Low T4, Normal TSH - Secondary Hypothyroidism?

[Celia75]

Hi,

I am a 33 year old female with a strong family history of secondary hypothyroidism. My mother, grandmother, maternal uncle, and twin sister have all been diagnosed specifically with the pituitary-related form of the disease. I have been experiencing several symptoms of hypothyroidism for the last 11 years and doctors have ordered thyroid function tests 3 times in the last decade. None of those tests have resulted in a diagnosis.

Every few years I seek out a doctor to investigate why I am cold intolerant, unable to sleep, unable to lose weight, fuzzy-brained, itchy, have zero libido, and am not menstruating normally. In each case I am told that, in addition to symptoms that I verbalize, I exhibit physical characteristics of someone with hypothyroidism and/or PCOS. Then then the blood work comes back "normal" and the diagnosis quickly changes to "mild depression" or "lack of sufficient exercise". This has been very frustrating for me, so this year I requested a copy of the results so I could see what my levels were. The blood work showed the following:

T4                   5.2   (5.3-11.5 mcg/dL)
T-UPTAKE       37   (32-48 %)
TSH               2.10  (0.34-5.60 mcIU/mL)

I realize the T4 is just below the normal cutoff, but do you think these results warrant me seeking out an endocrinologist for further testing? I asked my current doctor if she would refer me and she seemed a little hesitant. I am not usually pushy, especially with doctors, but I really just want to feel better.

I would appreciate any advice/opinions.

[anree]

I really don't know a ton about the numbers, so someone will have to help out in that area. I know that my TSH levels were considered normal, but my Free T4 was low. I was put on too much synthroid and I went Hyper. But now that I have started a lower dose of Armour I have been feeling a little better. So I am being treated for low T4, but my TSH shows up in the 'normal' levels. Maybe someone who knows a little more can shed light on it. I know my symptoms for 6 years, was tiredness, 4 years, depression, low sex drive, and then since 2 months ago I have had SEVERE hair loss. That finally tipped the Dr. off that it might be my thyroid!

[Celia75]

Thanks for the reply. I'm glad you're getting things sorted out. My mother and sister are both on Synthroid and have responded really well. I just need a diagnosis first!