TSH & free T4 came back normal but have symptoms of thyroid problems

[drotherside]

TSH - 3.76
Free T4 - 1.20

Symptoms:
-mood swings
-always nervous
-can't put on weight (fat or muscle - I'm 6' and 135)
-always thirsty with dry mouth (I drink about 128oz water per day)
-shaky hands

My vitals are normal. What do you think could be causing this?

[drotherside]

I'm not sure the cause of my grandmother's thyroid problems.

My aunt's hypothyroidism is caused by a growth on her thyroid.

My sister's hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto's (says her endocrinologist). She also has trouble putting on weight and is incredibly skinny. So the weight-factor may just be genetic. All of her other symptoms, however, fit those of hypothyroidism.

[drotherside]

My doctor (general practitioner) has said that everything looks normal. The nearest endocrinologist is quite a ways away from where I'm currently living. So that's why I'm trying to get this worked out through my GP.

[drotherside]

I was tested for diabetes. The results came back normal.

[goolarra]

Some people do lose weight or can't gain weight hypo or hyper...just lucky in the gene department, I guess!

So, with the range you provided, you are a little higher in the range than I'd tought at first...quite a bit over midrange.  With an FT4 that high, I'd expect your TSH to be lower than it is.  Your TSH is in hypo territory, but your FT4 by no means is.  However, TSH is volatile and swings a lot even intraday.

It might be worthwhile to request another set of labs.  I'd request a repeat of FT4 and TSH and ask the doctor to add FT3 this time.  Since your sister has Hashi's, it might also be a good idea to test thyroid antibodies...TPOab and TGab.  If either of those is elevated, autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashi's or Graves') is indicated.  Since autoimmune disease tends to run in families (but often not the SAME autoimmune disease), you might also ask for TSI, which is the definitive test for Graves'.  Those would give you a much better idea of what's going on with your thyroid.

Does your PCP have a theory as to what's causing your symptoms?

[drotherside]

I had seen a neurologist for my tremors a little over a month ago and he ordered a blood test. I never saw the exact results, but he had said that my blood-work was abnormal and that it was pretty clear that something was up with my thyroid. He suggested I see an endocrinologist.

I spoke with my GP today and he told me the same thing - that my test results from the neurologist were clearly pointing to hypothyroidism, but that the latest test results looked normal. He said that he's not sure as to what's going on. I'll discuss the information you provided me with with him on Thursday and see if it's something he's willing to do, or if her just wants to kick me to the endocrinologist.

I really appreciate the help, goolarra.

[goolarra]

"I never saw the exact results, but he had said that my blood-work was abnormal and that it was pretty clear that something was up with my thyroid."  

Please, get those results from your neuro's tests.  One test is interesting, but more than one demonstrating a trend is even more useful.

Best of luck with your appointment.