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 everyone...
I found the results from way back on 3/5, that initiated my dr. to start me on 25 mcg of Levothyroxine a month ago. It's alarming that he didn't notify me about this much sooner.:
TSH 4.58 (H)
the range is 0.40 -4.50
T4, Free .9
range .08 - 1.8 ng/dl
Btw, I thought these results were also alarming...
Cholesterol, Total was 219 (H) range: 125 - 200
HDL Cholesterol was 44 (L) range: > OR =46
Triglicerides 188 (H) range < 150
LDL-Cholesterol 137 (H) < 130
I'll post the ones from my Endo when I get them next week, but
any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again.... :)
I found the results from way back on 3/5, that initiated my dr. to start me on 25 mcg of Levothyroxine a month ago. It's alarming that he didn't notify me about this much sooner.:
TSH 4.58 (H)
the range is 0.40 -4.50
T4, Free .9
range .08 - 1.8 ng/dl
Btw, I thought these results were also alarming...
Cholesterol, Total was 219 (H) range: 125 - 200
HDL Cholesterol was 44 (L) range: > OR =46
Triglicerides 188 (H) range < 150
LDL-Cholesterol 137 (H) < 130
I'll post the ones from my Endo when I get them next week, but
any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again.... :)
Thyroid status is always determined by looking at the actual thyroid hormone levels - FreeT4 being one of them. (this is confirmed in countless medical resources - even in "Thyroid for Dummies")
Since your FreeT4 level is near the bottom end of the range and most healthy people have FreeT4 levels in the upper half/upper third of the range, you most definitely have hypothyroidism.
In fact, based upon your lab's ranges, a healthy person would have a FreeT4 level ranging anywhere from 1.4-1.6 (or even a little higher).
It is alarming that your doctor didn't start you on levo much sooner but it is, unfortunately, all-too-common.
25mcg is a starter dose and we all have to be slowly titrated up on our meds. I hope your doctor is having you get labs in 6 wks. after starting levo and you can push the doctor for dose increases until your levels are similar to the types of levels healthy people have.
In fact, you'll want to ask your doctor to check your FreeT3 level as well.
You see, levo contains T4 which is our storage hormone. Our bodies convert T4 into T3, the active hormone. Some of us have problems with conversion and this would be evidenced by a "good" FreeT4 level (upper range) and a FreeT3 level that isn't as high in its range as the FreeT4 level. This can be remedied by the addition of T3.
We need both the FreeT4 and FreeT3 levels to be optimized if we stand any chance of eventually being free from thyroid symptoms.
The cholesterol issues you currently have could be caused by your hypothyroidism since the body is moving in slow-motion when we're hypo and cholesterol/triglicerides don't "clear" as quickly as it would in a healthy person. Hopefully, they will correct themselves once you are on an optimal dose of levo.
Best of luck to you moving forward - I hope you'll continue to post throughout your journey so we can help you make sure you get the care you deserve.
Thanks for that good infrormation...I'l be needing an increase in my dose very soon, I guess. I'll try and get the T3 levels....which should arrive with the Endo's results. I sooo hope to feel better soon...I have zero energy and strength. With sjogren's & pancreatitis added to the hypothyroidism... it's becoming a nightmare, somewhat more than I can handle. But you're help is very truly appreciated...Thanks again.
Take care. :)