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Thyroid higher end of normal

Hi
I had my thyroid checked September 23rd and November 15th last year.  TSH readings were 4.6 and 3.4.
I have previously had problems with my thyroid (overactive after the birth of first child and after my second child is when the underactive problems started).  My thyroid is also multi-nodular.   I currently am not on medication. But since the last test I have put on 8kg's and have been eating the same amount of food and exercising more. Not to mention lethargy and the hair loss.  Should I go back and be re-tested?
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
Yes, it's time to get retested and I agree with gimel, that you need the Free T3 and Free T4, which are the actual thyroid hormones that do all the work.

Also agree that antibody testing is in order, as suggested.
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Avatar universal
Sorry, I meant to address my post to mathomas.
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Avatar universal
TSH is not enough testing.  TSH is a pituitary hormone that is totally inadequate for use as the sole diagnostic for thyroid.  TSH is supposed to accurately reflect the levels of the actual thyroid hormones, but there is no scientific data that supports that kind of correlation of TSH to either Free T3 or Free T4, much less symptoms, which are the most important indicator of hypothyroidism.

I strongly suggest that you request to be tested for Free T3 and Free T4 and Reverse T3, along with TSH.  If the doctor resists, then just insist on it and don't take no for an answer.  It would also be a good idea to test for thyroid antibodies, to see if Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is present.  The tests for this are TPO ab and TG ab.

A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  I think you might get some good info about clinical treatment from this letter written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he sometimes consults with from a distance.  The letter is then sent to the PCP of the patient to help guide treatment.

http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf


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Avatar universal
Hi there,

You should be getting bloodwork done every 6 to 8 weeks to check your TSH levels until your Endo finds they are fine for you.

Hope you levels get better.

Smileyhappy
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