High TSH, normal Free T4

[concerned79]

I posted earlier with several neurological symptoms including burning skin, floaters in my vision, numb feet and a left calf, as well as fatigue, hair loss, loss of concentration, and memory.  After extensive testing the only abnormality was a high TSH of 6.1, an additional blood test of a Free T4 was drawn days later and was described as normal at 1.6.  I was started on synthroid even with this normal Free T4 result. My question is, will taking synthroid help with symptoms even if my Free T4 level is normal?  What exactly is Free T4 in relationship to the synthetic thyroid hormone that I am taking?  Anyone's input would be appreciated.

[hendrik2]

A related discussion, LPR vs thyroid vs PND was started.

[bouiedc]

I was diagnosed with Graves Disease over 3 years ago and Have been on PTU for the last year.  I had a new blood test taken last week and the results show that I have a TSH of 7.0 but a normal T4.  Does this mean that I am now hypothyroid?  Does this typically happen to Graves patients?  Or is it possible that my graves went into remission and by taking my PTU I have gone into a hypothyroid condition.  However I have no symptoms or hypo/hyper thyroid.  I am so confused!!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

I think this has already been answered - if otherwise the evaluation is negative then getting the TSH down to 1.0 with thyroid meds (ie, treating what sounds like a subclinical hypothyroidism) may be worth a try.