Aa
What could be causing low TSH and normal T3 and T4?
I have had chronic urticaria for the past 3 months now, so my doctor ordered a TSH level test for me. This is the first time I had ever gotten the test done, and I got a low level of 0.16. However, my free T3 and T4 levels checked out fine at 3.7 and 1.18 respectively. What could be causing the low TSH and chronic urticaria if my thyroid hormones are fine?
COMMUNITY LEADER
I'm not saying you need thyroid hormone medication, right now...notice, I said "as your thyroid stops producing"...
I am saying you need further testing to determine what your problem is, because it's not normal thyroid function, when you have symptoms, such as you're having. The tests I recommended above, will help confirm or rule out pituitary issues and autoimmune thyroid conditions.
I am saying you need further testing to determine what your problem is, because it's not normal thyroid function, when you have symptoms, such as you're having. The tests I recommended above, will help confirm or rule out pituitary issues and autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Mild fatigue and frequent bowel movements are rather frequent, almost everyday actually. The sensitivity to heat isn't too common, it could even just be me feeling too hot.
1 Comments
You might be completely normal in thyroid function, watchful waiting is best. Your very low TSH might be attributed from relatively high Free T3. Starting thyroid medication even very low dose can disrupt your existing almost optimal Free T4 nad Free T3 and can make your symptoms get worse.
Drink plenty of water and avoid foods which is known to make your symptoms worse.
Drink plenty of water and avoid foods which is known to make your symptoms worse.
COMMUNITY LEADER
It looks like your thyroid production is beginning to decline, as your FT4 is only at 37% of its range, which is low of the recommended level. Your FT3 is at 74% of the range, which is upper half of its range, which recommended, but may be too high for you.
Most likely, you will need replacement thyroid hormones, as your thyroid stops producing in response to the lack of TSH.
I might suggest that you ask your doctor to test other pituitary hormones. If you have a pituitary issue, it can affect any or all of the endocrine system, which includes the thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, etc.
Other pituitary hormones that should be tested include, but are not limited to are ACTH, Prolactin, LH and Growth Hormone.
I'd also recommend that you ask for a thyroid ultrasound to make sure there isn't a nodule that's been producing hormones independently of the thyroid.
You should also ask to be tested for thyroid antibodies to rule out Hashimoto's and/or Graves Disease, both of which are autoimmune thyroid conditions.
The tests you need for Hashimoto's are Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb). Hashimoto's is, typically, associated with hypothyroidism, but it often starts with periods of hyperthyroidism, alternating with periods of hypo... You may be just coming out of a hyper phase.
Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin is the definitive test for Graves Disease.
You say you "have" experienced those other symptoms... do you experience them on a regular basis?
Most likely, you will need replacement thyroid hormones, as your thyroid stops producing in response to the lack of TSH.
I might suggest that you ask your doctor to test other pituitary hormones. If you have a pituitary issue, it can affect any or all of the endocrine system, which includes the thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, etc.
Other pituitary hormones that should be tested include, but are not limited to are ACTH, Prolactin, LH and Growth Hormone.
I'd also recommend that you ask for a thyroid ultrasound to make sure there isn't a nodule that's been producing hormones independently of the thyroid.
You should also ask to be tested for thyroid antibodies to rule out Hashimoto's and/or Graves Disease, both of which are autoimmune thyroid conditions.
The tests you need for Hashimoto's are Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb). Hashimoto's is, typically, associated with hypothyroidism, but it often starts with periods of hyperthyroidism, alternating with periods of hypo... You may be just coming out of a hyper phase.
Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin is the definitive test for Graves Disease.
You say you "have" experienced those other symptoms... do you experience them on a regular basis?
The FT3 reference range was 2.3-4.2 PG/ML and the FT4 reference range was 0.73-1.95 NG/DL
The FT3 reference range was 2.3-4.2 PG/ML and the FT4 reference range was 0.73-1.95 NG/DL. As far as other symptoms, I have experienced fatigue, frequent bowel movements, and some sensitivity to heat/hot environments.
1 Comments
Yes its all pointing in that direction, please check my reply. If its severe enough you can ask your doctor to prescribe some mild anti thyroid medication.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Chronic hives can often have an underlying cause, such as a thyroid disease or Lupus.
We do need to see the reference ranges for your Free T3 and Free T4, as ranges vary from lab to lab and have to come from your own report.
Your thyroid does not produce hormones without stimulation from the pituitary gland, so it's possible that there's a problem in the hypothalamus/pituitary axis.
With such low TSH, your thyroid will, stop making thyroid hormones and you will develop a condition called Central hypothyroidism. Your FT4 may already be on the low side, indicating that your thyroid production is not optimal.
Do you have any other symptoms...
We do need to see the reference ranges for your Free T3 and Free T4, as ranges vary from lab to lab and have to come from your own report.
Your thyroid does not produce hormones without stimulation from the pituitary gland, so it's possible that there's a problem in the hypothalamus/pituitary axis.
With such low TSH, your thyroid will, stop making thyroid hormones and you will develop a condition called Central hypothyroidism. Your FT4 may already be on the low side, indicating that your thyroid production is not optimal.
Do you have any other symptoms...
Please mention the lab reference range too which vary from lab to lab.
Having a very low TSH with normal Free T4 and Free T3 is nothing wrong. In fact it means your thyroid gland require very less stimulation from pituitary gland, TSH to make adequate level of thyroid hormones.
Since you are experiencing urticaria, likely the thyroid hormones might be spiking sometimes though not able to detect in lab test as it gives the instant values.
Having a very low TSH with normal Free T4 and Free T3 is nothing wrong. In fact it means your thyroid gland require very less stimulation from pituitary gland, TSH to make adequate level of thyroid hormones.
Since you are experiencing urticaria, likely the thyroid hormones might be spiking sometimes though not able to detect in lab test as it gives the instant values.
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.
