CAN I HAVE ACTUAL HYPOTHYROIDISM WITH A 'NORMAL' TEST?

[freespirit3244]

I had all the thyroid tests I believe there are -- even reverse T-3.  The results were that they were within normal ranges.  I have adrenal fatigue and have had lumps aspirated from my thyroid area.  I have ALL of the classic symptoms of hypothyroidism.  I am wondering if anyone knows if I could actually have hypothyroidism and test normal.  

[freespirit3244]

Hi Barb,
Thank you so much for the reply.  I just had an appendectomy, so am recovering.  As soon as I feel better will gather all the lab results.  I recently had a nutritionist clue me in to Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  While in the hospital I mentioned it to my surgeon and he said he could add in some autoimmune tests to check for it.  So he did and we are awaiting results.  The ones they could tell me immediately were TSH being below normal and I cannot find my paperwork (so disorganized) but believe it was .0248 and the T-3 was within Qwest Lab's normal range at 1.8.  Because I am so fatigued and so disorganized, I often repeat things over and over, losing things, and needing to find them in order to carry on life.  I bet you know what I am talking about.  The only thyroid test that was ever out of range is this recent TSH.  I had a thyroid lump aspirated in 2006.  I was given a scan after taking radioactive iodine.  That tests yielded that I was Euthyroid.  

My symptoms now are : fatigue, cognitive challenges, weight gain of 40 lbs over 3 years with the absence of any overeating, mild depression, lack of any drive whatsoever to carry on daily life, and headaches.  The weight gain and fatigue are the most troubling.  I walk every day; I eat well, often organic; I have a great attitude, and I love life.  We have some serious familial stress going on and my adrenals are exhausted.  I have 3 adult step daughters who have engaged in very bad behaviour toward us, and the stress is inordinate.  I know this comes in to play with the Cortisol levels being raised (have had tests to confirm) and that will make weight loss harder.  I am hoping that with some revelation on the thyroid, there will be an adjunct, RX, or something I can do to boost the thyroid and help the adrenals.

Thanks for writing,
Jan

[Barb135]

Yes, you can. The reference ranges are very broad and just because you fall within them, doesn't mean those ranges are "normal" for you.  Have you been tested for antibodies to see if you have an autoimmune issue?  You could have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, in which antibodies destroy your thyroid; often it takes a long time for your lab results to catch up with your symptoms.......

I have hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's, so if you'd like, feel free to send me a PM with all your lab results, along with the lab's reference ranges and I'll try to help you.  You might want to check out the thyroid forum - there's a ton of info on there regarding necessary lab tests, etc.