Help reading test results

[snoozy46]

I resently had a blood test to have my thyroid checked.  Symptoms are fingers, nose and toes always cold, sluggish metabolism, always tired and foggy.  I received the results but don't have my follow-up appointment for another 3 weeks.  Can someone help me interpret my test results?

Thyroperoidase Antibody               reults 0.3                    Reference 0.0-9.0 IU/ml
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone       results 1.71               Reference 0.34-5.60 uIU/ML

[gimel]

Unfortunately most doctors still have the "Immaculate TSH Belief".  I think this is a holdover from years past when testing for FT3 and FT4 was not as accurate as now and TSH testing was the accepted procedure for trying to assess possible thyroid problems.  I think the insurance companies also like the idea of only one test instead of 3 or more.  

I've spent lots of time following up on the purported accuracy of TSH as a diagnostic.  I have been unable to find studies that attempted to show that TSH correlated with T4 or FT4 that withstood my rigorous evaluation.   Even worse is the supposed correlation of TSH to FT3.   And then of course, what we really want to fix is symptoms.  The best study I've seen on the correlation of thyroid testing to hypo symptoms concluded that FT3 correlated best, with little/no correlation with TSH.

So that is why I stated that you really need to insist on testing for FT3 and FT4, in order to determine your thyroid status.  

[snoozy46]

Thanks so much for all of your feedback!  I also wondered why she didn't request the FT3 and FT4 test.  My follow-up appts. not for a few weeks and was hoping I could get an idea if my results were in the normal range or not.  I've just felt so off for so long and was hoping to find out if my thyroid is the problem.   If the TSH test doesn't mean much, why would she request that?  Any ideas?

[gimel]

TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by many variables, including the time of day when blood is drawn.  It is totally inadequate as a diagnostic for thyroid problems.  At best it is an indicator to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms, and also the levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, free T3 and free T4 (not total T3 and total T4).  With your symptoms, you cannot preclude the possibility of hypothyroidism from those test results.  

You need to go back and insist on being tested for FT3 and FT4, along with TSH.  FT3 is most important because it is the most active thyroid hormone and it largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  If the doctor resists doing these tests, just insist on it and don't take no for an answer.   Also be aware that FT3 and FT4 results in the lower part of their reference ranges are frequently associated with hypothyroidism.  Many of our members report that relief of their hypo symptoms required that FT3 was adjusted into the upper part of its range and FT4 adjusted to at least midpoint of its range.  Symptom relief should be all important, not TSH levels.    The ranges for FT3 and FT4 should be considered as guidelines within which to adjust levels as necessary to relieve symptoms.

[Irenak]

I was borderline hypothyroid and my doctor wanted to start me on medication.  Keeping in mind that I am in the menopausal years where you hormones are doing weird things, I decided to try a few things first.  First I tried detoxified iodine and it helped but is tricky to work with, so I don't recommend it unless you stay on low doses so as not to mess yourself up more.  Then I did three visits with an acupuncturist.  Felt really good after that. Still, to take it a step further, I invested a few visits with a women who does "Nutrition 4 Life". She uses muscle testing to fine tune your supplements, medications, diet, etc.  I feel great now and have not had a problem since.  My metabolism is back to what is was in my 20's. I'm 50 now and have felt the best I have in the last 10 years as far as metabolism is concerned. I can even work out less then i have in the last few years.  I am thrilled.  Yes, I has to spend some money, but it was well spent and I am not on any drugs of any kind.   I always tried to take good care of myself, eating well, exercise, etc. so it may take longer for people who don't. Also, I am a bit of a penny pincher but it is honestly money happily spent. It has been three months since my last visit anywhere and I am still feeling 100%.  I'm just going to go for tune- ups every few months for the acupuncture, and nutrition.  Oh, I also have energy work done occasionally, such as Reiki or Cranio Sacral work. At this point I look at it as preventative medicine. I do what I can afford.  If you do take the alternative route, take your time to find good people. Shop around for a good price. Be prepared to invest more in the beginning.  It tapers off a lot for the maintenance. Ask around and get recommendations if you can.  I'm living proof that it is worth it.  

[shuga1109]

Ive been hypothyroid for many years.  I can tell you that your TSH looks normal. Ive been told many times that I should try to keep it at 1.0 or slightly above.  Right now my range for TSH is 1.0, where last month it was at 0.35, which i knew was off according to my symptoms.  It is within normal range, but, even so, I still feel symptoms.  When my TSH is on the lower end of the normal range, my T4 is on the higher end of the normal range.  Your levels look good right now, but of course, im no doctor.  Normally when they test for TSH, they also test for a T4 or Free T4. Your TPO antibody test is within normal range as well, but I am not too familiar with the TPO test.