kay21

Ok, so I am completely confused about my doctor's recs based on my test results. My fasting glucose came back as 72 (normal 70-99) and my fasting insulin was 2 (normal 6-10). My testosterone came back as 45 and free testosterone I believe was 0.6. My doctor recommended I continue with only 500 mg of Met per day. Anyway, what I am confused about is my thyroid results. My TSH came back 2.09 (normal range is between 0.5-4.5) and my free T4 came back 1.1 (normal is between 0.9-1.9). He said my thyroid levels are too low and told me he wants to start me on thyroid meds. He said my TSH should be 1.5. I am confused. From what I can see, my results are normal. I have had my TSH checked 4 other times over the last year and all of my previous results ranged from 1.09-1.20. I am not sure if it was a bit higher because I was really sick and on antibiotics. Anyway, he knows I have PCOS and am already taking Metformin to help with my periods. Other than hair loss (which could also be attributed to the PCOS or the Met), I do not have any other symptoms of hypothyroid. I am occasionally tired, but am energetic most of the day. If anything, I have more symptoms related to hyperthyroid. I am reluctant to take the medication. Although I am willing to do anything to help with the hair loss, I would hate to take any other med that could make it worse (which is told this new med can do). Any thoughts or suggestions???

zorah

If you're uncomfortable with your doctor's recommendation or he can't explain his reasoning to you, you should probably get a second opinion.

Current standards for normal range of TSH go up to 3.0, not 4.5, but obviously that's still higher than your 2.09. Your doctor is probably right that a TSH of 1.5 is optimal, and your increasing TSH plus free T4 toward the low end of normal may well indicate declining thyroid function. However, there's no indication it's at a point where treating it now is necessary, or even that that's necessarily what's going on. If I were you, I would also want to find out my free T3, thyroid antibodies, and serum ferritin. And ideally also adrenal function, which tests cortisol (and sometimes DHEA) from four saliva samples in one day (you take the tubes with you and mail them to the lab).

Ashwagandha is an herb that may or may not interest you to look into. It's an adaptogen that is supposedly helpful in regulating the conversion of T4 into T3 (which is the active form).

Good luck deciding what to do!