Should I be worried about my TSH level

[collegestudent99]

I'm a college freshman athlete who recently got my thyroid checked out. I have been shedding a ton of hair on the pillows and in the shower (not a single bald person in my family), although I've always shed somewhat more than normal growing up so I wasn't too worried. My TSH levels came back at 3.4, my free T4 is 0.93 and my total T4 is 8.9. I tested negative for any anti-thyroid antibodies, and the doctor said although my TSH levels are somewhat naturally high I am not hypothyroid at all because I do not have the antibody, which attacks the thyroid. I still feel as though I am shedding hair more than usual and that the outer part of my eyebrows MAY be thinning a tiny bit. My iron also came back normal, maybe a bit low but I can take supplements to get that up. Should I pursue another doctor to see if I need synthetic thyroid hormones, or is a TSH of 3.4 without any other abnormal test results ok?

[gimel]

The doctor is wrong about the TPO ab test confirming that there is not an autoimmune system problem.  To test for Hashi's, two tests are required, TPO ab and TG ab.  Hashi's sometimes shows as either or both.  So you need to test for Thyroglobulin antibodies also.  

Your free T4 is much too low for most people.  Free t3 is best when it is at the middle of the range at minimum.  You really need to be tested for Free T3.  Free T3 is the biologically active thyroid hormone that largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  Free T3 correlates best with hypo symptoms while Free T4 and TSH do not corelate well at all.  Free T3 typically needs to be in the upper third of its range, or as necessary to relieve symptoms.

With the little test info, plus your symptoms I would say that you are hypothyroid.  Hypo patients frequently are also too low in the ranges for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin (iron), so if you are able to get additional tests done, I also suggest all three of those.  D needs to be about 55-60, B12 in the upper end of its range and ferritin about 70 minimum for men.

A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T4 and Free T3 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results, and especially not TSH levels.  You can get some good info from this link written by a good thyroid doctor.

http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html

So when you see your doctor about the additional tests you should also find out if he is going to be willing to treat clinically as described above.  If not, then you are going to have to find a good thyroid doctor that will do so.

[matter123]

Based on your original post i'm assuming its .93 on your Ft4

it's a little low.. should be around 1.11 or so based on ref ranges.. you didn't have free t3 tested which is hugely important.. since that's what typically causes the symptoms and the actual juice your body runs on.

Naturally high TSH I don't agree with.. especially if you are young. - Your brain/pituitary is telling you something.

You should be at around 1.   but it's not solely the right way to assess function. You need free t3 tested..

There should be a sticky note somewhere urging everyone to get this tested.. period. Maybe some day docs will get the message.

If your hair is shedding alot you should check your Dht levels.. 24hr urine test is the most accurate way..Also if you take creatine, alot of athletes do, it will raise DHT. which again, causes baldness.

[collegestudent99]

Anti-TPO antibody came back with a YES, meaning I tested negative according to the doctor. It says I tested <28 U/mL.
The antibody test reads "Thyroid Peroxides (TPO) AB, Serum.

For free T4, the reference range is 0.76-1.46 ng/dL, and I received a 9.3.

[gimel]

Before discussing further, please post the reference range for the Free T4 test.  Also, what tests were done for anti-thyroid antibodies?  Please post those results and ranges also.