new test results

[jesuisfatigue]

hi-

male, 51, type 2 diabetic.  i've been battling pneumonia since january, and doctor just tested my thyroid. lab results were:

T4 FREE (range 0.8 - 1.5 ng/dL) 0.8
TSH (range 0.35 - 4.00 mcIU/mL) 7.11
T3 was not tested.

could this explain the fatigue and muscle aches i've had for years and years? should i ask for a thyroid replacement rx?

thanks!

[goolarra]

Even if FT3 is in range, your FT4 is way too low.  At this point testing FT3 has more to do with establishing a history so that you can see how meds change your FT3 and FT4 levels.  There's sometimes a phenomenon where with very low FT4, FT3 can be quite high.  It's the body's way of making sure there's enough FT3 by "over converting" it from FT4.  So, I think you would do well to start meds regardless of your FT3, but testing it will be useful in establishing a history.  

  

[jesuisfatigue]

thanks- i'm going to ask me doctor to retest with FT3, and if the results are similar, ask for a rx.

[jesuisfatigue]

thanks!

[goolarra]

Definitely ask for replacement hormones.  Your FT4 is on the floor of the range;  midrange is the guideline.  Your TSH is also high.  Both indicate hypothyroidism, and your symptoms support that.

Nest time around, insist on FT3 as well.

[BpaL11]

And I would not ask for thyroid replacement yet, maybe check your thyroid levels again in 4-6 weeks. If they are still low, maybe look into the possibility replacement therapy. T4 and T3 levels change quickly and it could be a one time thing, though your high TSH says otherwise, as TSH takes longer to change

[BpaL11]

I was hypothyroid for a few months and my TSH was right around where you were (Mine was 7.420) and I always felt tired and my body hurt like crazy. Its definetely possible especially if your levels have been on the hypotyroid side for years, it may start to take its toll.

Have you had regular metabolic blood work? Problems with nutrients and electrolytes like calcium can also cause those symptoms.

From my experience, it is definitely possible though.