Thyroid Test Results

[bebehoward]

My doc called with my results today---TSH 0.002, T4- 5.4, he and I strongly disagree about TSH. Since he began using this test and has become obsessed with it, my health has declined.  We used to have my T4 around 10.5 and I sure felt a lot better then.  He was actually pleased with the T4 results but that is lower than they were when my fine older doc diagnosed me 40 years ago with lower than I need based on symptoms.  I have been having low thyroid sysmptoms on my Armour thyroid that has been reformulated.  So I requested Nature-throid and was surprised that he actually gave it to me.  He really wants me on Synthyroid but in order for my to feel like myself my T4 has to be around 15 which is slightly over the range.  I know he would never do that for me as he is also obsessed with ostioperosis.  I have had a bone scan and a heel scan, hip x-rays and no sign of osteo or periosteo.
Neither of my parents ever had osteo.  I have several friends with it but not one takes thyroid medicine.  What do you think is the underlying factor for my low TSH and low T4.  Does anyone know.  My doctor said TSH is the only test for thyroid now and not symptoms.  Really...they have figured out how not to be doctors just lab readers.  They should turn that job over to the receptionist and save themselves some more time.  All I know is Synthyroid must be wineing and dinning the docs really well to get them to throw out their training and just read this one silly test.  Any help would be appreciated.

[bebehoward]

Thank you for the article I look forward to reading it.

[bebehoward]

Thank you for you reply.  I have tried to find another doctor.  Actually went to one on the Top Thyroid Doctors list and all she wanted me to do is BUY her diet program to the tune of $150 per week.  She looked at my lab report on my Thyroid and told me I needed a specialist.  (thought she was one)  She is an Internest that put herself out there as a Thyroid Specialist and referred my to a General Practice Doc. in another state as a specialist.  That little visit cost me $500 and I never went to the other doctor.
I did ask my pharmacy if they knew someone that perscribed Armour and they gave me the doctor in the other state as well.  So, I may actually go see her and see what she says as a second opinion.  It is obvious that my doctor has been brain washed by this Endo. doc. because he honestly won't listen to anything I say.  I have lived this nightmare for 37 years and since TSH came out it has been awful...

[bebehoward]

He has never done FT3 of FT4 and he has been talking to an Endo.Dr.
and that is when he stopped using symptoms to diagnose me.  He knows I would never go to this other doctor so he confers with him about me and treats me accordingly.  I guess he thinks I can't pick up on that.  He sounds like a broken record on osteoperosis.  Although, a few years ago when he did a bone scan actually said "You have the bones of a teenager"  when I remind him of that he looks back in his records at the test and gets a funny look on his face.  My brother and I both were radiated to kill our thymus glands when we were babies.  He got Thyroid Cancer and almost died.  He has gone to the Endo. doc.
that my doc quotes and has no success at all.  He has no T3 in his body at all, sleeps all day, muscle weakness so bad he can barely walk, gained about 100 lbs. and that Endo. wants to test him for all kinds of disorders that keep coming back negative.  I say give him some NatureThroid and give him a life.  I will get my labs faxed today so I can read them.  Will advise....

[gimel]

I think you will find this article to be interesting and maybe of value for a discussion with your doctor.

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

[Barb135]

I've done some research on low TSH levels and osteoporosis.  This is a controversial issue because studies are showing that it's not the low TSH that causes osteoporosis, it's high FT3 levels; so if your doctor isn't testing FT3, he really has no way to argue that point.  

I have had osteoppenia (forerunner to osteoporosis) for years and have actually rebuilt bone that was lost, by taking daily calcium and magnesium supplements.  You might talk to your doctor about doing that in order to prevent osteoporosis.  

Your doctor is wrong that TSH is the only test for thyroid now; TSH is a pituitary hormone and is not indicative of thyroid levels.  I am a case for proof in that statement:  my TSH is currently < 0.03, but my actual thyroid hormones (FT3 and FT4) are mid range to upper 1/3 of the ranges and I feel great.  

If there's any way you can do it, I might suggest that you try to find another doctor; one who will treat you based on your symptoms and FT levels, not TSH, unless you can convince this doctor that your symptoms are most important.  

[compnet]

Have you had FT3 done?  Do you have your lab ranges?  Please post if you have them.