hashimotos - normal labs

[kidonike]

Is it possible to have hashimotos and never need treatment?  My lab numbers are roughly the same as they were six months ago.

Dec last yr..
Tsh 1.1
Ft4 1.3
Ft3 3.8

June
Tsh 2.65
Ft4 1.04
Ft3..3.3

Nov 2012
Tsh 2.59
Ft4 1.03
Ft3 3.4

In June my tgab was 865.

[Barb135]

"Um.. I dont know really. I am having trouble sleeping (but i've been stressed out)  and I am cold a lot.  I have gained weight.. but that could be my lifestyle recently"  

Yeah, they could be a "lifestyle" issue, but surprisingly, they are all hypothyroid symptoms, as well.

You might benefit from a trial dose of thyroid replacement to see if it alleviates your symptoms.

[kidonike]

Um.. I dont know really. I am having trouble sleeping (but i've been stressed out)  and I am cold a lot.  I have gained weight.. but that could be my lifestyle recently. Other than that.. not really.  My skin/hair/periods seem to be pretty consistent in their characteristics because of my birth control.

[Barb135]

Yes, the change in FT3 and FT4 in the last 2 tests is minimal, but when both are compared to the first test, changes are considerable, especially considering the rise in TSH, in the last 2 tests.

As gimel said, the antibodies will gradually destroy thyroid function and at some point, you will need to be treated.  Best to keep a close eye on levels and pay close attention to symptoms, so you can begin medication before the hypo gets too bad.

Do you have symptoms of hypothyroidism?

[kidonike]

My ft4 only dropped by .01 and my ft3 went up by .1  that was over 6 months....

[Barb135]

It appears that your numbers are trending toward decreased thyroid output.

While your levels are still good, notice that the TSH has risen considerably (now near top of the range) in the last 2 tests, compared to the first one, plus both FT3 and FT4 have dropped.  

You should have your levels tested again in a few months to make sure you catch further decline in thyroid levels.

Do you have any symptoms of hypothyroidism?

[gimel]

The answer to your question is no.  Sooner or later you will find that the thyroid antibodies have destroyed enough of your thyroid function that you will start having hypo symptoms and need thyroid meds.  As you proceed you need to always keep in mind that 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.  Symptom relief is all important, not just test results, and especially not just TSH levels.  

Also, keep in mind that scientific studies have shown that Free T3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH did not correlate at all.  So it is good that you know your Free T3 levels already.  Many doctors resist even testing Free T3 on the mistaken assumption that they don't need to know it.  Wrong.  Many of our members say that symptom relief required Free T3 in the upper third of its range and Free T4 around the middle of its range.  When your Free T3 drops lower in its range, you may start to notice hypo symptoms, if not already.