Just had throid tested--what should I do now?

[jse107]

I just had my thyroid tested due to fatigue, constipation, lack of libido, and anxiety/depression (for which I take Lexapro).

I got the results today, but only spoke with the nurse, who said the doctor filed it as normal.  From what I've been reading, I'm not sure they are normal levels or something I should pursue further.  Please let me know if I need to get a second opinion, or I'm just tired from being a mother to two energetic young kids!

TSH--2.350
T3--27
Free T4--.88
Free T3--2.1  (low--but told not to worry about)

[Flys4Food]

Just wanted to let you all know that I've got an appointment with the hormone restoration doc (Henry Lindner) the 24th of this month. I've gotten a  couple of emails, in answer to some questions, that were right on the money. I'll let you all know how it goes.

[gimel]

Being a mother to two energetic young kids is definitely good reason to be tired, but I don't believe that is your only reason.  Without waiting for you to provide the reference ranges, I am going to assume that they are close to those I am familiar with, FT4 .60-1.50 and FT3 2.3-4.2.

First, TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by many variables, including the time of day when blood is drawn.  TSH does not directly affect body functions, other than the thyroid glands, to signal to increase/decrease thyroid output.  TSH does not correlate very well at all with hypo symptoms.  It is a mystery to us why doctors still rely so heavily on TSH, but it looks like that is what your doctor is using as a diagnostic.  It is not a diagnostic, it is only a fair indicator.
Of much greater importance are the two actual, biologically active thyroid hormones, FT3 and FT4.  FT3 is even four times as potent as FT4, and it correlates best with hypo symptoms.  It's good that you were at least tested for the "Frees".  Even though FT4 was  barely in the low end of the range, that is not enough.  The range is far too broad and our experience has been that many patients do not get relief from their symptoms until FT3 and FT4 are in the upper half of their ranges.

I think you would benefit greatly by reading the article at this link.  I suggest that you also consider giving a copy to your doctor and discussing it with him and  suggesting that your FT4 is too low in its range, and your FT3 is even below its range, which is too broad anyway.  Then you could suggest that you would like to be treated for your symptoms, by testing and adjusting FT3 and FT4 with meds, as required to alleviate those symptoms.

http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html

[redheadaussie]

Hi, would you put your reference ranges which will be printed next to your test results. This helps us to help you.
Cheers