I hate that so many doctors only will test TSH to check the thyroid----or they might add Free T4. TSH is a pituitary hormone and i have read numerous articles saying that it is not an accurate test for thyroid function.
I have central hypothyroidism, which is a ituitary problem, so my TSH is not reliable at all. I once had a doctor order a thyroid test--and onother doctor in the clinic got the results, and obviously did not read that i was on hydrocortisone for secondary adrenal insufficiency. My Free T4 and my TSH were both flagged low----I would have thought ANY doctor would have realized that it was an abnormal result---but he was just worried about normalizing my TSH---so he kept lowering my thyroid medication 2 or 3 times---until my hair was falling out.
Finally, the original doc who ordered the test, saw my most recent test results--and told me my thyroid was too low!!!
I should have asked for copies of each thyroid test---I would have caught the problem, even if the other doc couldn't.
Are we allowed to put links to articles on here?
I feel your frustration, sista! I'm not sure that it is possible to lose weight once one has a hypothyroid disorder. I think one can demand all the tests in the world, but not once have I heard someone say they have hypothyroidism, had weight gain as a symptom and then once starting medication, the weight knocked off. I have recently read that weight gain due to hypothyroidism is really only a few pounds (5-15#), but it still seems that once the body is back to normal, even those few pounds should come off. Good luck to you!
Thank you for your response. I got more information from you then the 'professionals' I have seen.
Hello dani_girl657, have you ever checked your thyroid antibodies (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody and Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibody)? Check this great book of thyroid disease: www.thyroidbook.com.
Dr. Latorre
@drhlatorre
Ask your doctor to test FREE T3 and FREE T4. They are the actual thyroid hormones and will give you a more complete thyroid profile.
Do you have symptoms?