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confused about thyroid numbers
Hello I just got a call about my tests on my thyroid, the doctor says it's fine, but I'm still having symptoms. My hair is falling out really bad, I'm still so tired. I have lost my "get up and go". Here are my results : reference numbers are as follow : 0.14 to 0.35....My TSH 1.730 FT3 3.10 FT4 0.93. I am not taking any medicine for my thyroid and I also have only my left side thyroid. I do not no what to think. Can anyone explain for me? The nurse that called me seemed like she did not no what to do after I asked her if I could make an appointment to see the doctor again, all she said was let me talk to him first. Am I being swept under the rug? I'm confused.
Where in Ohio are you located? Perhaps a member can recommend a good thyroid doctor in your area.
Thank you so much for your info, it has has helped me understand alot. I am going to request my numbers. I have to, and talk to my family doctor and get another referral ; the Endo's that I have researched need a referral from my family doctor. Thank you so much.
In the USA if you request in writing I believe your lab results they MUST by LAW provide them to you. So I would strongly encourage you to request the lab results. Send them a fax and then it is in writing.
Ranges are set up using statictics and math. the term "normal" is a mathmatical term NOT a medical term. It is a statistical plot of a "normal distribution". Typically called the bell curve.
The ranges are established by taking a set number of people that particular lab has tested. Say 1,000 or the last 1,000 etc. Then the "normal" range simply throws out the very bottom 2.5% and the very top 2.5%. Thus leaving the rest of the 95% to be called "normal".
However really think more deeply about this. Who is likely to get tested for Free T4 and Free T3?
The obvious answer is people who suspect that their thyroid levels are abnormal, showing symptoms etc. So that would mean a very large portion of those last 1,000 patients who's blood was tested were sick and abnormal. But that fact is NOT taken into consideration. So they then build this so called "normal range" by only calling the VERY sickest top and bottom 2.5%. Which leaves MANY truly sick people to fall within the so called "normal" or "reference" range.
This is why so many people here have found in order to feel well, you need to be well up into the range. In fact anything below the 50% point should be viewed as VERY suspect if you are symptomatic. To be more specific the rule of thumb for a target to start to shoot for is to have BOTH of the following:
1) Free T4 (FT4) to be in the MIDDLE of the range which means 50% of the range if not a bit higher. In the "middle" does NOT mean "somewhere between the top and bottom.
AND - This means in addition to!
2) Fre T3 (FT3) to be in the UPPER 1/3 of the range. This means 66.7% of the range. Certainly above 50%
Understand that this is just a rule of thumb and everyone feels better at different levels. But is a FAR better target to start to work your way up to than simply being "somewhere" in the range.
Ranges are set up using statictics and math. the term "normal" is a mathmatical term NOT a medical term. It is a statistical plot of a "normal distribution". Typically called the bell curve.
The ranges are established by taking a set number of people that particular lab has tested. Say 1,000 or the last 1,000 etc. Then the "normal" range simply throws out the very bottom 2.5% and the very top 2.5%. Thus leaving the rest of the 95% to be called "normal".
However really think more deeply about this. Who is likely to get tested for Free T4 and Free T3?
The obvious answer is people who suspect that their thyroid levels are abnormal, showing symptoms etc. So that would mean a very large portion of those last 1,000 patients who's blood was tested were sick and abnormal. But that fact is NOT taken into consideration. So they then build this so called "normal range" by only calling the VERY sickest top and bottom 2.5%. Which leaves MANY truly sick people to fall within the so called "normal" or "reference" range.
This is why so many people here have found in order to feel well, you need to be well up into the range. In fact anything below the 50% point should be viewed as VERY suspect if you are symptomatic. To be more specific the rule of thumb for a target to start to shoot for is to have BOTH of the following:
1) Free T4 (FT4) to be in the MIDDLE of the range which means 50% of the range if not a bit higher. In the "middle" does NOT mean "somewhere between the top and bottom.
AND - This means in addition to!
2) Fre T3 (FT3) to be in the UPPER 1/3 of the range. This means 66.7% of the range. Certainly above 50%
Understand that this is just a rule of thumb and everyone feels better at different levels. But is a FAR better target to start to work your way up to than simply being "somewhere" in the range.
Your medical records are your property, so I would call the doctor's office again and request a printout of the lab test to keep for your records. I keep my tests in a folder so I can refer back to them along with notes on how I was feeling at certain doses, or in your case, non-medicated. When you get those test results, please post them here. There are very knowledgeable people on this forum who can advise you.
I'm sorry you had to go through this rigamarole with the doctor's office, it's a shame. I know my symptoms really started to get worse at menopause (though I don't know if you are near that age) which is another whole ball of wax, unfortunately. The search for a doctor who will listen to you is now your top priority.
Don't give up hope, we're all in this together.
I'm sorry you had to go through this rigamarole with the doctor's office, it's a shame. I know my symptoms really started to get worse at menopause (though I don't know if you are near that age) which is another whole ball of wax, unfortunately. The search for a doctor who will listen to you is now your top priority.
Don't give up hope, we're all in this together.
Hello, aww thanks so much for replying, after just talking to the nurse from the Endo's office, you sure did make me feel better. thank you...The nurse said that they can not do anything else for me and for me to go to my family doctor. My blood tests are normal and she said that the doctor looked it over again and can not find that my tests are abnormal. So with my hair falling out and the fatigue that i feel and my GERD that has really been acting up..and all the other symptoms that I'm feeling OH and me having half of a thyroid..I'm normal?? I really don't think so. Time to go Endo shopping. The only reference numbers that rude nurse gave me was 0.14 ~ 0.35 Then she went on to give me my TSH which was 1.730 ~~~ FT3~ 3.10 ~~~~~FT4 ~ 0.93 Those are the only numbers she gave me. After I asked her nicely ( I held my cool for my numbers ) . They are making me feel like this is all in my head. I can't even go get my hair done at a salon without the hair dresser asking me if I'm okay and if I'm seeing a doctor. Embarrassing....I just hope I won't be bald by the time I get a good Endo. I'm feeling hopeless....
badthyroid, Of course you're frustrated, you have every right to be. Talking to nurses and doctors who give you the brush-off is beyond annoying.
As flyingfool stated finding a good thyroid doctor can be a daunting task especially when you're not feeling well. I lost count of how many doctors I've seen over the last two decades and most of them were woefully uneducated about thyroid disease. Most of the MD's I've seen felt thyroid problems are easy (Easy??) to fix and based their treatment on the TSH alone.
So often my TSH test results would come back near to the magical 'normal' range (and it's anyone's guess how current their guidelines are for ranges.)
I'd been told my problem with weight gain, headaches, joint pain, GERD, dizziness, hair falling out and extreme fatigue had nothing to do with my thyroid since my TSH was normal. Even after I was put on Synthroid, I continued to have symptoms but the almighty TSH test was always waved in my face as proof my problems were all in my head.
I've seen general practitioners and two endocrinologists who were of little help. The endos seem much more interested in diabetes, at least the ones I've encountered. Only one GP believed me when I said I was still having symptoms after being on Synthroid, and he worked with me to find the optimal dose. I was doing quite well with him, until he moved to another state. Then it was back to the search.
Last fall I found a MD who has his own integrative medical practice and so far, we're getting along but I'm still struggling. He is much more open-minded and believes me when I tell him what's going on. One thing I found encouraging was he doesn't even order TSH tests, but instead does labs for Free T3 and Free T4. Could it be true? A doctor who doesn't kowtow to the TSH test? Maybe the times are changing.
The problem with seeing my current MD is that he is not covered by my insurance, so all of my costs are out of pocket. And he does recommend many supplements (pricey) along with radical changes in diet (which I'm not thrilled with) but I take the good with the bad in order to feel better.
I see you posted your thyroid test results--could you also add the reference ranges the lab uses (every lab is different, that's why reference ranges are important) which would help the members of this group give you their evaluation of what your current thyroid status is.
I'm not being very helpful, but I just wanted to let you know you're definitely not alone. You've come to the right place.
As flyingfool stated finding a good thyroid doctor can be a daunting task especially when you're not feeling well. I lost count of how many doctors I've seen over the last two decades and most of them were woefully uneducated about thyroid disease. Most of the MD's I've seen felt thyroid problems are easy (Easy??) to fix and based their treatment on the TSH alone.
So often my TSH test results would come back near to the magical 'normal' range (and it's anyone's guess how current their guidelines are for ranges.)
I'd been told my problem with weight gain, headaches, joint pain, GERD, dizziness, hair falling out and extreme fatigue had nothing to do with my thyroid since my TSH was normal. Even after I was put on Synthroid, I continued to have symptoms but the almighty TSH test was always waved in my face as proof my problems were all in my head.
I've seen general practitioners and two endocrinologists who were of little help. The endos seem much more interested in diabetes, at least the ones I've encountered. Only one GP believed me when I said I was still having symptoms after being on Synthroid, and he worked with me to find the optimal dose. I was doing quite well with him, until he moved to another state. Then it was back to the search.
Last fall I found a MD who has his own integrative medical practice and so far, we're getting along but I'm still struggling. He is much more open-minded and believes me when I tell him what's going on. One thing I found encouraging was he doesn't even order TSH tests, but instead does labs for Free T3 and Free T4. Could it be true? A doctor who doesn't kowtow to the TSH test? Maybe the times are changing.
The problem with seeing my current MD is that he is not covered by my insurance, so all of my costs are out of pocket. And he does recommend many supplements (pricey) along with radical changes in diet (which I'm not thrilled with) but I take the good with the bad in order to feel better.
I see you posted your thyroid test results--could you also add the reference ranges the lab uses (every lab is different, that's why reference ranges are important) which would help the members of this group give you their evaluation of what your current thyroid status is.
I'm not being very helpful, but I just wanted to let you know you're definitely not alone. You've come to the right place.
It's confusing when the nurse that called from the Endo office asks me if I thought that the doctor should increase my medicine. I asked her "what medicine?" I have never been on any medicine ever I told her. I'm sorry I'm just so confused. My hair is really falling out, I can not for the life of me loose any weight, I get dizzy spells all the time, and feel so darn tired all the time. I just don't no what to think. I'm frustrated and I'm sorry for venting.
Hello, I no it's ashame how we have to go through this when we should be trusting a doctor to listen and help us. I'm going to be calling my Endo tomorrow and demanding him to help me. I hope I can get in to see him, this confuses me that when I ask for an appointment the nurse refused to give me one and she tells me that she will talk to the doctor and call me back. I just don't understand. I feel for your wife , my Endo that I had when I had the nodule also retired also, he was a very good doctor. I'm going to try to make this one listen to me. This is all a darn shame.
It is not just hard for you to find a good Dr in your area. This is the NORMAL situation unfortunately. This dilema is what brings many people to this forum. It is amazingly frustrating and a reoccurring roller coaster ride that many of us have either previously had an unlimited ticket to ride or are currently going through and have boarded the ticket to the rollercoaster ride!
Best thing to do is to do as much research as you can to educate and arm yourself as best you can. Then start the process to find the right Dr or to at least find a Dr who is willing to work with you and accept information and learn from you as you provide credible evidence. This sounds much easier than it is in reality.
I can empathize with you as my wife is going through a similar roller coaster ride right now as her previous "good Dr." retired.
Best thing to do is to do as much research as you can to educate and arm yourself as best you can. Then start the process to find the right Dr or to at least find a Dr who is willing to work with you and accept information and learn from you as you provide credible evidence. This sounds much easier than it is in reality.
I can empathize with you as my wife is going through a similar roller coaster ride right now as her previous "good Dr." retired.
Hello, the saddest thing is, I am seeing an Endocrinologist. My Family Doctor referred me to him. I am now seeing that he isn't a very good doctor now. He is not doing very good with me. I sat in his office and told him all my symptoms and I am very concerned due to me only having half of my thyroid. Now all of this new stuff appears. And the nurse telling me that she has to talk to the doctor before I make an appointment to come back in? I'm very confused. It seems hard to find a good Endo where I live. I have researched, now I need to do even more research to get a new one. Sorry for venting. Thank you for your reply.
May I suggest you should see a Functional Dr./Naturopathic Dr... they look at the whole person not just symptoms. I'm going to see one next month! Or see if you can see an Endocrinologist and go from there. Conventional Drs often don't practice "outside the box" if you know what I mean LOL. I hope you get the answers and treatment you DESERVE!
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