Am I hypothyroid?

[terri00]

I recently got my thyroid test back.  TSH 4.08 and T3 uptake 28.7.  My doctor said everything is fine but I don't feel fine.  Gaining weight no matter what I do...dry skin, hair, and cold most of the time.

I went to a Endo Dr and they also said no problem you are in the range.

One year ago my TSH was 1.93 and I actually felt normal.

Any advice as to what is going on?  Thanks

[terri00]

Thanks for the information.  I am scheduling another appointment and will get it checked.  :)  and I won't take no for an answer.

[gimel]

You've just been poorly diagnosed by two practitioners of the "Innaculate TSH Belief".  Even worse they apparently still are using the old range for TSH (.50 - 5.0), eight years after the AACE recommended changing the range to .3 - 3.0.

In addition, TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by so many variables that  it is inadequate as a diagnostic for thyroid problems.  At best TSH is an indicator, to be considered along with more important indicators, which are symptoms and also the levels of the actual, biologically active thyroid hormones, free T3 and free T4.  

So the first thing I suggest is that you request testing for free T3 and free T4 (that is FT3 and FT4, not total T3 and total T4).  If the doctor resists, then you should insist and not take no for an answer.  

Further, in my opinion the best way to treat a thyroid patient is to test and adjust levels of FT3 and FT4, with whatever meds are required to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels. You need to find a doctor that will treat you clinically (for symptoms), in this manner.  Symptom relief should be all important, not TSH level.  Many of our members report that symptom relief for them required that FT3 was adjusted into the upper third of its range and FT4 adjusted to at least midpoint of its range.