Thyroid tests normal - how to proceed?

[dointime]

Hello All,

This is my first time posting here, although I have been on the hepC forum for about 18 months.  I am certain that I have metabolic problems but not sure what is wrong or where to go from here.

My symptoms are weight gain (20 pounds overweight in 2 years), constipation, feeling lethargic all the time, low body temp all the time (36C or lower), sweating and freezing a lot, too tired to go out and take part in social activity, especially in the evenings.

My test for thyroid function came out within normal limits, ie. my TSH is 3.1 (range is 0.2 - 4.5) and my T4 is 11 (range is 9 - 21).  However I still feel that I am subclinically hypothyroid and I am considering asking my doc to let me do a 3 month trial with a small dose of thyroxine.  Do you think that this is a reasonable thing to try and any recommendations on the starting dose?  Or should I first ask to be referred to an endocrinologist for more tests?    

If I do start on thyroxine, might I be risking making my thyroid become lazy so that I will have to keep taking the thyroxine for life?  

Although I have hepC infection, my liver function tests are still normal and liver damage is mild, so I don't think that this is the cause of my symptoms, at least not directly, although the HCV virus and the treatment for it may have played a part in putting my endocrine system out of balance.  

So what would you say is the best way forward for me in this situation?

Thanks,
dointime

[dointime]

I saw my doc and got a referral to an endo.  It will be a few months I think but I'll post the outcome when I have it.

dointime

[dointime]

Hi there, I'm real glad to hear from you.  It's a b!tch when you know that you are definitely not right but tests show normal.  I think I will ask to get referred to an endo like you and get the antibody test.  It feels like a real effort to get through the medical system but you've given me encouragement.  I'll post on how I get on,

Good luck to you too and thanks for posting,
dointime

[jojo2008]

I just wanted to stop by and say Hi. I am new too and in the same position you are...they found 5 nodules and my blood work came in normal but am having all the symptoms. I was refered to an endo and he ordered an antibody test that Im waiting on and an uptake that I have on wednesday. I know how you feel I am almost 28 and losing my hair, I have this feeling of mental fog, and when I first met my boyfriend 10 months ago he would always comment on how "freezing" my hands and feet were. After posting here I got alot of responses telling me that these were signs of thyroid problems. Well anyway post when you do your antibody test and I will do the same.
GOOD LUCK;)

[dointime]

Many thanks for your input, I will ask for an antibody test.

dointime

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

With a TSH of >3 a trial of medicine may be reasonable, but no data to support this.  It may be more compelling if the thyroid antibodies are positive.