neck (usually when lying down).  The tight feeling became more frequent with me actually noticing the large nodule on my neck (while head back, looking in the mirror and swallowing) about a few weeks ago.  It has been about 4 weeks since my ultrasound and since then the pain has developed and become worse.  

I'm hoping to get back to my dr. this week to discuss the pain and possibly have my TSH, FT4 and FT3 checked again.

[goolarra]

It's possible that you might have a "temporary" thyroiditis, e.g. DeQuervain's, silent, (I can never remember the third!).  I'm not sure if they usually cause nodules, but you might try googling them to see.

It sounds like your thyroid is really inflamed.  Have you had a recent upper respiratory infection?

[cooper796]

I will ask for the FT3 test.
I've had problems getting to sleep the past few nights and last night was the worst.  Alot of pain in my neck and pressure in my ears.  It hurts to even touch my throat/neck area. I tried taking Advil but did't get much relief.

I'm now wondering if I have subacute thyroiditis?  Once again I'm not sure if my bloodwork indicates that.  And would I have nodules with subacute thyroiditis???

I don't see the ENT until July 24th but I'm definitely going back to my dr. to get something for the pain!

[goolarra]

Well, your FT4 is definitely a bit on the low side, and your symptoms are really more consistent with hypo than hyper.  I'd love to see an FT3.  FT3 correlates with symptoms better than FT4 and much better than TSH.  

Could you request an FT3?  Perhaps when you have your FTB?  Your antibodies look good, and often TGab is elevated in the case of thyroid cancer.  So, that's good news.  If your FT3 is low, it could explain your symptoms.

[cooper796]

She definitely said I don't have either Hashi's or Grave's.

For anti-tpo the result was <10 (reference 0  - 35) and
anti-tg was <20 (reference  0  - 40).

There was no T3 value but the free T4 was 12 (reference range 9-23).

Symptoms have been: hair loss, fatigue, feeling cold "to the core" (but also sometimes feel flushed) , nervousness or "on edge" , increased bowel movements, shorter menstrual cycle.  The worst symptom is the irritability.

[goolarra]

I should have asked also what exactly your hypo and hyper symptoms are.

[goolarra]

Yes, TPOab and TGab are the antibody tests for Hashi's.  Your results should be very low to non-existent if you tested negative for antibodies.  What was your count?

There's a lot to learn...we've all found that out!  Did your bloodwork include free T3 (FT3) and free T4 (FT4)?  If so, what were your actual numbers and what is the reference range your lab uses (the ranges are on the printed report).

[cooper796]

I only found out about these nodules and thyroid problems about 3 weeks ago.  So I'm definitley new to all the lingo.  I knew to ask about TSH levels but that's all.  I did get a copy of my bloodwork results.  At the bottom there is something about "Anti-TPO" and "Anti-TG" .   Are these antibody tests for Hashimoto and Grave's??  I was told that everything came back negative.

[goolarra]

Have you had any antibody tests?  Hashimoto's thyroiditis often behaves as you describe with swings from hypo to hyper.  It's quite possible to test normal, but have abnormal symptoms.  In the case of Hashi's, the nodules (which are very common with Hashi's) can "leak" rather than secrete hormones into the bloodstream.  This happens in a pretty uncontrolled manner, and can cause the peaks and valleys that distinguish Hashi's.

If the nodules are benign, you should be tested for Hashi's.  I only say this because with normal labs, it's often difficult to get doctors to treat even though there are symptoms.  When the antibodies are present, most doctors at least realize that it's just a matter of time before the patient becomes hypo.  You may have to beat your doctor up to get meds.  A trial of a small dose to see if it alleviates your symptoms might be something to ask for.

Good luck!