Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Question concerning thyroid function test results. (Free T3, Free T4, and TSH)

I've just received back a blood test that contained a number of different test, one being thyroid function. Seeing as I will be unable to see my doctor again until next week with the test results I was just curious about the only result that was outside of the normal range according to the lab, that being my Free T4 (VITROS). The results were as follows: Free T3 2.92 pg/ml (Normal range 2.77 - 5.27), Free T4 0.75 ng/dl (Normal range 0.78 - 2.18), and TSH 2.170 iU/ml (Normal range 0.464 - 4.680). Thanks for any info in advance.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
With the additional info you gave us, it is important to note that  "the effect of alcohol on the Hypothalamus /Pituitary  axis is significant and alcohol consumption affects almost all aspects of the functioning of the thyroid gland."

So yes, your thyroid levels (FT4 and FT3) are low in their ranges and lower than most people seem to need.  However, rather than considering thyroid medication at this time, you could give your abstinence a chance to get your thyroid system back to normal and see how you are feeling at that time.  Personally I would not want to take thyroid med if it were possible to get my thyroid process back to normal.  

Also, with those symptoms it would be a good idea to test for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin and supplement as needed to optimize.  D should be at least 50 ng/mL, B12 in the upper  part of its range,and ferritin should be at least 100.

Stay strong and let us know how you are doing.  
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Thank you for the response. I wasn't aware that alcohol affected the thyroid function so it's reassuring to know that it may return to normal functioning with continued sobriety. I have already started on a multi-vitamin, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B complex. I started these in conjunction with increased exercise to benefit overall health along with dropping the alcohol so I'm glad to hear they may also help bring the thyroid function back to normal. I will keep an eye on the muscle weakness, aches, and fatigue and see what my doctor thinks, but I'd agree that I don't think rushing into medication at this time is the right idea given my symptoms aren't severe and may very well be temporary. Really appreciate the feedback as it's easy my anxiety, thank you.
Avatar universal
Well.

The first question is how do you feel?

Because if you feel fine.  The numbers are about meaningless.

Have you looked and do you have any of the common symptoms of low (or high) thyroid?

Some general thoughts.  #1  TSH is at best a screening test and mostly worthless unless it is pretty far outside the range high or low.  And if a person is on thyroid me, it becomes even less valuable.

In general the lab ranges are too low. And it is very common for people to have symptoms while they are low in the range but still in the range.  Which means Dr's will do nothing for you expect tell you that "you are normal" and that anything you are experiencing is either in your head (which they will be happy to throw you some anti-depressants like candy. but will be unwilling to give you thyroid medication.

Another common problem is your Dr has a good chance that he or she will ONLY look at the virtually useless TSH test. and since yours is within range they will look no further.  See comment above where they will tell you that you are normal and any symptoms are NOT thyroid related.

In general terms you look low thyroid and I would suspect you may have low thyroid symptoms.  While the Free T3 is in range it is very low in the range. lower than many people will feel well at. But everyone is different and feels well at different levels.

I won't go into any more detail until you respond with how you are feeling and why you or your Dr decided to have thyroid panel tests run.

I will give your Dr credit for one thing which is a very good sign.  They did actually order the right thyroid tests. Many people have to beg and plead and through a fit in order to get their DR to order a Free T3 test.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Hey, thanks for your response, I've replied to the first poster with my situation in terms of how I'm feeling as I'm aware now that in this case the lab tests alone are fairly useless, hopefully they can help you provide any insight that may help me. Thanks.
Avatar universal
In trying  to diagnose a potential thyroid issue, by far the most important is an evaluation for the existence of multiple symptoms typical of hypothyroidism.    So before further discussion, please review the following list of symptoms and tell us which ones you have, if any.  


Fatigue
Increased sensitivity to cold  (temp. below 98.6 which is considered normal)
Constipation  ( have to use fiber or laxatives)
Dry skin (have to use moisturizer)
Weight gain  
Puffy face    
Hoarseness
Muscle weakness
Elevated blood cholesterol level
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
Thinning hair
Slowed heart rate
Depression
Impaired memory
Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
insomnia/sleep apnea
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Thanks, I realize I didn't give much to go on here besides the test results, that's my fault. I'm 30 and male, of the list of symptoms you provided only a few have developed over the last couple months including muscle weakness, muscle pain, and insomnia. These all showed up around the same time but have remained tolerable and aren't seriously impairing my day to day. I should also state the the reason I saw my doctor in the first place was that I also developed severe anxiety at the same time these symptoms appeared and linked it to alcohol withdrawal as I've been drinking fairly heavily/regularly for the last 3 years with it getting its worst in December of last year. As a result I went cold turkey 6 days ago on Saturday and since then all of the above symptoms have been persistent, and I suppose being sober I'm hyper aware of them. I should note that I generally feel okay energy wise throughout the day maybe a little tired, but around 6PM everyday I get this complete fatigue and anxiety that's very prominent then by around 7:30 as I sit down to have dinner it's pretty much completely gone. Hopefully this extra info helps. Thank you.
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community

Top Thyroid Answerers
649848 tn?1534633700
FL
Avatar universal
MI
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.