got my levels and want to know what they mean!

[johannah705]

Had the RAI treatment in November went to hypo.  Latest blood work read TSH 6.53 mUI/ml
Free T4   1.42
Dr. says it is almost normal and will go to the next pill size up.
What is normal and how far off am I?
I still feel tired and i see hair in the shower more noticable than before.  Weight loss impossible at this point and counting calories each day.  1500-1800.  Try for 1200 but can't seem to do it.  Am not exercising but keeping busy as a housecleaner and yard work and carpentry.
Any suggestions out there?  Graves Lady?
lisa

[AR-10]

The target range for your TSH is aproximately 0.8 to 1.8, unless you have been treated for thyroid cancer.

Your Free T4 indicates you are in a good range, unless I am guessing wrong on the lab range for your test. Your Free T3 should also be good, but it must not be.

Go with the dosage increase, and ask to be tested again in six weeks. Ask for a Free T3 test as well the next time. If it is not "really needed", politely insist on it. You may not be converting T4 to T3 properly, and you will never know without a test.

IF your Free T4 lab range is 0.8 to 1.8, then you have enough T4 and your TSH should be lower. That makes me question your Free T3 level. But I'm just guessing without all the details of the lab tests.

[johannah705]

They never have tested the T3, I should insist on it.  especially when I still feel tired and having trouble with weight and dailey activities.
I must be way out of range if you say 0.8 to 1.8 and I am 6.53!  
He made it seem like I was only a little bit a way from normal.
Thanks again for your help.

[blksapphire]

Hi,
The labs kind of varies from lab to lab.  My endo told me as long as my TSH  was below 4.0 that I was in the normal range.   Ask for copies of all  your lab work.  this way you can see what the lab range is.

When my endo sends me for lab work, its usually order the works.  Each time I get a copy and come online with my group to discuss the results.

I would insist on the T3 as well.

Feel Better
T

[AR-10]

The target range for TSH for anyone being treated for thyroid hormone problems is 0.8-1.8. Anything over 2.0 is almost always too high. Anything less than 0.5 is almost always too low. Each person is slightly different, but the majority fall into the target range.

If you have been treated for thyroid cancer, the goal is to suppress the TSH to around 0.1 or less, which reduces the chances of a cancer recurrance, but also makes most people a little hyper.

The dosage change may bring your TSH below 2.0, and then it will be a few months before you know if it is the right dose or not. You will have to see if your symptoms start going away.

You should get a blood test six weeks after the dosage change. THAT is when you should also have a Free T3 run. And again six weeks later. All three tests.