Aa
Should I be tested for thyroid and if so, what should be tested?
I have many symptoms of hypothyroidism. I have absolutely no energy, weight gain (20 pounds in a couple of months), painful and swollen joints, muscle aches, hair loss, no libido, forever tired, insomnia, depression, hands and feet like icicles, memory problems, menstrual irregularities, and the list goes on. I am 37 year old female that has always been active. Due to plantar fasciitis (another symptom of hypothyroid) I have been unable to go on hikes, walks, bike riding, and training in taekwondo. I was tested a while back for thyroid and the results all came back within the normal range. TSH less than 1, FT4 .8, T4 8.3, T3 118, FT3 3.2, sed rate 10, ANA 1:40, rheumatoid arthritis factor <6. I know that with all tests results in the normal range, it would seem as if there is no problem but I feel terrible. I am getting no answers from my doctor except for that I am fine. Is it just a coincidence that I have so many of the symptoms and there is really nothing wrong? Are there other issues to consider? Are there other problems with all the same symptoms of hypothyroid? I just want to feel better.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The labs look fairly normal. Would retest thyroid in 6 weeks to ensure there is not a trend downward in FT4 especially - you mentioned a TSH <1 -- there are RARE cases of pituitary problems leading to "secondary hypothyroidism". Also test thyroid antibodies. It is not likely to be a thyroid problem however.
Would seek a rheumatology consultation to make sure the low ANA titre means nothing in conjunction with your symptoms.
Consider sleep evaluation, increased physical activity, stress levels, etc as well.
Would seek a rheumatology consultation to make sure the low ANA titre means nothing in conjunction with your symptoms.
Consider sleep evaluation, increased physical activity, stress levels, etc as well.
Ranges are
TSH .5 to 4.7 .89
ft4 .7 to 1.9 .8
t4 4.5 to 10.5 8.3
ft3 2.8 to 5.3 3.2
t3 80 to 190 118
That is all the doctor tested. He said that if the tsh was in the normal range, the thyroid was fine. I had to fight to get other stuff tested. No antibodies were tested and the doctor says he doesn't need to run any more tests. I just know that I don't feel right. I know all the numbers are in the "normal" range. But why so many symptoms with normal results? What else should I ask to have tested and how do you convince a doctor to run more tests?
What is Hashimotos? What does ferritin test?
Thanks for the website. It is filled with info.
TSH .5 to 4.7 .89
ft4 .7 to 1.9 .8
t4 4.5 to 10.5 8.3
ft3 2.8 to 5.3 3.2
t3 80 to 190 118
That is all the doctor tested. He said that if the tsh was in the normal range, the thyroid was fine. I had to fight to get other stuff tested. No antibodies were tested and the doctor says he doesn't need to run any more tests. I just know that I don't feel right. I know all the numbers are in the "normal" range. But why so many symptoms with normal results? What else should I ask to have tested and how do you convince a doctor to run more tests?
What is Hashimotos? What does ferritin test?
Thanks for the website. It is filled with info.
Ahhh sad. The fact that you have to fight with a doc to get more tests. It's your health! My recommendation....find a new doc, end of story. The fact that he didn't test for antibodies is a crime. My primary gladly tested everything I asked for and more.
Also, your free T4 is not normal, and your free T3 is in the low end of 'normal'. You will have hypo symptoms with these readings, regardless of what the TSH is. And no, don't get a sleep study, or increase exercise....waste of time and money. With hypo and/or low adrenal function, most likely you can't handle much exercise. With Hashimoto's (autoimmune hypothyroidism), your immune system attacks your thyroid. Ferritin is an iron compound that if is deficient, especially if below 40-50, can contribute to hypo.
You also definitely need to get your adrenal hormones tested! The adrenals and thyroid hormones account for 90% of your body's energy production, and low cortisol especially can contribute to hypo. Go to StoptheThyroidMadness.com and read, read, read!! It changed my life, and will change yours. Just be careful about finding a new doc.... Btw, I have Hashimoto's, low T4/3, and a TSH that moves around including being at 1.0 and am finally getting the proper treatment. Also, before the advent of the TSH score, docs used to treat by symptoms alone and were successful.
Also, your free T4 is not normal, and your free T3 is in the low end of 'normal'. You will have hypo symptoms with these readings, regardless of what the TSH is. And no, don't get a sleep study, or increase exercise....waste of time and money. With hypo and/or low adrenal function, most likely you can't handle much exercise. With Hashimoto's (autoimmune hypothyroidism), your immune system attacks your thyroid. Ferritin is an iron compound that if is deficient, especially if below 40-50, can contribute to hypo.
You also definitely need to get your adrenal hormones tested! The adrenals and thyroid hormones account for 90% of your body's energy production, and low cortisol especially can contribute to hypo. Go to StoptheThyroidMadness.com and read, read, read!! It changed my life, and will change yours. Just be careful about finding a new doc.... Btw, I have Hashimoto's, low T4/3, and a TSH that moves around including being at 1.0 and am finally getting the proper treatment. Also, before the advent of the TSH score, docs used to treat by symptoms alone and were successful.
Your fT4 is low. Has the doc tested your adrenals? Need to also test fT3. You didn't post the thyroid antibody results, were TPO and antithyroglobulin antibodies tested?
You could have a normal TSH and be hypo, as well as have Hashimoto's....
Low adrenal function can cause T4 to be low, as well as adrenal and low thyroid symptoms have many overlapping symptoms. Ferritin should be tested, too.
Your symptoms scream hypo, please visit StoptheThyroidMadness.com for great information.
You could have a normal TSH and be hypo, as well as have Hashimoto's....
Low adrenal function can cause T4 to be low, as well as adrenal and low thyroid symptoms have many overlapping symptoms. Ferritin should be tested, too.
Your symptoms scream hypo, please visit StoptheThyroidMadness.com for great information.
You need to post your ranges.
Have they tested your ferritin levels? Alot of the low ferritin symptoms mimic low thyroid.
Have they tested your ferritin levels? Alot of the low ferritin symptoms mimic low thyroid.
You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Cancer / Nodules & Hyperthyroidism Forum
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.
