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Elevated TSH and elevated free T3
I have been having hypothyroid symptoms most of my life. An extensive list in fact. Just enough to impact my quality of life. No doctor has been very interested. I insisted this time on extensive test. The results were elevated TSH and elevated free T3 with normal T4 and elevated C reactive protein.
I am on no medication. I only supplement with guggulipid, thyroid complex (tyrosine, vit b's) and multivits.
My doctor is still not interested.
I am really so tired of this.
I am on no medication. I only supplement with guggulipid, thyroid complex (tyrosine, vit b's) and multivits.
My doctor is still not interested.
I am really so tired of this.
I found your comment on a search for elevated free T3 and high TSH. I, too have the same thing. I was on thyroid medication some months ago and then my free T3 started to rise. My endocrinologist had me lower my dose of natural thyroid. Still no change, but my TSH rose as my dose decreased. In time, I was off the thyroid medication, but still had elevated free T3 even after two months of no medication.
Without medication, my TSH is 25.90 (indicating hypo) (ranges 0.40-4.00)
My Free T3 is 7.8 (range 1.5-4.1) (indicating hyper)
Free T4 is 1.00 (range0.71-1.76)
Strangely enough I just felt tired and got headaches from fluorescent lights.
When I was on thyroid medication, my levels are as follows:
Free T4: 1.41 (0.71-1.76)
TSH: 0.33 (0.40-4.00).
Free T3: 10.8 (1.5-4.1)
I have written to a researcher on thyroid issues thinking it might be some form of thyroid resistance and found that thyroid resistance usually has the signature of cognitive issues-not so in my case.
So, any ideas of where to go with this? Obviously this is rare. My tests have been run three times, all with similar results.
My endocrinologist is having me try a synthetic T4 medication. It is making me feel hyperthyroid. (always hot, sweating a lot, headaches, body pain, exhausted but reved up, sleep many hours but tired, abdominal cramps)
Without medication, my TSH is 25.90 (indicating hypo) (ranges 0.40-4.00)
My Free T3 is 7.8 (range 1.5-4.1) (indicating hyper)
Free T4 is 1.00 (range0.71-1.76)
Strangely enough I just felt tired and got headaches from fluorescent lights.
When I was on thyroid medication, my levels are as follows:
Free T4: 1.41 (0.71-1.76)
TSH: 0.33 (0.40-4.00).
Free T3: 10.8 (1.5-4.1)
I have written to a researcher on thyroid issues thinking it might be some form of thyroid resistance and found that thyroid resistance usually has the signature of cognitive issues-not so in my case.
So, any ideas of where to go with this? Obviously this is rare. My tests have been run three times, all with similar results.
My endocrinologist is having me try a synthetic T4 medication. It is making me feel hyperthyroid. (always hot, sweating a lot, headaches, body pain, exhausted but reved up, sleep many hours but tired, abdominal cramps)
Nodules come and go. It was a very small nodule. Typically, nodules less than 1 cm (10 mm) are just monitored for changes for the very reason that they are as likely to disappear as to grow.
I don't know enough about imaging to comment on why the two tests returned different results. I assume the first test was ultrasound??? You might try posting a new thread in which you state in the title that you want help with imaging results. We have a member, 898_1, who is good with imaging. However, he is on a bit sporadically. Once you post your question, you might PM him and ask him to have a look.
I don't know enough about imaging to comment on why the two tests returned different results. I assume the first test was ultrasound??? You might try posting a new thread in which you state in the title that you want help with imaging results. We have a member, 898_1, who is good with imaging. However, he is on a bit sporadically. Once you post your question, you might PM him and ask him to have a look.
Well, the strangest thing has happened. I had an MRI and said nodule is nowhere to be seen. Im really confused.
Yes, it's true, FNA is often inconclusive, especially when it's done on small nodules that often don't yield enough cells.
Both the pain and hoarseness could be being caused by the enlargement (goiter) in the right lobe of your thyroid. When the thyroid swells, it can press on nerves that cause pain in the neck and head and on the laryngeal nerve that will make your voice deeper.
I'm glad you've gotten more than one opinion. The nodule is very tiny, so it was found early. I had to have general anesthesia a few years ago, and I was panicked, too, because I hadn't had it in decades. They have improved anesthetics A LOT in that time. It's really lights out, lights back on, with no sensation of ever going to sleep or coming out of it. The only way I knew my procedure had been done was that I woke up in a different room.
Best of luck with it...tell us how it goes.
Both the pain and hoarseness could be being caused by the enlargement (goiter) in the right lobe of your thyroid. When the thyroid swells, it can press on nerves that cause pain in the neck and head and on the laryngeal nerve that will make your voice deeper.
I'm glad you've gotten more than one opinion. The nodule is very tiny, so it was found early. I had to have general anesthesia a few years ago, and I was panicked, too, because I hadn't had it in decades. They have improved anesthetics A LOT in that time. It's really lights out, lights back on, with no sensation of ever going to sleep or coming out of it. The only way I knew my procedure had been done was that I woke up in a different room.
Best of luck with it...tell us how it goes.
Its a suspicious nodule because its solitary and didnt uptake any radio active iodine. Both the nuclear guy and the other doctor suggested removal. Apparently the FNA doesnt always pick up the the cancer cells? I read about that too. Also Im having slight pain shooting up into my ear and voice hoarseness which is a concern since it is too small to cause that.
Why does the nodule have to come out? Have you had FNA on it? Usually, nodules less than 1 cm (10 mm) are only watched for changes. It might be worthwhile to get a second opinion??? Most of us who have Hashi's have nodules. Also, once treated for hypothyroidism, nodules often shrink and can disappear.
O wow. I just left everything with conventional doctors and went to see a homeopath. While visiting in that town, my friend insisted that I see her doctor so I obliged. He took one look at me and noticed my right thyroid side is slightly enlarged. I had complained of throbbing and pain to other doctors who all basically ignored it. Long story short its a 4.8mm cold nodule that has to come out.
He is also very certain I either have Hashimotos or a severe Vit D defficiency. Were waiting for the tests.
I have a slight terror situation going on in regards to the general anastesia.
He is also very certain I either have Hashimotos or a severe Vit D defficiency. Were waiting for the tests.
I have a slight terror situation going on in regards to the general anastesia.
Celiac disease is also an autoimmune disease. After you've had the antibodies for a while, they destroy the villae in the small intestine where most of the nutrients are absorbed. The result can be a deficiency in a lot of vitamins/minerals.
If you pinch the back of your hand (grab as much skin as you can, but you don't have to pinch hard), does the skin fall right back down into place, or does the ridge stay there for a while? It should go right back, or dehydration is indicated.
Yes, the high CRP could be related to any kind of inflammation.
I agree. It's unfortunate that we're being left more and more on our own. I don't know what people, who are incapable for whatever reason of doing their own research, do.
Let me know what you find out.
If you pinch the back of your hand (grab as much skin as you can, but you don't have to pinch hard), does the skin fall right back down into place, or does the ridge stay there for a while? It should go right back, or dehydration is indicated.
Yes, the high CRP could be related to any kind of inflammation.
I agree. It's unfortunate that we're being left more and more on our own. I don't know what people, who are incapable for whatever reason of doing their own research, do.
Let me know what you find out.
Ill definitely look into the celiac test. Thats very interesting about the B12, Im going to see if I can get a nasal spray.
If I close my fist, the skin looks paper thin and super shiny and when I open it its got hundreds of fine lines. It just looked like that suddenly. I drink 1.5-2litres water a day. Colour is same as always though.
I looking into the high inflammation count as well. Maybe a clue to celiacs?
I think its sad that Im left to search for answers and the medical doctors Ive seen are not. Its just wrong.
If I close my fist, the skin looks paper thin and super shiny and when I open it its got hundreds of fine lines. It just looked like that suddenly. I drink 1.5-2litres water a day. Colour is same as always though.
I looking into the high inflammation count as well. Maybe a clue to celiacs?
I think its sad that Im left to search for answers and the medical doctors Ive seen are not. Its just wrong.
I am supplementing with a thryoid complex containg Vit B complex, selenium and tyrosine (i think dont have the bottle with me)
Im also supplementing maximum Vit D3, Vit A and Iron doses as well as Vit C and calcium. I also supplement with garlic and guggulipid for acne.
Wonder why my B 12 is still low then, since I take supplements. Maybe my IBS is contributing to malabsorption.
A psychiatrist told me to find a doctor that will take the whole picture into account on symptoms especially and uses the new reccomended thryoid range. So far no luck with that.
The sudden wrinkly parchment hands is creeping me out, I keep seeing them as I type and they dont look like my hands!
Im also supplementing maximum Vit D3, Vit A and Iron doses as well as Vit C and calcium. I also supplement with garlic and guggulipid for acne.
Wonder why my B 12 is still low then, since I take supplements. Maybe my IBS is contributing to malabsorption.
A psychiatrist told me to find a doctor that will take the whole picture into account on symptoms especially and uses the new reccomended thryoid range. So far no luck with that.
The sudden wrinkly parchment hands is creeping me out, I keep seeing them as I type and they dont look like my hands!
Yes, thyroid hormone resistance is a suspect, but as you indicated, it's rare. However, that doesn't mean you might not have it.
Your B-12 level is way too low. In Europe, bottom of B-12 range is around 500. B-12 deficiency can mimic the symptoms of thyroid. Are you supplementing? Have you been tested for pernicoious anemia?
What about vitamin D? The symptoms surrounding your knees and other bones scream severe D deficiency to me.
If vitamins and/or mineral levels are off, it can make it almost impossible for thyroid hormones to get into cells (not to mention that the deficiencies themselves can cause or exacerbate hypo-like symptoms). So, even with high FT3 levels, like yours, you are still hypo on a cellular level.
Have you tried selenium for the pain/pressure in your throat?
Your B-12 level is way too low. In Europe, bottom of B-12 range is around 500. B-12 deficiency can mimic the symptoms of thyroid. Are you supplementing? Have you been tested for pernicoious anemia?
What about vitamin D? The symptoms surrounding your knees and other bones scream severe D deficiency to me.
If vitamins and/or mineral levels are off, it can make it almost impossible for thyroid hormones to get into cells (not to mention that the deficiencies themselves can cause or exacerbate hypo-like symptoms). So, even with high FT3 levels, like yours, you are still hypo on a cellular level.
Have you tried selenium for the pain/pressure in your throat?
Yes, even the doctors all said the levels of TSH versus T3 is strange. Then they smile and say its not too bad. The only thing I could find with levels like that is Thyroid Hormone Resistance which is very very rare so Im doubting thats it?
Other tests as follows:
Ferritin 81.4 (lab range 6.24-137)
Serum LH 5.79 (luteal phase lab range .83-15.5)
Serum FSH 2.49 (luteal phase lab range 1.38-9.58)
Serum progesterone 15.7 (luteal phase lab range 4.53-52.9)
Serum estradiol 303 (luteal phase lab range 120-738
C - reactive protein 8 (lab range 0-6)
Vit B 12 serum 317 (156-672)
Nobody thinks its necessary for further testing, they keep saying Im fine. Today my neck ache is throbbing up into my ears a bit. On the plus side if I grow a bull of a goiter maybe someone might look a bit deeper! And I'm tearful, which is normally a sign for me that my body is not happy about something. Full blood count showed no infection etc.
Im not sure how so many things can be off with one person and doctors reckon its just fine.
Other tests as follows:
Ferritin 81.4 (lab range 6.24-137)
Serum LH 5.79 (luteal phase lab range .83-15.5)
Serum FSH 2.49 (luteal phase lab range 1.38-9.58)
Serum progesterone 15.7 (luteal phase lab range 4.53-52.9)
Serum estradiol 303 (luteal phase lab range 120-738
C - reactive protein 8 (lab range 0-6)
Vit B 12 serum 317 (156-672)
Nobody thinks its necessary for further testing, they keep saying Im fine. Today my neck ache is throbbing up into my ears a bit. On the plus side if I grow a bull of a goiter maybe someone might look a bit deeper! And I'm tearful, which is normally a sign for me that my body is not happy about something. Full blood count showed no infection etc.
Im not sure how so many things can be off with one person and doctors reckon its just fine.
The first thing that strikes me is the contradication in your FT3 and TSH. Your TSH is high, which usually indicates hypothyroidism, but your FT3 is over the top of the range, which usually indicates hyper. FT3 is the test that correlates best with symptoms, so we'd expect you to be feeling hyper rather than hypo.
" All other hormone levels were ok, Vit D, Iron and Vit B levels were fine, although she didnt take into account the enormous bag of supplements I dont dare skip."
Please post those levels, too, if you have them. Once again, "normal" isn't always normal. Just being in range isn't always good enough.
If you are having pain in your thyroid area, your doctor really should order an ultrasound.
Never had any sntibody testing?
" All other hormone levels were ok, Vit D, Iron and Vit B levels were fine, although she didnt take into account the enormous bag of supplements I dont dare skip."
Please post those levels, too, if you have them. Once again, "normal" isn't always normal. Just being in range isn't always good enough.
If you are having pain in your thyroid area, your doctor really should order an ultrasound.
Never had any sntibody testing?
Hi there.
TSH lab range is .27-4.2 (my tsh is 5.58)
Free T3 lab range is 3 - 7 (my T3 is 8.8)
I cant remember the range for T4 but my levels were mid range, so that was fine I guess.
My C reactive protein was also slightly elevated.
TSH was 4.9 six months ago. They only tested all these other things because I insisted.
Symptoms: Tiredness (I sleep like the dead and wake up tired) that only gets better ironically at around 8pm. Brain fog, PMS ( I really hate my husband only in this week and completely withdraw from people which is not my nature) Eczema, Dermographic skin, occasional hives, adult acne (especially body acne) Thin brittle nails, fine hair on head ( I used to have a lovely head of hair), body hair has become darker and harder, but lower leg hair is falling out. Food sensitivities to wheat, dairy, sugar, sulphites, certain fruit juices and corn. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, irritated stomach (feels like its acidic although no heartburn as such) Slight nausea that comes and goes, sinus congestion, recurrent bladder infections, recurrent thrush, lower immunity (in the past two years I have had typhoid fever, glandular fever, strep boils, other unidintified skin infections and then the bladder and yeast infections) Sudden fine parchment like lines on my hands. Im always cold and my bbt is around 35.9. Very cold hands and feet. Numbness every so often and extreme muscle weakness with it lately. occasional achy muscles and general body aches. Heart sometimes feels like its loses rythm for a beat or two (this is truly awful) Ive also had visual disturbances lately and had to take pain killers yesterday because the usual pressure in the front of my neck is throbbing and achy. Fluctuating weight, water retention, puffy face especially in the mornings. Dismal muscle tone with flabby underarms although I have skinny shoulders. Cold sores. As a child I developed severe knock knees (my knees are still weak and can bend freaky backwards) and scoliosis as well as a very small jaw which ended in years of orthodontistry. Lately I noticed my shoe size has increased. I also had cholera and recurrant ameobic infections as a teenager. Ive had acne since I was 12 and it has never gotten better unless I took birth control.
No doctor has ever been interested enough to send me for an ultrasound or further testing. They just say its not that bad youll be fine. Ive been waiting for 15 years for the "fine" to come.
All of my symptoms are mild (except hives and PMS, thats just horrific) but if you compound all of that is emotionally exhausting and I'm really fed up. All other hormone levels were ok, Vit D, Iron and Vit B levels were fine, although she didnt take into account the enormous bag of supplements I dont dare skip. I believe that lifestyle and diet impacts our lives enormously and I try to avoid medication at all cost, because I tend to be sensitive to it and I also feel that sometimes the after effects are not worth it. So its not like Im a disease seeking person who loves to go the doctor. In fact, I hate going, because all I get is a condescending smile and a "your fine".
TSH lab range is .27-4.2 (my tsh is 5.58)
Free T3 lab range is 3 - 7 (my T3 is 8.8)
I cant remember the range for T4 but my levels were mid range, so that was fine I guess.
My C reactive protein was also slightly elevated.
TSH was 4.9 six months ago. They only tested all these other things because I insisted.
Symptoms: Tiredness (I sleep like the dead and wake up tired) that only gets better ironically at around 8pm. Brain fog, PMS ( I really hate my husband only in this week and completely withdraw from people which is not my nature) Eczema, Dermographic skin, occasional hives, adult acne (especially body acne) Thin brittle nails, fine hair on head ( I used to have a lovely head of hair), body hair has become darker and harder, but lower leg hair is falling out. Food sensitivities to wheat, dairy, sugar, sulphites, certain fruit juices and corn. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, irritated stomach (feels like its acidic although no heartburn as such) Slight nausea that comes and goes, sinus congestion, recurrent bladder infections, recurrent thrush, lower immunity (in the past two years I have had typhoid fever, glandular fever, strep boils, other unidintified skin infections and then the bladder and yeast infections) Sudden fine parchment like lines on my hands. Im always cold and my bbt is around 35.9. Very cold hands and feet. Numbness every so often and extreme muscle weakness with it lately. occasional achy muscles and general body aches. Heart sometimes feels like its loses rythm for a beat or two (this is truly awful) Ive also had visual disturbances lately and had to take pain killers yesterday because the usual pressure in the front of my neck is throbbing and achy. Fluctuating weight, water retention, puffy face especially in the mornings. Dismal muscle tone with flabby underarms although I have skinny shoulders. Cold sores. As a child I developed severe knock knees (my knees are still weak and can bend freaky backwards) and scoliosis as well as a very small jaw which ended in years of orthodontistry. Lately I noticed my shoe size has increased. I also had cholera and recurrant ameobic infections as a teenager. Ive had acne since I was 12 and it has never gotten better unless I took birth control.
No doctor has ever been interested enough to send me for an ultrasound or further testing. They just say its not that bad youll be fine. Ive been waiting for 15 years for the "fine" to come.
All of my symptoms are mild (except hives and PMS, thats just horrific) but if you compound all of that is emotionally exhausting and I'm really fed up. All other hormone levels were ok, Vit D, Iron and Vit B levels were fine, although she didnt take into account the enormous bag of supplements I dont dare skip. I believe that lifestyle and diet impacts our lives enormously and I try to avoid medication at all cost, because I tend to be sensitive to it and I also feel that sometimes the after effects are not worth it. So its not like Im a disease seeking person who loves to go the doctor. In fact, I hate going, because all I get is a condescending smile and a "your fine".
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I was wondering about malabsorption, too, since you seem to have a number of deficiencies. Have you ever been tested for celiac?
I'm not sure I know what you mean by "parchment". Do you mean just a lot of very tiny wrinkles? Is there any color variation? Are you dehydrated?