should i get further thyroid testing

[CRoh78]

My mom, her 3 sisters and 2 brothers all have Hashimoto's and are on synthroid for it.  I have all of the symptoms and have for years.  I have had my TSH tested 2 times.  The first time it was 3.8 and four years later it was 1.6.  I am told this is "in the normal range".  I know that you can still have hypothyroidism even if your levels are "normal".  Should I keep having testing done and if so, what other tests do I need to have done?

Thanks!

[goolarra]

I'd just like to emphasize that TSH is a very poor indicator of thyroid status even though mainstream medicine thinks it's the gold standard in testing.  

As Sally said, you want to have FT3 and FT4 tested as well.  Bear in mind that "normal" isn't always normal.  Many of us find that symptoms remain until FT4 is about midrange and FT3 upper half to upper third of range.

Antibodies indicating Hashi's are TPOab (thyroid peroxidase antibodies) and TGab (thyroglobulin antibodies).  You want to be tested for both as some of us with Hashi's are TPOab positive, some TGab positive and some both.  Hashi's runs in families, and a positive antibody test will often make it much easier to get treatment.

[Super_sally888]

Hello,

Testing should be done for TSH, FT3 and FT4 (the active thyroid hormones).  As an additional screening you should also be tested for thyroid antibodies.  Testing should also be conducted to check your Vitamin D and B levels.

Hope this helps.