DO I SUFFER FROM HYPOTHYROIDISM

[NICCI1962]

I AM 46 YRS OLD FEMALE AND I HAD A THYROID  TEST DONE. MY RESULTS ARE TSH 4.90 Miu/ML, T3 1.60 AND T4 10nmol/d, LATELY I HAVE BEEN GETTING PINS AND NEEDLES IN MY UPPER THIGHS, FEEL TIRED AND HAVE GAINED 10 KGS IN 6 MONTHS. DO I HAVE A HYPOTHYROI ?. IF I DO HAVE THIS WHAT IS THE TREATMENT.
COULD SOMEBODY GIVE ME SOME INSIGHT THANKS.

[Leah71]

I'd call and discuss with your doctor.
I have a friend whose dr started her on Synthroid when she was borderline as she had symptoms and a family history as well.

[kitty9309]

I agree with gimel- get the FREE t3 and FREE t4 tests.

The thyroid antibody tests are TPOab and TGab (ordered less often, but sometimes positive if the TPO ab is negative).

Good luck!

[gimel]

The range for TSH has been revised to .3-3.0, so that is even more of an indication of your being hypo t.  If you go back for more testing and medication, insist that free T3 and free T4 be checked, along with the TSH.  These tests are far more revealing and important than total T3 and total T4.    

[NICCI1962]

The lab ranges for T3 is 0.60 - 2.10 and T4 5.8 - 15.4 and the tsh 0.40 - 4.20. Do you know which tests are done for thyroid antibodies. Thanks though for your advice, will go and get tested for antibodies in the new year.

[kitty9309]

If the TSH is about the same level or higher on a repeat blood test, you should be offered a chance to treat this.
The usual meds are levothyroxine (generic name) Brands are Synthroid , Levoxyl and others.

Would need lab ranges to comment on the t3 and t4 levels.

Here is a good reference:

http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/90/9/5483

Also, request that your thyroid antibodies be tested.

Hope this helps.