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TSH and possible thyroid problem

hi, my name is joe. i was at doc and had blood work, well what they call blood work. my tsh came back at 2.5. my symptoms are: lost of or almost lost of my outter eyebrows, morning temp of 96.8 on avg. always tired, no apitite, except at night. my ears ring almost all the time. loss of short term memory. i also have anxiety and depression, i have these big puffy bags under my eyes that i never had. I have double vision for a long time. on antidepressants and i dont respond to them well. is this a thyroid issue?


This discussion is related to TSH levels.
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Absolutely sounds like a thyroid problem.  If you have a look at this listing of typical hypothyroid symptoms, I think you will find yourself in there.

http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-symptoms-and-signs.html

It is unfortunate, but somewhat typical, that your doctor only tested for TSH.  There is a pervasive belief called the "Immaculate TSH Belief", whereby doctors considefr that TSH is all they need to use to diagnose for thyroid problems.  Unfortunately TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by so many variables that it is inadequate for that purpose.  At best it is only an indicator to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms, and also the levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, which are free T3 and Free T4 (not the same as Total T3 and Total T4).  Of these Free T3 is the most important to know because it largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  Scientific studies have shown that  Free T3 correlate best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH correlate very poorly.

A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting FT3 and FT4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important to you, not test results.  If you want to know more about clinical treatment, this is a good link.  The letter was written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he consults with from a distance.  The letter is sent to the PCP of the patient to help guide treatment.  

http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf

So the first thing you really need to do is to request testing for Free T3 and Free T4 along with TSH that they always test.  If the doctor resists, then you should insist on it and don't take no for an answer.  To determine the possible cause, you should also be tested for the thyroid antibodies, TPO ab and TG ab.  These will determine if Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is involved.  While talking to the doctor you should also find out if the doctor is going to be willing to treat you clinically as described in the above link.  If not, then you should look for a good thyroid doctor that will do so.

When you have lab test results, please post them along with reference ranges shown on the lab report and members will be glad to help interpret and advise further.  Also, if you need help finding a good thyroid doctor, please give us your location and members may be able to provide a recommendation based on personal experience.
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Avatar universal
Your TSH is within reference range.  However, TSH is a very poor diagnostic of thyroid dysfunction since it's a pituitary hormone.  Free T3 and free T4 are the actual thyroid hormones.  Since your symptoms could be caused by thyroid dysfunction, you should ask your doctor to order FT3 and FT4.  Keep in mind that symptoms often are not relived until FT4 is midrange and FT3 is upper half of range.  Also, you might ask your doctor to test the thyroid antibodies (thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroglobulin antibody) to see if you have Hashi's.
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