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...
My lab changed the reference range on Free T-4 from (0.6-2.0) to (0.76-1.46). My question is the number of my result different now?? The lady at the lab said it was the same. They have a new analyzer.
My results in March were as follows on 87.5 mcg levo
Free T-3 3.5 (2.3-4.2)
Free T-4 1.5 (0.6-2.0)
My results last week on 6 weeks of 100 mcg levo:
Free T-3 4.0 (2.3-4.2)
Free T-4 1.7 (0.76-1.46)
How do I interpret this? I am afraid that my Dr. will be concerned that my T-4 is out of range. He will probably not even realize the reference changed. I feel pretty good right now. I am amazed that my T-3 jumped so much. Right now my biggest complaint is that my feet hurt a lot. Some days are better than others. My Vitamin D is still low. I am in the insufficient range. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me on this.
My results in March were as follows on 87.5 mcg levo
Free T-3 3.5 (2.3-4.2)
Free T-4 1.5 (0.6-2.0)
My results last week on 6 weeks of 100 mcg levo:
Free T-3 4.0 (2.3-4.2)
Free T-4 1.7 (0.76-1.46)
How do I interpret this? I am afraid that my Dr. will be concerned that my T-4 is out of range. He will probably not even realize the reference changed. I feel pretty good right now. I am amazed that my T-3 jumped so much. Right now my biggest complaint is that my feet hurt a lot. Some days are better than others. My Vitamin D is still low. I am in the insufficient range. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me on this.
Here's your 1st lab results with the old range:
TEST LRange HRange Result In/Out %Range Targets
Free T4 0.600 2.000 1.500 In 64.29% 1.44 2.00
Free T3 2.300 4.200 3.500 In 63.16% 3.44 3.82
Here's your old labs and new labs with the NEW range:
TEST LRange HRange Result In/Out %Range Targets
Free T4 0.760 1.460 1.500 Out 105.71% 1.18 1.46
Free T3 2.300 4.200 3.500 In 63.16% 3.44 3.82
Free T4 0.760 1.460 1.700 Out 134.29% 1.18 1.46
Free T3 2.300 4.200 4.000 In 89.47% 3.44 3.82
As you can see...it changed your % of range and your target ranges.
Here's what you can do: Explain to your doctor that the range changed. Show him hard copies of your labs to prove your point. If you are feeling well at these levels - decline a decrease. Ask to wait a few weeks and test again before moving down. You're T3 is in a good range right now at 89.47% of range. Your T4 is at the higher end of the range, but *if you feel well* right now....decline the decrease.