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...
I messed up and posted on the diabetes site need to start over.
I need help understanding my thyroid tests. I have run about the same for years and now after being sick for a few months the labs are bouncing up and down.
Most recent tests: TSH. 0.12. Range. 0.30 - 5.00
Free T4. 1.8. Range. 0.7 - 2.0
Free T3. 2.8. Range. 2.3 - 4.2
Currently taking 0.075 levothyroxine
Can someone help me understand all this. We only have one Eno in town and I can't get in until December
I need help understanding my thyroid tests. I have run about the same for years and now after being sick for a few months the labs are bouncing up and down.
Most recent tests: TSH. 0.12. Range. 0.30 - 5.00
Free T4. 1.8. Range. 0.7 - 2.0
Free T3. 2.8. Range. 2.3 - 4.2
Currently taking 0.075 levothyroxine
Can someone help me understand all this. We only have one Eno in town and I can't get in until December
Free T4 0.700 -2.000 1.800 Percent of Range:84.62%
Free T3 2.300 -4.200 2.800 Percent of Range: 26.32%
Now, for *most* "normal" people to feel "normal" (meaning ok) the Free T4 has to be above 75% of range - your's is - more on that later.
You Free T3 should be above 50% and some say above 75% just to feel "ok". Yours is hovering around 26%. No wonder you feel like crap.
You are not a number - most doctors don't "get" that. Free T3 is just as important as Free T4 - most doctors don't "get" that either.
Endocrinologists will go strictly by TSH which will likely keep you sick for life. TSH doesn't mean squat once you're on thyroid medication. Essentially it "short circuits" the bio-feedback loop - so it should be soundly ignored.
Now, many people - me included - run a tad higher than your avg human. My Free T4 is a bit over 100% of range and my Free T3 is quite a bit over 100% of range. But, I feel good. Some days I can say I feel great thyroid-wise.
You need an increase in your meds. here's the deal:
If I were you - I'd ask for an increase in T4 (synthroid) and here's why - sometimes you need more Free T4 in order to convert it to Free T3, so if you get that increase it's quite possible you'll produce enough Free T3 on your own by converting Free T4 to Free T3.
A slight increase might do it - I'd go up to .88 and give that a try.
PS - Mine bounced up and down for a looong while until I found a doctor that would work with me -every endo I saw kept me very sick. The reason it "bouned up and down" is because my stupid doctor kept going by TSH. Your TSH can be "within normal limits" and you'll still feel like hell. Try to find someone to work with you. I can promise you that most endo's will REDUCE your medication based on your current TSH, not increase it - which is what you so desprerately need.