Thyroid disease possible with normal TSH, T3 & T4?

[suega]

Is it possible to have a thyroid disease with normal TSH, T3 & T4?  I have a positive ANA, muscle twithches, extreme fatigue (comes and goes like flare-ups), aches and pains.  I have just recently started feeling a little pressure in the front of my throat- not problems swallowing or anything, just a sensation that something is pushing on my lower throat.  In the past I have also suffered from palpatations and chest discomfort which all checked out okay with the cardiologist.  The neurologist says the muscle twitches are benign and was thinking thyroid until he saw my TSH, T3 & T4 were all normal.  Now to the rheumatologist to see what he can come up with.  I don't really have lupus symptoms such as mouth sores, malar rash, etc.

Any ideas?  Thanks in advance!

[gimel]

Please post your "normal" test results and reference ranges.  

[NRRR]

I started losing weight during my pregnancy but it was not diagnosed. The day I delivered I lost 14 kilos all my muscle tone, stomach dropped and wrinkled, breasts sagged and my milk stopped. I then went and got a blood test and it was hyperthyroid but did not take medication as it self corrected. I keep getting it tested and it is normal. 22 years later I am still losing weight and hair and have insomnia but my thyroid tests keep coming normal. Could it still by hyperthyroid ?
Thanks

[iluvschnauzers]

I keep reading these posts and I have yet to read of any of you getting your cortisol levels checked.  If anyone has had this done, please post your findings.  I firmly believe that if the adrenals are out of whack so will all your thyroid symptoms be.  Get the adrenals straightened out and probably everything that is wrong with your body will eventually get in sync.  But try to convince a doctor of that is just impossible.    

[Super_sally888]

Hello, can you please post again with your lab ranges.  have you had Ft3 / FT4 tested, or T3/T4 even.

[robin1228]

Hi, I am trying to determine what is wrong with me.! Always thought I had thyroid issues but have been within normal ranges. History of thyroid problems with my mother. Recent tests:
TSH 0.93
T3 reuptake 24
calcium ionized serum 5.4

I have a history of insulin resistance, low vitamin D, MVP, and Arthritis.
So tired of feeling like something is wrong but being within normal.

Thanks, Robin

[Barb135]

We have to have reference ranges for all lab results, because ranges vary lab to lab, so you have to post the ones from your report.  We also need to know if the T3 and T4 are Free or Total.  They aren't the same tests.  If "Free" isn't specified on your lab report, the tests will be for Total T3 and Total T4.

[rossyg12]

My TSH is 7.12, t4 is.7, t3 is 3.6.  Is this normal even though tsh is high. Currently taking 60 armour thyroid.

Increased armour to 75, TSH was 5.12 t4 stayed at .7, t3 went up to 4.1.  Felt hyper and sick so doc recommended to come back down to 60.  

Just concerned that the tsh is always on the high end and it is considered hypo.  But I feel hyper and the less I take the better I feel.  Any suggestions.

[Barb135]

Just to keep from having reneg7 keep posting the same things, here's an ongoing thread, with labs, reference ranges, etc.  Feel free to jump in with us.

www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/OTC-Desiccated-Thyroid-Supplement/show/2127173

[gimel]

Before commenting further, please post the reference ranges shown on the lab report for those results.

[reneg7]

Thanks for the informative and well researched information regarding optimal thyroid levels. I currently have a preliminary diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, based on appearance of multiple small nodules on ultrasound. However, my TPO and TGB antibodies are negative.
I also have a very strong family history of hypothyroidism, as well as a child who had transient neonatal hypothyroidism.
I have a long standing personal history of alternating hypo and hyper symptoms... Extreme drowsiness, fatigue, coldness, and bradycardia, alternating with insomnia, (also with fatigue), tachycardia, palpitations, and hyperhidrosis. Along with variable orthostatic intolerance, muscle spasms, tremors, widespread peripheral neuropathy, brain fog, hypoglycemic episodes (with LOW insulin levels), elevated LH and testosterone, allergy symptoms,  and intermittent, severe, exercise induced vasomotor rhinitis that will not respond to any type of antihistamine.
I also have GI symptoms with alternating constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.
I have also had unexplained lymphadenopathy, and multiple symptoms suspicious for some type of subtle autoimmune disorder.
I have also had irregular menstrual cycles, with severely heavy bleeding, and 3 early miscarriages.
I have been diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive only) and depression. And have been on Adderall and an SSRI for several years. They help, but I have to be very careful. A little too much Adderall and not enough sleep, and I have severe side effects. And how much is too much varies from one day to the next. I often cut my adderall in half and go slow. Other times it simply will not work. I can take a full dose and still have a very difficult time staying awake, much less focused.
In recent years, the hyPER spells have dwindled, and fatigue has gotten progressively worse.
My primary care physician has started low dose levothyroxine to see if it would help. However the endocrinologist is very opposed. Declaring that my levels are "just perfect". She DOES think I have Hashi's (and that son's transient hypo state was probably due to gestational hypothyroidism), but insists that there is absolutely no benefit in treatment unless levels are out of range, and that it will likely be ineffective or throw me into a hyPER phase. (I also have a family history of severe osteoporosis, and personal history of stress fractures).
After doing some extensive research, I am reasonably convinced that I might find some relief from both extremes by taking enough replacement therapy to lower my TSH and thereby suppress my own unruly thyroid gland. I also do not believe that my levels are anywhere near "perfect".
TSH 2.1 (has been over 3 within past year)
FT4 0.9
FT3 2.61
I am seriously considering taking an OTC desiccated thyroid product such as that available from http://www.nutri-meds.com/
Does anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks!

[gimel]

You've attached your post to a very old thread.  You will get lots more response if you will start a new thread under your own name.  Just click on the orange Post a Question button at top of page and enter your post again.

[johne75]

My husband needs help...he has so many symptoms pointing to thyroid problems.

Here are his lab results...
12/9  TSH 5.98  (.27-4.20)
12/16 TSH 2.16
     FT4  1.25  (.93 - 1.70)
     FT3   3.6   (2.0-4.4)
Can anyone please help us figure out what is wrong with him?
He is getting the run around...told he is just lazy and fat...only 10-15 lbs over.
His symptoms are so bad...he is getting depressed.

[laasya]

t3 -- 0.93
t4-- 7.00
tsh--12.84
thyroidism is in which stage, is this is hypothyroidism,
am using thyroid medicine from 1month,
now my periods missed, i'm feeling hungry, headache, bacheache, fatigue,
dullness, feeling sleepy in the morning time , and i have got pregnency test -ve , but im getting doubt that im i pregnent, is there any chance, even though we use condoms may get pregnent! please tell me..

[gimel]

The reference ranges for the thyroid hormone tests are too broad.  Just having test results somewhere within the range limits does not mean that is adequate for you.  

What was done for your Graves disease in the past?  What meds/supplements are you taking now and what is the daily amount?

Please post your thyroid test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report and members will be glad to helpl interpret and  advise further.

[worrykesh]

I also have the same problem my doc says thyroid functions are normal from blood test...I have been having extreme heart palpitations,trembling hands,anxiety issues(I have past history of hyperthyroidism and graves disease)! So how it disappear with all these symptoms according to blood test??????!!!!!!..

[gimel]

More members will notice your post, and you'll get more response, if you re-post this on a new thread under your own name.  Just click on the green Post a Question button at top of page.

[elena22]

i was a thin person, worked out and always ate right. 8 years ago i started gaining weight even with working out 5 days a week and still eating right. since then i have gained 100 pounds. i have been tired all the time, i suffer with anxiety and panic disorder. i also get heart flutters. all my thyroid tests are normal. i underwent a thyroid scan a few years ago and was told there is a nodule and had a biopsy which was fine. i am constantly dieting and excercising but cannot shed this weight. i recently joined weigh watchers a month and a half ago and lost only a pound and a half. i told my doctor, her reply is maybe thats not a diet for you. no one listens, i dont feel good, im tired, im depressed! my mom suffered from all these symproms when she was my age but too was told there is nothing wrong until she had a goiter growing out her neck that had to be removed with half her thyroid! she now has hoshimoto disease. why dont these doctors listen? im tired of being fat when i shouldnt be! i have no control is what it feels like. please help.  elena

[summerbluetop]

Hey I have the exact same issue and visited this doctor at BetterLiving MD in atlanta. I orginally went to the fibro and fatigue center  ut they were doing to charge me $6000.  Dr. Cuddapah actually worked at the atlanta fibro and fatigue center and now has his own practice which is a 1/3 of of the cost.  He is amazing.  

[goolarra]

If you can post the results of your thyroid lab work, we might be able to make some suggestions.  Be sure to include reference ranges as these vay lab to lab.

Also, you might want to start a new thread.  You'll probably get more responses from that than from commenting on an old one like this.

[bridgeovertroubledwater]

I have read your posts about thyroid issues and I too have found to no avail after being sent to many different specialists that there is nothing else wrong.  I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and because of all of these things going on here in Canada decided to go to the U.S to this Fibro & Fatigue Center.  I saw a doctor who took many blood vials and also said to me have they ever test my reverse t3 and I said no this has never been done.  I too have been suffering for over a year and half or more with a thyroid that we've tried to introduce Cytomel t3 medication, which worked for a while, then I started to feel terrible side effects from this same medication.  Dr. Vereen thinks that it could very well be that it's a problem with reverse t3 and I've googled this and it's called the Wilson's Syndrome.  It's a bit complicated as our bodies are no longer able to convert t4 into t3 via the liver and even when using t3 medication this only works for a short time.  What will need to be done is taking only T3 medication a time released kind for a length of time until the body is able to get back to converting T4 into T3.  This is what I read.  I'll keep writing when I find out what my situation presents of itself.  All I know is that currently I'm taking 100 mcg of Synthroid and every morning when I take it I start to feel my heart racing and my head feels out of sorts as well.  Throughout the day I also feel strange at the times I eat and late in the day dizzy.  I saw a endocrinologist about this issue and he seems to think that I am fine cause my blood levels are right in the range.  All I can say is I thought we were supposed to be treated not the lab tests.  Doctors need to listen to their patients more and dig to find the problem.  I had a MRI to rule out a pituitary tumor,  (adenoma) and relayed this over to Dr. Vereen as well.  Here in Canada I had given up and went to the States to get help with my health issues as no doctors here know what to do for Fibro either.  I await my test results and will be in contact with this Dr. March 15 ,2011.  

[heather811]

I am hyper and hypo on 25mg levothyroxine, had all the test done eventually, it took a surgeon to tell my doctor to have a biopsy done and i should be on t3 and t4,  biopsy was negative for cancer. will find out rest at a follow up.
I feel no different on the med. only been 2 weeks thou so will give it a few more. tsh "normal", t3 t4 high goiter and nodules. i am weird or so i thought come to find out i am one of a lot of people with this problem

[Pattypooh70]

I am in the same boat with a little different spin, but I know about the FT4, FT3, and TSH and they are all normal, but I had an ultrasound done of my thyroid and that has shown 3 hypoechoic nodules on 10/21/2010 and I just had a thyroid uptake scan done today 10/28/2010 and I am waiting to here on that due to thyroid cancer in my family, as my father passed away from anaplastic thyroid cancer, but nonetheless I have 3 solid-appearing nodules and dysphagia, neck swelling, neck stiffness, extreme fatigue, palpitations, dizziness and they are just making me wait, test, wait, test, etc, my recent blood work from 10/19/2010 shows some pretty scarry numbes i.e. hemoglobin 9.2, hematrocrit 31.5, MCV 77, MCH 24.9, platelet count 426 (yeah 426), iron serum 31, iron binding capacity 485.  I am getting very scared and want some answers.  I know my thyroid is the problem, especially since they did find 3 solid nodules and they still are not giving me anything until this darn thyroid nuclear scan results come in.  The waiting is killing me.

[gimel]

When you see the doctor again, insist on being tested for the levels of free T3 and free T4 (not total T3 and total T4), along with the TSH they always check.  Don't take no for an answer, after all you are the customer and you want to get well.  I explained above why these tests are so important.  FT3 largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.

You might also start talking to your doctor about whether he is going to be willing to treat your symptoms, by testing and adjusting FT3 and FT4 levels, rather than by TSH level.  If the doctor is unwilling to let go of TSH and treat your symptoms, then you likely will need to find a good thyroid doctor that will do so.  

When test results are available, make sure to get a copy of the lab report and write on there how you were feeling at the time and what meds you were taking.  The doctor is required to provide a copy upon your request and they become a very valuable reference for future.    When you get the copy, please post results and reference ranges from the lab report and members will be happy to help interpret and advise further.  

[Rusty1414]

Hi, I'm reading you post and feeling like I'm reading about my life.  My Dr. is telling me the same things about my blood work is within normal range, but I know this is not normal.  Extreme fatique, acky bones and noints, always hungry, irritability, and I went from 112 lbs. to 154 lbs. in one year and have been climbing ever since.  My Mom, Aunt and Grandmother (All on the maternal side) have had this and where told to have all the females checked.  I have been checking for 10 years with the same answer "All bloodwork is within normal range"  I just insisted on a ultra sound and a nodule was foundm hurray, finally he called to tell me I was right.  Now, I need to get the right treatment.  I want myself back again.  Will that be possible with the right meds.????  A biopsy is sceduled, hoping it comes out neg for canfcer, then will I be able to loose this extra person that I have become?  Please give me hope....Rusty