Is this normal

[karmarjor]

I just had my thyroid tested and got the results.  I just want to know if this is normal.  I am super tired and my hair is thinning excessively and my memory is ridiculous.  Also interesting was the history of results that came with the current test result showing a steady decline.  Since I know nothing about what is what I was hoping someone might have some insight.

TSH
12/06    2.66
2/08      2.04
1/09      1.83
12/09    1.43        Current result

[TamraW]

According to my new endo, TSH in a healthy thyroid should be a 1.1. I have seen many online articles suggesting further thyroid testing in TSH above a 2.0. TSH is a pituitary hormone and doesn't paint the full thyroid picture.

To put it in perspective, my TSH was a 2.66 and a 2.74 last year and my doctors said my thyroid was fine. I refused to believe that there was nothing wrong with me. After many more doctors and tests, I finally found this forum and learned the correct tests.

They are TSH, FT3, FT4 and the Hashimoto's antibody tests TGab and TPOab.

My TPOab is a 221, and anything over 35 indicates Hashimoto's Auto-Immune Thyroiditis. My FT3 and FT4 levels were also way low, indicating hypothyroid caused by the Hashimoto's. If I had listened to the first doctors, and gone solely by TSH, I would still be suffering, but I'm now on thyroid medication and feeling MUCH better. My hair is growing. I am not taking three hour naps. My memory is back!

With Hashimoto's, TSH can fluctuate. It would not be uncommon for TSH to drop and then raise again. You should request the other tests to rule out thyroid disease. Also, a thyroid ultrasound is recommended.

:) Tamra

[goolarra]

Actually, TSH is counterintuitive.  Low TSH can indicate hyperthyroidism, and high TSH indicates hypothyroidism.  Your TSH has actually "improved" over the years.  The currently accepted range for TSH is 0.3-3.0.  So, you can see that you are getting closer to mid-range each year.

TSH is a pituitary hormone.  It can be affected by many factors other than thyroid hormone levels.  If you really want to know what your thyroid is doing, you have to have free T3 and free T4 tested.  These are the actual thyroid hormones and will give you a much better picture of what is going on.

Your TSH results are all "normal". but with your symptoms, further testing would definitely be worthwhile.