Is a TSH level of 0.03 normal?

[sweetblossoms]

I just got my new prescription of the Generic of Synthroid today. I am to take one tablet of 100MCG a day.  My TSH value was 0.03.  My confusion about this, is that I don't have hyperthyroid symptoms at all.  My symptoms are hypothyroid issues.  I did have a T4 test last year with a test value of 1.3 which I guess falls within the normal reference range.  I am so tired all the time, that I do not have a normal life.  I am 58 years old, and I feel 78, shoot there are people that I know, in that age group, and they do better than me.  lol  

All I want to do is nap, because I think that if I just get an hour's nap that I can wake up refreshed, which of course never happens.  My sleep at night isn't so good either, and that might explain the extreme tiredness and lack of energy all day.  I want to enjoy my crafts, because I have a great new sewing machine, but I can't think clearly enough to follow detailed patterns or instructions. So I haven't enjoyed my sewing or my crocheting.  I want to share these skills with my little Granddaughters, and I don't have the energy to spend time with them.  I tell People I have a tired brain. My memory and ability to find the right words quickly to communicate, has suffered.   I am very cold intolerant, and when everyone else is roasting, I am feeling quite comfortable.   My temperature at the Dr Office is 97. something.  

My hair falls out.  It is much thinner.  I have dry skin.  I am way overweight even though I am very careful about what I eat because I am pre-diabetic because my A1c levels have stayed in the normal range so far, but I do have problem blood sugars, so I am also on Oral Diabetic medications.  So I don't understand why my TSH results from the other day, would indicate a hyperthyroid issue.  

[goolarra]

It's a little overkill.  T3U, TT3, TT4 and FTI are all considered pretty useless, but TSH, FT3 and FT4 are all there.  Wow!  The price sure is right.  I wonder how much it would cost if they eliminated the junk!  LOL  I think that's about what I pay for FT3, FT4 and TSH locally after my insurance company discount.  I'd go for it.

[sweetblossoms]

Hello again,

I did find this website that appears to be reasonably priced, and seems to offer a comprehensive Thyroid panel of tests, for the price.

http://www.healthonelabs.com/pub/tests/test/pid/167

[sweetblossoms]

Thank you so much for taking the time, to give me this information.  I will certainly check it out.  Heck, my healthcare provider will probably be interested that People like me, who have to be careful about the money we spend, can actually get these tests done, without breaking the bank!  :-)

[goolarra]

I suggest you google "online labs thyroid tests".  Shop around and see what you find.  I personally know people who have used healthcheckusa (dotcom), but I've also heard that there are less expensive alternatives.  Be sure that whichever package you order includes FT3 (free T3), FT4 (free T4) and TSH. If you find something you can afford, send me a link, and I'll take a look at it, if you'd like, to make sure it covers everything.

You order the test from the online lab.  They will send you to a local lab for the blood draw (all of them may not be available everywhere in the country), and they will send the results directly to you.  You can then take them to your doctor.  When you get the results, if you'd like to post them, I can help you interpret them and suggest how to approach your doctor.

Really, this is the best investment you could make...

[sweetblossoms]

Yes I would be interested in how to save by perhaps finding an online lab to run the tests.  

[goolarra]

I appreciate that your health care provider is trying to help you curb costs.  However, TSH simply does not tell the whole story.  You have to test FT3 and FT4 as well.  They are the actual thyroid hormones and a much more direct measure of thyroid status than TSH.  Adjusting your dose based on TSH only is like a diabetic trying to adjust his insulin without testing his blood.

A T4 a year ago is ancient history.  

Medication can suppress TSH.  That's why we have to test FT3 and FT4.  Some people have TSH go very low on meds.

Your symptoms sound very hypo.  I suspect you need an increase in meds, rather than a decrease.  However, without FT3 and FT4 to back me up, that's all it is...a suspicion.

You can order FT3 and FT4 from online labs.  I think you can get a thyroid panel (TSH, FT3 and FT4) for about $85, maybe less if you shop around.  I'll tell you more about that if you're interested.

[sweetblossoms]

Hello, thanks so much for your quick reply!

My medication was changed from 112 MCG.  The T4 was done last year.  I am a self pay patient, as I pay cash, and have to watch how much my tests cost me, so as a result, my healthcare provider tries really hard to keep my costs down, hence I haven't  extensive thyroid testing.  Is it possible that since I am on medication, that the TSH level might be lower as indicated by the 0.03 test value?

[goolarra]

Did your doctor test FT3 and FT4 along with TSH?  If he's just testing TSH, he's not a good thyroid doctor.  FT3 and FT4 should be test every time your blood is drawn.  Any doctor who tries to manage thyroid meds using only TSH will keep you feeling miserable.

What were you changed to 100 mcg from?