latest lab results

Hello- I'm hoping to get some advice on my lab results.  About 2 months ago I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.  My TSH was 5.14 and my free T4 was 0.7.  I was started on 50 mcg of levothyroxine and recently had repeat labs to see my status.  My TSH is now 3.35 and my free T4 is still 0.7  I do still have some symptoms (fatigue, cold hands and feet, dry skin, irregular periods).  However, technically my lab results are "within normal range".  My internal med doctor who has been treating me says that my labs are all fine and to continue on the 50 mcg dose.  But through my own research I've been noting that many consider any number above 3 for the TSH to still be high.  Is this correct?  And shouldn't my free T4 have gone up at least a little bit from before?  I'm not sure if I should pursue getting a higher dose of my medication or leave it as it is.  Thanks in advance for any advice!  

[AR-10]

Once you start treatment, the target range for your TSH is usually 1.0-1.5 or so.

Your levels may still be shifting. I'd ask for a retest in a month and insist that you get a TSH, a Free T4, and a Free T3 as well.

Your labs are not great. Your Free T4 is too low, and I'm sure your Free T3 is also too low. "Within lab limit" is not "close enough" when it comes to thyroid blood tests.

[EmmaJane00]

Well I called my Dr's office and only got to speak to the nurse.  She stated that my labs are fine and my "body just needs to get used to" being in the normal level.  As if my symptoms will all just go away?  If I continue on the same dose of levothryoxine, will my TSH keep going down?  She refused any further lab work and said all I need is a repeat lab in maybe 6 months.  I don't know if I really agree with all that and kind of feel put off.  Should I be seeking an endocrinologist, or am I just reading too much into my lab results?  Thanks so much for all the help, I'm just a bit confused about everything and my Dr has never even sat down to explain anything!

[stella5349]

It would be best as AR said to retest sooner than the 6 mths  that "the nurse" is advising.  ( sigh )

Your labs are not what a person who suffers from thyroid disease as "fine"  yet I agree that you may need your body to adjust a bit longer too.

See how things are going and call them back if you have no improvement within a week.

Keep calling if need be...................

Push for the retest and stay on top of those labs to see if the levels change - vs- if you start to feel better or worse.

Those numbers all only that - numbers.

Where you feel best at takes // your patience - frequent labs - and a patient medical staff.