We have had new (universal) ranges for the TSH since 2002...unfortunately not many docs follow it. The labs have not made that change either. So...those of us who have done our research know to go by the new ranges and ignore the old. The universal ranges for TSH is 0.3 - 3.0 The healthy TSH level is around 1...for me just under 1.

The labs you need to get for accurate thyroid function is TSH, FT4 and FT3. I dont understand why your doc runs the Total 4 and T3 uptake.

Since we have your TSH and FT4 thats all thats needed to get an idea of where you are at...although...I would insist on your doc adding the FT3 and dropping the others...why pay for something that is useless.

Mid range for your FT4 is 2.6...you are at mid range now. When you also look at your TSH at being higher than 1. it shows you are a bit hypo. For a lot of us we need our FT4 to be in the upper half of our ranges...for you that would be around 3.2 So if your on ATD's a small reduction is needed...if your on hormone replacement...a small increase would be needed.

You are actually pretty close to where you need to be to feel well. Even though there doesn't seem to be a big difference between 2.6 and 3.2 it can make all the difference in how you feel. Big Hugs....Kathy

Hi ann:

Your doctor didn't order the correct labs for anything except the TSH.

Free T4 index (FTI) - Calculation of the free T4 index has the advantage that the clinician is given both a total T4 and a thyroid hormone binding ratio or index.

Please ask for the correct Free T3 and Free T4 so we can see the amounts of the Frees available for use to see what is going on with you.

{{{hugs}}}

P.S. A typical Free T4 reference range is something like:

0.8 - 1.8

For the Free T3 reference range, it may be something like this:

200 - 420 or 2.0 - 4.2

{{{hugs again}}}

Getting the Free T3 done will likely explain why the RA Factor is up. As I have RA I have the RA tests done periodically and do find that whenever my Free T3 drops too low will raise the inflammation.

Right now I am suffering from the low FT3 so I have supplemented with eating bits of raw chocolate with the Brazil Nut (which contains Selenium) to get my Selenium up to get the FT3 up.

I find that vitamins and minerals made from the whole foods sources are better than supplementing with synthetic vitamins. But I have to take more so am compromising with taking both whole foods vits along with synthetics. Maybe not the best idea, but better than none.

Hopefully your doc con run the correct tests as these are better to see how the thyroid is doing. This way you can make adjustments right away such as perhaps with the diet first (since you are not take any meds currently) and go from there.

{{{hugs}}}

I am not on any meds since I am in remission since at least a year now, I know back then my estrogen was high but nothing was done, I take no hormone meds that might be whats wrong I am 48 and I think I am going through menopause since my period is really wacky, I have had 1 since January lol which is cool in a way, thanks for the advice my regular dr ordered the blood work not my endo since I dont have insurance I really cant go to her right now.

If you can't really afford a doctor and to probably get labs often, perhaps doing some research online to see what things you can do to lower down the Estrogen with the diet.

Here's one article:

http://www.charlespoliquin.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/801/10_Ways_To_Lower_Estrogen_Toxic_Load_.aspx

and another article:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/258592-how-to-lower-estrogen-levels-with-food/

Here's one on reducing exposures to plastics, chemicals, BPAs, etc. which all raises the Estrogen levels:

http://paleohacks.com/questions/141758/how-to-naturally-lower-estrogen-levels#axzz2DTA6XjU8

{{{hugs}}}

Oh....good catch mmz....I didnt see the index after the free t4. Ann...you need to insist your doc run the correct labs. There is really no way to tell where you are truly at without them.

The ranges differ from lab to lab and from country to country. My FT4 ranges are 10.5 - 20. My FT3 ranges are 3.5 - 6.5 Since you are in remission and affordability is an issue...just getting the FT4 done will give you more info than any of the others. The FT3 is important but you can get that done every 3 or 4 months just to let you know where your at. Big Hugs...Kathy

Yes hon the girls are right! if you had the right tests it would be clearer where you are. I bet something is too low for you as this happens when free levels are too low, especially FT3, like MM said. It can make you feel joint/muscle pain. I would think you might need meds soon, if you feel like this. What is wrong with some doctors...they run these outdated tests? It must be because they're cheaper?