Symptons of Thyroid problem but tests not clear?

[jtb]

Over last 2 months, my son (17 years old) has following symptons: weight gain in thighs and rear, shortness of breath on stairs and while swimming, random hives, and alot of fatigue. He has been a competitive swimmer for 10 years and not one to tire easily and his father has thyroid problems.  Our physician has given him albuterol for shortness of breath and antihistimine for hives.  Not much help.

Blood work is excellent except for T3=73, range 97-186 ng/dL; TSH= 1, range .7-6.4 mIU/L and T4, Free =1.4, range .9-1.4 ng/dL.  Do you think thyroid issue?

[v2k]

A related discussion, Help was started.

[GravesLady]

I would suggest going to a good endo that deals a lot with adrenals and thyroid issues and futher testing done with antibodies, etc. Bring copy of last thyroid test but endo might want to do her/his own test. Your sons thyroid test might suggest Chronic illness, starvation/nurtition/Selenium deficiency/ Potassium and Zinc deficiency/Low protein intake/poor protein digestion/ prolonged intake of refined carbohydrates and sweets, medications such as Inderal, steriods and amiodarone, Compromised liver or kidney function, Cadmium, mercury and lead toxicity, T-4 T-3 conversion problem/Reverse T-3 (Dominance), or hypo/hashi. Mean while have son get plenty of rest, eliminating as much emotional stress as possible, moderate exercise for stress control, and eating a well balanced diet.

Good luck!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Repeat T3 as Free T3 otherwise thyroid looks fine.  Also check thyroid antibodies esp given dad's history.