Hypothyroidism Support Group
Hypothyroidism is the disease state caused by insufficient production of thyrohormone by the thyroid gland. There are several distinct causes for chronic hypothyroidism, the most common being Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hypothyroidism following radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. Advanced hypothyroidism may cause severe complications, the most serious one of which is...
Hi there, I am new to this group. Looks like lots of great info is shared on this forum! I am trying to learn a lot about this condition.
I want to keep this short, but basically my history is that I have felt absolutely terrible since the beginning of 2013 and have gone to several doctors without them having any clue as to what is wrong. Finally with a friends help she told me about a specialist 2 hours away that she uses so I just established with this Dr. and feel I am at least getting somewhere. This new Dr. had me do lots of blood work. I did the BW in two parts and so far have only received results on the first set of labs, but in 2 weeks should get the other lab results when I go back for a f/up appt.
I'd like to share the results and see if someone could help me understand them better:
TSH 3.04 (range: 0.40-4.50)
T4, Free 1.1 (0.8-1.8)
T3, Free 2.7 (2.3-4.2)
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies < 10 (< 35)
Ferritin 15 (10-154)
I am really hoping to get some help from this doctor. I have been so fatigued all day, poor concentration, brain fog, dizzy, and have been dealing with low blood sugar. All this over the past several months. Do not feel like my old self. Very frustrating, as so many of you can relate!!
I want to keep this short, but basically my history is that I have felt absolutely terrible since the beginning of 2013 and have gone to several doctors without them having any clue as to what is wrong. Finally with a friends help she told me about a specialist 2 hours away that she uses so I just established with this Dr. and feel I am at least getting somewhere. This new Dr. had me do lots of blood work. I did the BW in two parts and so far have only received results on the first set of labs, but in 2 weeks should get the other lab results when I go back for a f/up appt.
I'd like to share the results and see if someone could help me understand them better:
TSH 3.04 (range: 0.40-4.50)
T4, Free 1.1 (0.8-1.8)
T3, Free 2.7 (2.3-4.2)
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies < 10 (< 35)
Ferritin 15 (10-154)
I am really hoping to get some help from this doctor. I have been so fatigued all day, poor concentration, brain fog, dizzy, and have been dealing with low blood sugar. All this over the past several months. Do not feel like my old self. Very frustrating, as so many of you can relate!!
I too had to pass through the clueless hands of many doctors before finding the right one. This doctor ran the proper testing it seems and it does appear as though your dealing with hypothyroidism. Most "healthy" people have a TSH of 1 or lower and a Free T4 and Free T3 in the upper 1/3 portion of the ranges. As you can see your's are very low and your TSH is a bit off. If you don't mind me asking what type of specialist are you seeing? Most "conventional" doctors may not recognize your lab results as indicating a problem simply because they fall within the lab's ranges. I had this issue when I was pregnant in 2011. My TSH and FT4 were off, yet I was told my thyroid was fine. Shortly after I had my daughter things went haywire and 6 months later I was barely functioning and losing my mind. My TSH was 100!!!
With those labs, you are hypothyroid. I suggest you get the adrenal function test, (Saliva Test). Most likely they are deficient as well.
At least your doctor, altho 2 hours away, tested you for basically the correct values. Most doctors look only at TSH. You are very lucky in that regard to have found this practitioner!!!! It takes most of us years. Now let's see what he prescribes for you, do share.
Welcome!
Don't mean to sound bossy but you really need a full iron panel that includes Serum Iron, TIBC, Saturation. You already have ferritin.
Low iron will keep the thyroid hormones getting into cells just like with low adrenal function.And yes your thyroid hormones are quite low for sure.
But, you gotta take one step at a time.
Have a great day
The adrenal blood test is pretty useless, you must have the saliva test. And yes, you can order it online and drop the results in the mail back to the lab for results which will be emailed to you. I assume you are in the US. However, if you have a good doctor, that is the only adrenal test she would do for you. If she does not, change doctors.
Everyone already gave you great information so, I add to their support.
Don't give up until you get proper treatment - you clearly need thyroid hormone.
Take care!
P.S. just wanted to thank You for all info You have shared...I can relate to so much of your journey.
Such as low ferritin, vitamin D, B12 etc.
Ashley ~ Yes, I am thankful my levels of vitamins were checked. Now realizing how a deficiency can take its toll on the body. Hoping these supplements make a difference!
I wish you both a good day :)
If you read my whole post you know I've been searching for many months to get help with my thyroid. I found a new Dr in May who seemed like she would be helpful. But so far her treatment plan has been putting me on many supplements only, including B vitamins, magnesium citrate, and vitamin D.
I AM SO NOT FEELING WELL. I am getting miserable symptoms like heart palps, internal tremors, fatigue, etc. I really feel like I should be started on a thyroid medication. What do you think, those of you who are experienced with thyroid issues/lab values?? I just had to quit my job I've felt so terrible. Also, do you think I should have been put on an iron supplement with my Ferritin at this current level? That is one supplement I wasn't given. Maybe that has a role in my heart palps? The Dr has me scheduled to come back in 2 months, but I can't stay like this. =(
I'd be inclined to go back to the doctor and tell her you don't want to wait any longer for treatment of your hypothyroidism. If she doesn't offer thyroid hormone to you, I think you'll need to see yet another doctor.
"The Autoimmune Epidemic" states that most people with autoimmune diseases (thyroid disease is one) see an average of 6 doctors before getting properly treated.
I know I kissed 4 toads before finding my prince(ss).