Aa
Severe Fatigue and Thyroid Numbers
Hello. I recently had some blood tests done including TSH T4 and T3. TSH level is 3.96, free T4 is 0.76, and free T3 is 2.7.
For the past 2 years, I have experienced severe fatigue, and a very extreme intolerence for stimulants. For example, an 8 ounce cup of regular coffee will wipe me out for hours. It brings on terrible fatigue and light headedness, etc. Sounds kind of like adrenal fatigue, but my cortisol reading was ok at 13. My doctor says that my thyroid numbers are a little 'off', but nothing to worry about. Infact, he suggested that he doesnt think TSH numbers are an issue until they are in the 30-40 range. I could really use some advise or thoughts from people experienced in dealing with thyroid issues. I know that my numbers are no too far off, but I feel like hell most of the time and dont know what else to think... Thanks.
For the past 2 years, I have experienced severe fatigue, and a very extreme intolerence for stimulants. For example, an 8 ounce cup of regular coffee will wipe me out for hours. It brings on terrible fatigue and light headedness, etc. Sounds kind of like adrenal fatigue, but my cortisol reading was ok at 13. My doctor says that my thyroid numbers are a little 'off', but nothing to worry about. Infact, he suggested that he doesnt think TSH numbers are an issue until they are in the 30-40 range. I could really use some advise or thoughts from people experienced in dealing with thyroid issues. I know that my numbers are no too far off, but I feel like hell most of the time and dont know what else to think... Thanks.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Wow, am I glad I don't have your doctor!!
I totally agree that your levels are too low in their ranges, which could absolutely make you feel horrible.
Just testing a morning cortisol isn't good enough. Your level might be okay in the morning, but not later in the day. From what I understand, a 24 hour saliva test is best, but many doctors don't do this. I've read that some doctors don't even recognize adrenal fatigue as a medical condition.
You might also want to get your vitamin B12 levels tested. Deficiency in B12 can cause the absolute, most debilitating fatigue.
There are other vitamins/minerals that you might want to get tested also, but you need to find out about your thyroid.
Be sure to ask for antibody tests - Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab).
I totally agree that your levels are too low in their ranges, which could absolutely make you feel horrible.
Just testing a morning cortisol isn't good enough. Your level might be okay in the morning, but not later in the day. From what I understand, a 24 hour saliva test is best, but many doctors don't do this. I've read that some doctors don't even recognize adrenal fatigue as a medical condition.
You might also want to get your vitamin B12 levels tested. Deficiency in B12 can cause the absolute, most debilitating fatigue.
There are other vitamins/minerals that you might want to get tested also, but you need to find out about your thyroid.
Be sure to ask for antibody tests - Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab).
I live in Michigan as well, bout an hour away. I have the name of an Ann Arbor doctor that was recommended by another Forum member. Will send name in Private Message.
Thanks for your reply. The T3 reference value is 2.1-4.1 (mine was 2.7), and the T4 reference value is 0.61-1.35 (mine was 0.76), so you are right, they are in the low range.
I live near Ann Arbor, MI
I live near Ann Arbor, MI
OMG I can't believe your doctor actually believes that TSH is okay up to 30 - 40 range. About 10 years ago the AACe recommended that the reference range for TSH should be revised downward to .3 - 3.0. So your TSH exceeds that new range, and thus is a slight indicator of being hypo. I say slight indicator because TSH is affected by so many variables that at best it is an indicator to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms and also the levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T3 and Free T4.
We really need for you to post the reference ranges that go with the FT3 and FT4 test results; however, if those ranges are close to those I see so often, then both your FT3 and FT4 are way too low in the range, and consistent with being hypothyroid. The ranges are far too broad. Many members, myself included, report that symptom relief for them required that Free T3was adjusted into the upper third of its range and Free T4 adjusted to around the middle of its range.
A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.
You can get some good insight into clinical treatment from this letter written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he sometimes consults with from a distance. The letter is then sent to the PCP of the patient to help guide treatment.
http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf
In the letter note the statement, "the ultimate criterion for dose adjustment must always be the clinical response of the patient."
So you are going to most likely have to find a good thyroid doctor that will treat you clinically. I say this because it doesn't sound too promising that you might be able to provide your current doctor with enough info such as the above link and get him to treat you clinically. If you will tell us where you are located, perhaps a member might be able to recommend a good thyroid doctor in your area.
We really need for you to post the reference ranges that go with the FT3 and FT4 test results; however, if those ranges are close to those I see so often, then both your FT3 and FT4 are way too low in the range, and consistent with being hypothyroid. The ranges are far too broad. Many members, myself included, report that symptom relief for them required that Free T3was adjusted into the upper third of its range and Free T4 adjusted to around the middle of its range.
A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.
You can get some good insight into clinical treatment from this letter written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he sometimes consults with from a distance. The letter is then sent to the PCP of the patient to help guide treatment.
http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf
In the letter note the statement, "the ultimate criterion for dose adjustment must always be the clinical response of the patient."
So you are going to most likely have to find a good thyroid doctor that will treat you clinically. I say this because it doesn't sound too promising that you might be able to provide your current doctor with enough info such as the above link and get him to treat you clinically. If you will tell us where you are located, perhaps a member might be able to recommend a good thyroid doctor in your area.
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.
