thyroid test results

[rjs890]

I begged for a tsh and free t4 test at my last physical appt.  I am so sluggish and no matter what I try I cannot lose any weight.  I got the test results and all it shows is a tsh of 3.02.  When I questioned where is the free t4 result my doctor told me it was a combined number and 3.02 was the result and everything is fine.  I have asked other people who are dealing with thyroid issues and said their results were always two sets of numbers.  What is the correct answer?

[gimel]

What you need is a good thyroid doctor that will treat you clinically, by testing and adjusting levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T3 and Free T4, as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  You can get some good insight about clinical treatment in this link.  The link is to a letter written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he is consulting with.  The letter is sent to the PCP of the patient to help guide treatment.  

http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf

In looking for a good thyroid doctor, would the Minneapolis area be too far away for you to travel?

[Barb135]

TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid to make more thyroid hormones (FT3 and FT4).  your result of 3.02 is NOT a "combined" number, AND it's higher than the upper limit of the range recommended by AACE, some years ago.  

It sounds like your doctor is one of those who believes in the "immaculate TSH", meaning he diagnoses and treats by TSH levels only ......... run fast and find another, because this one will keep you sick.  

Tests you need are:  TSH, Free T3, Free T4, as the very least; it would also be good for you to get antibody tests to see if you have an autoimmune thyroid disease.