Aa
Low T4, normal TSH
My TSH levels are normal but my T4's are low. Not sure what this means since if my pituitary glands are producing enough TSH what is happening to make my T4's low?
Doctor wants we to take a THS 3rd generation and a CBC and basic Metab panel.
I have all the symptoms of hypothyroid, depression, fatigue weight gain, joint pain, have cold hands and feet and got grey hair at a very early age as well as suffered infertility but she has not mentioned that and just told me to take these additional tests, so I am confused.
.
.
Doctor wants we to take a THS 3rd generation and a CBC and basic Metab panel.
I have all the symptoms of hypothyroid, depression, fatigue weight gain, joint pain, have cold hands and feet and got grey hair at a very early age as well as suffered infertility but she has not mentioned that and just told me to take these additional tests, so I am confused.
.
.
Best Answer
I think the most important information (your symptoms) has already established that you are hypo. The FT3 and FT4 tests will further confirm that, by their being in the lower part of their reference ranges. These tests then further useful as markers to show your progress as you start taking thyroid meds and progress to symptom relief.
I should have been clearer and said that your TSH was relatively low in the range, taking into consideration your low T4 result. They usually show in opposite positions within their ranges. A low T4 will usually be accompanied by a higher T4. When the results are more like yours, that can be an indicator that the pituitary signal (TSH) is weak, resulting in low T4 levels. You should discuss this with doctor at next appointment. Also make sure to get the FT3 and FT4 tests done, to help in diagnosis and treatment.
It isn't a very satisfying answer, but it depends on the cause. Relative to having low thyroid hormone levels, and hypo symptoms, the answer for that is medication to relieve symptoms. Unfortunately in similar situations, many patients never get thyroid meds, because their doctor only looks at TSH and tells them their thyroid is good, symptoms must be from something else.
Haven't spoken to doctor yet but yesterdays blood work came out more confusing to me,
TSH 3rd generation is 1.02 with a reference of 0.34-5.6 ...on the low side but certainly within the range.
The blood work and chemistry was a bit more (I think) concerning,
HGB 14.3 H (ref. 12.0-14.2)
Neut 35 L,
Lymphs 53.0 H
LY# 3.71 H.
Chemistry BUN 23 H, BUN/CR RA 33 H, and CO@ 37.0 H....wbc 7.0 and rbc 4,45 both ok.
So, now I don't know if this new information suggests that I don't need to take a Free T3 and Free T4 since it is something else or if I still should insist on both tests.
L
TSH 3rd generation is 1.02 with a reference of 0.34-5.6 ...on the low side but certainly within the range.
The blood work and chemistry was a bit more (I think) concerning,
HGB 14.3 H (ref. 12.0-14.2)
Neut 35 L,
Lymphs 53.0 H
LY# 3.71 H.
Chemistry BUN 23 H, BUN/CR RA 33 H, and CO@ 37.0 H....wbc 7.0 and rbc 4,45 both ok.
So, now I don't know if this new information suggests that I don't need to take a Free T3 and Free T4 since it is something else or if I still should insist on both tests.
L
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
