Can someone translate my TSH level for me 4.41

[TallMommy]

My TSH is 4.41, and my T3 is 0.93.  I am on 50mcg of Levothroid.  Can someone tell me what my numbers mean?

[goolarra]

Can you provide the reference ranges for your FT3 and FT4?  Ranges vary from lab to lab so have to come from your own lab report.

Your FT3 and FT4 look on the low side, and your TSH is very close to the top of the currently recommended range of 0.3-3.0.  All of this indicates that you are hypo.

Have you been diagnosed with a thyroid disease?

[robiannette]

Hi,

Can you help me decipher my thyroid test results?  I have about 32 out of 34 hypothyroid symptoms, and am severely fatiqued, my basal body temperature first thing in the morning is 95.4, most day it doesn't go above 96.6.  Anyway, my doctor tested my TSH 2.87, T4 Free (Direct) is 1.06, l and my T3 Free Serum is 2.4.  My regular doctor says everything is normal, but I feel horrible.  I was put on synthyroid when I was twelve, and took myself off when I was 18 {just because I went through a period where I didn't want to be on any medications).  I never had a weight problem in my life until I went off my synthyroid at 18.  I have the name of a very respected endocrinologist at UCSF but he requires a recommendation from your general doctor.  So I am just trying to get as much info. as I can.

Thank you for any help!

[Smilerdeb]

Thats a classic goolarra lol !
Must tell the Doc that one (hehehe)
All around the world..levels are different and if someone said to me their FT4 was 1.2 etc, I'd die!
Now you see why its important to put levels with yr labs as someone could misinform someone of their condition.
I think I asked in a posting a while back for postinsg to include reference ranges as its so easy to be misinformed...especially going by our 'down under' labs lol :)

[iwa]

I was wondering if you can explain the table to me from your post.  I'm currently 13 weeks's pregnant and am worried about the dosage of thyroxine.  I getting all the sytoms i normally get when my doasge is low.

"Age Total T4
µg/dL Free T4
ng/dL TSH
mU/L
Infants
Premature (28-36 wks.), birth to 7 days 4.0-17.4 0.7-27.0
Premature (25-30 wks.), birth to 7 days 0.5-3.3
Premature (31-36 wks.), birth to 7 days 1.3-4.7
Cord blood (>37 wks.) 5.9-15.0 1.2-2.2 2.3-13.2
Birth-4 days 14.0-28.4 2.2-5.3 1.0-38.9
2-20 wks 8.1-15.7 1.7-9.1
2 wks to 20 years 0.8-2.0
21 wks-20 years 5.6-14.9 0.7-6.4
Adults 5.6-13.7 0.8-2.7 0.4-4.2
Pregnancy
1st trimester 8.0-17.1 0.7-2.0 0.3-4.5
2nd trimester 8.0-17.8 0.5-1.6 0.5-4.6
3rd trimester 8.0-20.1 0.5-1.6 0.8-5.2"


Many thanks

[goolarra]

It comes from being on the upside-down part of the world!  Is it true that Aussie TSH goes down when you're hypo and up when your hyper?  LOL ;-)

[Smilerdeb]

My lab uses 10.0 -19.0 for FT4
Aussie labs are different here too.

[goolarra]

If Quest isn't your lab, then these ranges are irrelevant.  Different labs use different ranges and different units to measure.  You have to get the range from YOUR own lab report.  Quest uses 0.8-2.7 for FT4, my lab uses 0.6-2.0.  Quite a difference...

[goolarra]

But just think how much good you've done your heart, the increased muscle tone...not the effect you wanted, but not wasted, either!

The only problem with the ranges is they don't include FT3, and you said your FT3 was 0.93, so we still have no range.  Are you sure that your result was FT3 and not FT4?

[TallMommy]

I checked with the lab.  I am walking into my Dr.'s office and show the nurse this.  I need an increase in meds.

From QuestDiagnostics.com

Age Total T4
µg/dL Free T4
ng/dL TSH
mU/L
Infants
Premature (28-36 wks.), birth to 7 days 4.0-17.4 0.7-27.0
Premature (25-30 wks.), birth to 7 days 0.5-3.3
Premature (31-36 wks.), birth to 7 days 1.3-4.7
Cord blood (>37 wks.) 5.9-15.0 1.2-2.2 2.3-13.2
Birth-4 days 14.0-28.4 2.2-5.3 1.0-38.9
2-20 wks 8.1-15.7 1.7-9.1
2 wks to 20 years 0.8-2.0
21 wks-20 years 5.6-14.9 0.7-6.4
Adults 5.6-13.7 0.8-2.7 0.4-4.2
Pregnancy
1st trimester 8.0-17.1 0.7-2.0 0.3-4.5
2nd trimester 8.0-17.8 0.5-1.6 0.5-4.6
3rd trimester 8.0-20.1 0.5-1.6 0.8-5.2

[TallMommy]

Sorry, I don't mean to be so snappy.  I am just so mad.

[TallMommy]

Yes, I purposely told my doctor about my plan. Obviously, he didn't care.  I have wasted 2 1/2 months of running 2 miles a day, 100 sit-ups, 25 minutes of strength training. 20 grams of carbs, no sugar.  Its all wasted.

I shouldn't have to take baby steps when I told my Dr.

[Smilerdeb]

You need an increase in your T4 med.
I would say the Doctor will increase it either to 62.5mcg (if hes a good Doc) or 75mcg.
Going slow in increases is a good idea...dont rush it.
Take baby steps.

[TallMommy]

I feel frustrated.  All this exercising & dieting hard work for nothing.  No wonder the weight won't come off.  I purposely got tested before I started this diet and exercise regime and it's 2 1/2 months wasted.

[TallMommy]

Great.  I have to call the Dr. and see what is she reading.  I also have to call the lab.  And I don't have time for it. Urg.

[goolarra]

My lab's range for FT3 is 1.8-4.2.  If yours is the same (check this), then your FT3 is very low, indicating hypothyroidism.  Your TSH is high, indicating the same.  It looks like you need an increase in meds.  How do you feel?