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...

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angiekrihajaes 05/29/2015

Hi! I'm new here. I've been suffering from anxiety, fatigue and insomnia and trying to figure out the cause. I also have cold hands and feet. I had my Dr run tests, but was todd there were all normal. I'm not so sure. Here are my results and the range. Any input would be appreciated.
4/30/15
TSH 2.171 (.35-5)

5/12/15
TSH 3.412 (.35-5)
Free T4 .9 (.8-1.5)
Free T3 2.7 (2.2-4)

MButterfly 05/30/2015

Your doctor is an idiot... at least when it comes to thyroid disease. Here's why:

You have symptoms of thyroid disease. All of the symptoms you listed are thyroid related IMHO. AND your labs are "off".

Your TSH is elevated. A typical "healthy person" will have a TSH of one or below. You're is elevated. at 3.42. But that's not all:

More importantly than TSH your Free's are waaaaay too low:
Free T4
Range: 0.800 -1.500
Result: 0.900
Pecent of range: 14.29% This should be around 75-100% of range
Where to shoot for: 1.33-1.50
I don't know how you stand upright with a Free T4 that low. And Free T4 should be used to diagnose hypothyroidism more often than TSH, but you have BOTH that are "off" (TSH too high with Free T4 too low equals Hypothyroidism).

Free T3
Range: 2.200 -4.000
result: 2.700
Percent of range: 27.78% Waaaay too low. Should be 50% or higher.
Where to shoot for: 3.55-3.64

Your Free T3 is also low.

Find another doctor ASAP - or see this doctor again and plead your case armed with information.

Keep us posted.

angiekrihajaes 06/02/2015

Thank you for the reply. I contacted my dr today and requested a referral to the endocrinologist. Unfortunately I was told that endocrinologist is out until Thursday and would need to review my labs before letting me make an appointment. Even at that I was also told she's booked up until mid July.
Am I better off just going to the emergency room?

MButterfly 06/03/2015

It sounds like you'd be better of finding a good GP who'll help you. Point out your very low Free T4 and elevated TSH (although not extremely, it's high enough to warrant treatment).

Can you argue your case with your current GP? If not...here's some resources to find a new one:
http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/thyroid-resources/discussions/messages/17745667

JeepGirl83 06/03/2015

Yep!! Those results would indicate HypoT, especially with you having symptoms to go along with those lab numbers. Definitely find a thyroid savvy doc. Keep going until you find one that will listen!!

For starters you could try the dr listing at ThyroidChange.org

bm55 06/03/2015

It" can be a struggle finding a doctor that is not a "tsh worshipper".

angiekrihajaes 06/03/2015

I was able to get a second opinion today, but was told that again my labs are normal. And with the symptoms I have she said she would think hyper no hypo. She did have me give a blood sample to test for antibodies. I was able to get a referral to the endocrinologist and she'll be looking at my labs tomorrow. I also have an appointment with a psychiatrist tomorrow. Maybe the psychiatrist will think the labs warrant more attention? And the insomnia continues. Any suggestions for getting a good night's sleep?

MButterfly 06/03/2015

It's a HUGE misconception that insomnia/anxiety are HYPER symptoms. They're not - they're hypo symptoms.

Your "new" doctor is making the same mistake your old one made: Looking at ONLY TSH.

Did you check out the referral links for doctors? That's your best bet for getting a good nites sleep: Getting the treatment you need.

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