slightly hypoT, low female testosterone and exercise intolerance

[SMW65]

I've exercised for 20 years, in the last 6 mos I did a sprint triathlon and have worked out 6 days a week consistently. When jogging slow, my heart rate jumps to 180-195 and I have to keep stopping to catch my breath no matter how slow I jog. Over the first few months I thought it was conditioning, then after a treadmill test my dr. told me my heart looked like someone who never works out, but was normal. I was breathless after 10 min. Endo said I have a TSH of 3.19  T4 of 1.0 and a super low testosterone for a woman. Suggested d/c of BCP's and .25mcg of levoxyl. Cortisol came back slightly elevated. Still struggling through the runs and don't understand why my heart rate gets so high after consistent conditioning exercise. Could it only be related to the low testosterone and hypo? I can't find info on high heart rate and hypoT, just hyper. Help.

[SMW65]

What is estrogen dominance? The other piece of the puzzle is that I have PCOS.

I also notice that the first 7-8  minutes of jogging I am ok, a little high but sustainable. After that, even on flat terrain, but heart rate jumps up to 183-190. I can't seem to control it by slowing down unless I stop and walk. I am so breathless that trying to maintain that heart rate is really uncomfortable. I don't know if thyroid could cause this considering I am borderline anyway?

[stella5349]

Along with LM's lab needs - You should also take a peek at a journal I have on record and google up info on estrogen dominance.

[LazyMoose]

Not always in everyone like it should. That is why T3 meds exist. Optimal conversion cannot be assumed.

Many hypothyroid people take some form of T3 in addition to T4.

[SMW65]

but doesn't the T4 convert to T3? He is testing that in the next round of labs.

[LazyMoose]

Again, Free t3.

[SMW65]

They tested my free T4 and it was 1.0, low end of normal. On my run yesterday my heart rate jumped from 88 to 165 in less than 1 minute (I have a heart rate monitor that charts it all out). Within 10 minutes my heartrate was 182-189 even running on a flat road. Discouraging.

[ambershell_1]

I have the same problem. I couldn't even do warm up exercises without my heart jumping to 150. I almost passed out and felt very weak! I went to er, they said all of my tests and my heart was completely normal except my thyroid is high. I have another Dr. appt in a month and hopefully he can shed some light on all of these strange things going on with me. Hope you find some answers as well!!

[LazyMoose]

If your T4 was used with the range I'm thinking of, its on the bottom end right? Please include ranges provided by the lab used - they vary according to the test equipment used.

I suggest getting what is called Free T3 and Free T4 testing, the most accurate way to measure both of these hormones.

Your T3 might be low. You need to know the level. Could be why you are short of breath. T3 influences muscles, digestive and heart strength. Some peoples heart rate gets elevated from hypo, many assume a 'hypo' heart will slow down, nope. Its working harder to do the same work when hypo.

Been there, done that, now better.