"normal" TSH level but symptomatic

[lukymomof3]

I recently overheard a Dr. Oz segment that was discussing Thyroid dysfunction.  I knew that over the past year or so I had gone from being cheerful, happy go lucky and full of life to a struggling 53 yo RN who could stay in bed all day every day.  I listened and ended up doing a self assessment.  This showed these symptoms:  inappropriate weight gain, fatigue, constipation, hair that has become coarse and like a horses mane, scaly flaky skin, a hoarse voice that comes and goes, difficulty in concentrating, feeling depressed although I have no reason to be that way other than the way that I feel, being extremely moody which I have never been, much more forgetful, absolutely no sex drive, increased snoring, shortness of breath at times and occasional tightness in my chest, a deep need for oxygen/ like I'm having to dig deep to get my breath at times, significant vision changes and cramping primarily in my feet/legs.  The NP that I see ran a TSH which was "normal" - 1.17 with a reference range of 0.40 to 4.50.  I want to feel cheerful, happy go lucky and full of life again.  I can't imagine life in 5, 10 or even 20 years if I feel this crappy now.  Any input would be sincerely appreciated.  Should I see another doctor......I hate complaining but I hate the way I feel even more.  Other than these physical complaints, my life is pretty much perfect so I would love for my physical feelings to match the rest of my life.  Thanks!  

[sunsearae]

Sorry didn't mean to post question here. New at this.

[sunsearae]

Hello, I have been having a lot of problems with my thyroid for the past year. Have had mutiple test. Scan, ultrasound, and fna. Have goiter with multiple nodules. I stay very tired, moody and have hair lose, and weight gain.  But my biggest problem seems to my heart is acting up a lot. Chest pain, PVC. And lately feeling like fainting. I am on meds for PVC. and a low dose of lev. for thyroid. I run hyper mostly, but sometime hypothroid. I have seen three different drs. none of them seem to care. Going to see specialists at the end of this month finally! Curios to know if anyone has any suggestions on exactly what to ask. Any input would be appreciated.

[Barb135]

Yes, of course, symptoms are the most important thing, but you also have to have the tests done to give an idea of which direction to go.

Not all specialists are good thyroid doctors.

[Astro_Maxin]

Tests can be unreliable, and most doctors won't listen. I'm having the exact same problem.

What you need to do is google specialists in places you can get to. People that will treat the symptoms and not the test results.

[Barb135]

Also forgot to  mention that you should ask for a thyroid ultra sound to determine whether or not you have nodules on your thyroid.  Many of us with Hashimoto's do, and while they are usually not anything to worry about, they can sometimes cause issues.

[Barb135]

You need to have more than TSH tested.

The first things you need, besides TSH are Free T3 and Free T4.  Those are the actual hormones your thyroid produces and if your thyroid isn't producing an adequate amount, you will have symptoms.  Free T3 correlates best with symptoms.

Beyond the TSH, Free T3 (FT3), and Free T4 (FT4), you should ask for thyroid antibodies to determine if you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease in which the body sees the thyroid as foreign and produces antibodies to destroy it.  With Hashi's, symptoms can show up long before TSH, FT3 and FT4 indicate a problem.  

The antibody tests you need are Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab).  You need both of these tests, because some people have only TPOab, others have only TGab, and still others have both........

There are some vitamin/mineral deficiencies that can cause similar symptoms as hypothyroidism, but that should be ruled out first.  

[Red_Star]

A website to check out: Stop The Thyroid Madness. There is a section on what labs to request.