Thyroid

[Ginny688]

My TSH w/FREE T4 RFX (TSH, 3rd generation) is .06 (LOW).  However, my T4, FREE is 1.2 (Normal); T4, Total is 8.2 (Normal); T3 Uptake is 28 (Normal); T4, Free, Calculated is 2.3 (Normal); and my T3, TOTAL is 217 (Normal).

Up until I reached menopause I was taking 4 grains of Armour Thyroid, since age 10.  I was in an 11-year study at Children's Hospital, as my Father and I had the same problem, and they told me that I would have to take the 4 grains per day the rest of my life.  

However, around the time that I went through menopause in 2002, at age 53, I gained weight, my thyroid tests showed that I should decrerase my dosage to 2 grains per day.  I thought that I was so tired, as a result.

I went to several doctors and finally got an endocrinologist to increase my dosage to 3 grains per day.  By 2007, when I was 58 years old, all my thyroid function tests were in the normal range.

I'm still taking 3 grains per day, but now my tests results are what I described above.  My skin on my arms and head are very dry and I feel tired a lot.  I also feel my weight gain (more than 30 pounds) is related to my thyroid problem.  

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

As indicated by the low TSH, you are likely on too much medication - this increases the risk of heart problems and bone loss.  The weight is not likely due to your thyroid problem.  2 out of 3 americans are over-weight and most do not have a thyroid problem.  It simply is eating more than we burn off and the fact that metabolism slows with age -- I know this sounds harsh, but it is the plain truth.

[Ginny688]

Thank you.