Low normal borderline free T4 and normal TSH, FEEL AWFUL!

[jenputs1984]

I just got back my labs, I went to the E.R. Because I kept choking on my food, and just feel horrible and so tired. I have put on 15 lbs in 4 weeks.... Anyways here are  the thyroid results...

TSH 1.66
FREE T4 0.83 (7.1-1.88)

The doc said I am very healthy and normal and sent me packing. I called lab corps and quest labs here and their normal  Free t4 ranges for a woman my age(25) is 0.82-1.77. Will you please tell me if the free t4 seems low? I also tried to see another doc at the local free clinic who was very ignorant and said I was too overweight and go on a diet and to never nap. I DON'T NAP!

My question is with a borderline free t4 sesult like mine should I even persue going to my normal md or should I just not because he'll tell me I am fine and send me home? I think that the E.R. here may use a broader range of normal due to the amount of people they see all the time. I don't think it personalized to their gender and age. Please tell me, am I crazy or should I persue these results with my medical doc? I feel way tired, kinda achey, real foggy, sleep apnea, choke on my food! Its ridiculous! Any advice would help and thank you. I did post another thread some where about this but was hoping doctor Mark could help me with this one too. Thanks.

[Lesliean]

Low to borderline free T4 would indicate hypothyroidism. Further, you feel hypo! The TSH is normal so that puts you in the vast subclinical hypothyroid group where docs will disregard your symptoms, look only at your normal TSH, and send you on your way. See above. Yet research shows you have a great likelihood of developing hypo in the near future and supplemental thyroid now might head this off as well as relieving your symptoms. Also, impacts cardiac health and lipid profile so worth pursuing.

Check out nurse practitioners and alternative medicine doctors as they tend to be much better at women's health issues. And go to About.com on thyroid health. Mary knows what we are going through too.
Good luck,
Leslie

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

These levels are normal and indicate the thyroid is not likely the cause of your symptoms.
Would repeat thyroid levels in the future if symptoms persist, as thyroid function may fluctuate.