high TSh normal T4

[jam525]

HIgh tsh and normal t4 is called euthyroid? or not?
only high  12.0 tsh and normal free t4 can be associated with abortion?

[abc102885]

In April I Had  TSH of 2.98 at a healthfair I attended through my work.  I went for an annual check-up in June and had a TSH of 7.17. The Doc also did a T4 free (1.11) at that time and said it was normal and to come back in 6 months to retest  TSH levels.  With in the next 3-4 weeks my symptoms continued to get worse including extreme fatigue, having trouble sleeping at night even though I was exhausted, constipation, muscle weekness pain in joints, swelling around my eyes,  and was very emotional.  So I made another appointment went back and had more blood work.  My TSH had gone up more to a 8.87 but still my T3 and T4 free were normal.  We decided to try meds.  I am taking 50 mg of Synthroid... It has been a month and I feel so much better.  Every day is not perfect, but so much better than before.  Should I be more concerned that my T3(119) and T4 free(1.09) were within normal ranges, or would you say this is Hypothyroid?

[gimel]

You are missing the most important thyroid test which is for Free T3.  Free T3 largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  Scientific studies have also shown that Free T3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH did not correlate at all.  Even though TSH is a poor diagnostic for thyroid, along with your symptoms, your TSH is high enough to be a good indicator of hypothyroidism.  

So whenever you go in for tests you should always make sure they test for Free T3 and Free T4 (not the same as Total T3 and T4), along with TSH that they always test.  It would also be a good idea to test for Vitamin A, D, B12 and ferritin, since many hypo patients are also low in those areas as well.  

When test results are available, please get a copy and post results and their reference ranges and members will be glad to help interpret your status and advise further.  

[Amlyn]

I have had many symptoms that correlate with thyroid issues ever since the birth of my third child (I now have 6!).  Anyhow, I have slight weight gain, extensive hairloss, headaches, heavy periods, anxiety and boughts of depression as well as some others I cannot think of at the moment.  I have gone back and forth between my regular doctor and gynecologist as well as numerous specialists for the headaches.  Nothing has been shown as the cause and yet my hormones have never been tested.  Recently, I had my appendix out and the doctor ordered labwork including thyroid levels (I was having chills after surgery).  My tsh was an 8.5 and my freeT4 was a .8.  Would this account for my symptoms?  I am taking my results to my regular doctor and I am pressing him to help me figure this out.  Enough already!

[Barb135]

What med(s) and dosage(s) did your doctor put you on?

When you get retested, be sure to ask for Free T3, along with the Free T4 and TSH.  Also ask for Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab), as those will determine whether or not you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  Treatment won't change, but at least you'll know that you need to be tested regularly and keep your levels adjusted properly in order to feel well.

[bribaby99]

Yes, I just went to my doctor this morning and she has put me on meds.  The last six months or so I have been very tired.  Every night after work I go home and sleep for about 1-1 1/2 hours.  I have had major headaches, something I never get.  Also, muscle aches.  I've been blaming that on my arthritis, but now I wonder. I've also been very jittery. I'm going to go back in to see her in about 6 weeks, so I will ask for the additional test then.  Thank you so much for your help.

[goolarra]

As Barb said, your FT4 is way too low in the range.  It's right on the floor of the range.  Many of us find that we have to be at least midrange (1.3 on your range) before symptoms are relieved.  

Your TSH is high, also confirming that you are hypo.

Going forward, ask your doctor to test FT3 as well.  FT3 is the test that correlates best with symptoms.  Many doctors don't think FT3 is important (we know otherwise).  If your doctor balks at testing FT3, perhaps just tell him that you'd like it for your records in case it ever becomes an issue down the road...too much info is better than too little.

You might also want to ask for thyroid antibody testing to see if you have Hashi's.  Hashi's is one of the most prevalent causes of hypo in the developed world.  Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOab) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TGab) both have to be tested as some of us are positive for one, some the other and some both.

How do you feel?  Has your doctor suggested you go on meds?