thyroid

[Robin429]

I recently had 2 blood tests done to test my thyroid. The first one came back with a tsh of  .795  ,  T3 was 186 and T4 was 12.8.   The 2nd test said my tsh was 1.68,  T4 was 14.4,  and T3 uptake was 21.8.  I've been referred to an endocrinologist.  What do these results mean?  Do I have an overactive thyroid?  Also, I have read that birth control pills can cause elevated thyroid levels. Is this true?     Thanks,  Robin

[kitty9309]

True. But remember that free t4 remains unaffected by the estrogen in bcp.

[Robin429]

thanks for checking for me. i appreciate that. so if it is the bcp's that are affecting my levels, then i wouldnt actually have any symptoms of a thyroid problem.....is that right?

[kitty9309]

I couldn't find reference ranges under the New Jersey lab.
I guess you have to go by your result and the reference range listed.
Here is a chapter from Thyroid Manager that discusses free t3/4:

http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter6/Ch-6-2.htm

I would still see the endo since you have the oppurtunity. There are a few meds other than bcp that can affect the t4/free t4.

[Robin429]

I think so.  It says T4, free, calculated. I think it goes to New Jersey. I had it done in Latham, New York.

[kitty9309]

That is strange. Are you SURE you are looking at the free t4 range? Double check to be sure.
Which Quest location does your bloodwork go to? I can look up by location to see each test ordered. (I work there)

[Robin429]

They were done at Quest, but it says the normal range is 1.53-3.85. But that's a lot higher than articles I've read. Why would that be?

[kitty9309]

At Quest, it is 0.8-1.8. It is a little different at other labs, but not by much.
Where were your labs done?

[Robin429]

I have muscle weakness that was diagnosed as a neuromuscular disorder and a couple other more minor symptoms. I think he wanted to make sure none of the weakness could be due to a thyroid problem. What is the normal range for the free t4?

[kitty9309]

The free t4 of 3.14 is above the range as well.
The free t4 shouldn't be affected by the bcp.
Let the endo figure this out. You may need more bloodwork to confirm the results.
Did you have symptoms that caused the doctor to run the tests?
Sorry I am not of more help.
Good luck with the appt!

[Robin429]

I did. my free t4 was 3.14. Is it even worth it to see the endo. since the bcp are probably the reason for the elevated t4?

[kitty9309]

Your TSH levels look good.
Overactive would be a low TSH like less than 0.3 or whatever the bottom end of the reference range is.
The estrogen in the BCP can affect increase the total t4 level. You should really have a free t3 and free t4 level. These are more accurate.